Environmental impact Low
Employer/employee ranking 35/44
Staff numbers 3,000
Energy reduction 2%
Recycling n/a

It isn’t just people who benefit from Pfizer Global Research and Development’s work. The Kent-based company, which develops medicines to prevent and treat some of the world’s most serious diseases, makes sure it also looks after the wellbeing of the environment.

Pfizer staff say environmental issues have a bearing on their job, giving a 77% green score. Bosses are open to suggestions for eco improvements (68%) and, at the annual “green chemistry awards” for those working at its office in Sandwich, the three teams which present the best ideas are awarded £3,000 each to donate to a university which promotes green chemistry.

People at Pfizer tend to think green (76%) and some are happy to volunteer for a local wildlife group. The firm also sponsors and part-manages nature reserves both at its Sandwich site and at another office in Walton Oaks in Surrey.

The development of new drugs inevitably involves use of potentially harmful substances. In 2006, the company won an environmental award for excellence from the Institute of Chemical Engineers for pioneering a process now in use around the world that allows reactions to be conducted in water rather than organic solvents, resulting in significant reductions in the use of reagents and the production of wastes.

Use of dichloromethane, one of the most commonly used solvents in Pfizer’s laboratories, was cut by 29% in 2005, and by a further 9% in 2006. It was replaced by solvents which are less harmful to the environment. The use of solvents pentane and hexane has also been cut by 40%.

There are plenty of signs around the workplace to encourage staff to think about the environment (73%), but they could do with these reminders at home, too, because they admit to not generally thinking about being green out of work (57%). Although energy isn’t wasted by overheating during cold weather (73%), the air-conditioning is used a lot over the summer (earning a green score of just 27%, a bottom 10 score).

The company’s policy meets the international ISO 14001 environmental standard, although this could be better communicated. Not many staff know what ISO 14001 is (39%).

Those who cycle, walk or run to work can use the showers and changing rooms on site (91%) and staff who live further afield are encouraged to use public transport or share their cars (81%).