We protect the environment with... Actions 2019-2024
SUBMITTED FROM:
AstraZeneca
At AstraZeneca, to respond effectively to a changing world and increased disease burden, we continuously invest in one of the most powerful and efficient production lines in the pharmaceutical industry. We work hard to deliver life-changing medicines and treatments to patients around the world.
We continue to push the boundaries of science to deliver innovative medicines and therapies that prevent, treat and cure some of the world's most important health challenges, including cancer, diabetes, heart, kidney and respiratory diseases. At AstraZeneca, innovation is a concept intertwined with growth. It is the driving force behind our vision to improve the lives of thousands of people by bringing them innovative treatments. At the same time, we ensure that these medicines reach the patients who need them, in a way that benefits society and our planet.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, we at AstraZeneca are committed, both at global and national level, to taking flagship initiatives for environmental protection.
“We protect the environment with... Actions” is a multi-year initiative run by AstraZeneca Greece, which designed and linked targeted actions regarding environmental protection and tackling climate change. It includes coastal cleanups, tree planting, energy saving actions in public spaces and strengthening students’ environmental knowledge. As part of this program, AstraZeneca Greece has transitioned its entire fleet to electric vehicles with zero emissions.
This program aims to raise the awareness of company employees and educate them on environmental protection and climate change issues, to focus on actions that taken on the challenge as well as boost teamwork and volunteerism. At the same time, we focus on sharing knowledge and experiences with the social groups that need them.
Target Audience
The program targets an internal audience, the company's employees, who actively participate in its implementation with their volunteering, and the wider public to whom messages are communicated through the action.
Duration
2019-2024
Description
Environmental protection – tree planting actions
In the beginning, the “We protect the environment... with actions” program contextually “linked” the 4 mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) with annual environmental protection actions. In this context, in 2019 the company “subtracted” pollution from 5 Greek coasts, while in 2020, it “added” oxygen by supporting the reforestation action at Neo Voutzas, Attica. In 2021, “it multiplied energy” by supporting solar energy lighting enhancement actions in three parks in Athens and one park in Thessaloniki with the simultaneous installation of 20 new LED solar post lights. In the following year, it moved forward with a number of initiatives aimed at “sharing knowledge” in schools, during which time it highlighted the principles of sustainable development, the reduction of the environmental footprint and responsible activity that cater to both domestic and foreign audiences. The corresponding action took place with the participation of 23 schools from Attica, Thessaloniki, Patras, Larissa and Heraklion, Crete.
Continuing and renewing its “We protect the environment... with actions” program, AstraZeneca planted and undertook the care of 4,000 trees throughout Greece with the participation of its employees. The action is part of its commitment to plant and care for more than 30,000 trees throughout Greece by 2030. More than 250 AstraZeneca employees gathered in the area of Mt. Imittos in Peania and the Nature Park of Kalochori in Thessaloniki on 11/03/23, where in collaboration with “WE4ALL”, a non-profit, environmental, and humanitarian organization, planted new trees, actively contributing to the restoration of the natural environment, which has been particularly affected by destructive fires in recent years. Moreover, the AstraZeneca employees cared for many trees that had been planted in the areas in previous actions and pledged to return to the areas regularly to water and check on the progress of the trees.
Transition to e-mobility
AstraZeneca Greece transitioned its entire 230-vehicle fleet to electric vehicles with zero emissions. In addition, a total of 42 charging stations have been installed at the AstraZeneca Greece facilities, while the company subsidizes the cost of installing home-based charging stations for employees that are open to this.
Pollution was removed from 5 beaches in Greece (Schoinia, Marathona, Attica; Peraia, Thessaloniki; Kastelokampos, Patras; Nees Pagases, Volos; and Nea Alikarnassos, Heraklion, Crete). A coastal cleanup was carried out along 1,750 meters, during which 91 bags of waste were accumulated (weighing a total of 450 kilos) and 20 kilos of recyclable materials were collected. 176 AstraZeneca volunteer employees participated in this action.
Reforestation in Neos Voutzas
200 saplings were planted for the reforestation of the fire-stricken area in Neos Voutzas, Attica. 211 employees participated, who symbolically supported the action by planting an olive sapling in their area. It is estimated that the newly planted saplings will absorb an average of 2,933 kg carbon dioxide per year, while releasing 15,600 kg of oxygen into the atmosphere, which will increase over time as they grow.
Energy upgrade in parks
In Athens, 7 solar post lights were installed in the park at the intersection of Agiou Antoniou and Irakliou Avenue and 4 solar post lights at Dimitriou Pikioni Square (Schaubert Street) and the park at the intersection of Agia Lavras, Rostan and Nikolopoulou Streets. In Thessaloniki, AstraZeneca Greece supported the solar energy illumination of the “pocket park” at the intersection of Alkminis & Antoniou Daniolou Streets with the installation of 5 solar post lights.
The action was implemented in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens and the Municipality of Thessaloniki and included the simultaneous installation of 20 new LED solar post lights.
Environmental seminars
AstraZeneca Greece with its volunteer employees and the collaboration of the WE4ALL environmental organization “shared their knowledge” about sustainability and environmental protection with 1,150 students in 23 schools in Athens, Thessaloniki, Larissa, Patras, and Heraklion, Crete.
Tree planting program until 2030
In 2023, AstraZeneca Greece and its employees planted and care for 4,000 trees throughout Greece. Once fully grown the planted trees will supply 468,000 kilograms of oxygen annually, thus improving the quality of the air we breathe. This action is part of the company’s broader commitment to plant and care for more than 30,000 trees throughout Greece by 2030.
Initiative Location
Nationwide (wherever company employees work or travel).
Working with Organization
AstraZeneca collaborates with renowned environmental organizations for the implementation of the individual actions of the “We protect the environment with... Actions” program. In particular, it collaborated with the iSea environmental organization (isea.com.gr), member of the "Cooperation Network for the Marine Environment” and the WE4ALL environmental organization (we4all.com). It also collaborated with the Municipalities of Athens and Thessaloniki.
A total of 230 employees drive electric vehicles. At the same time, all of AstraZeneca’s employees participated in the environmental actions during the implementation of the program’s actions.
Through e-mobility, namely the transition of the AstraZeneca Greece’s entire fleet to state-of-the-art electric vehicles, the company realizes its target of significantly reducing its environmental footprint given that the 230 vehicles of the AstraZeneca Greece fleet produce zero emissions.
Internally, AstraZeneca has, in practice and in principal, formed an image that it is environmentally responsible. The program also contributes to boosting the teamwork among company employees and volunteering, as well as the education and cultivation of environmental sensitivity. At the same time, our internal audience become ambassadors of the corporate values and messages of the “We protect the environment... with actions” program.
