Inside Novartis' Updated Net Zero Sustainability Strategy

Pharmaceutical giant Novartis announced a series of long-term Social Impact & Sustainability objectives that position environmental responsibility at the centre of its corporate strategy. The framework demonstrates how the healthcare sector can integrate ecological stewardship with its traditional mission of improving patient outcomes.

The initiative addresses the interconnected challenges of healthcare delivery and environmental degradation, recognising that planetary health and human health cannot be separated. By setting measurable targets across its operations and supply chain, the company aims to demonstrate that pharmaceutical innovation can advance without compromising ecological systems.

Korab Zuka, Chief Sustainability Officer and Global Head of Social Impact at Novartis, says: "These new long-term targets reflect where we believe we can make the greatest difference – by embedding inclusion into how we innovate, expanding access to our medicines, strengthening health systems and reducing our environmental footprint.

"They set a clear direction and hold us accountable for delivering meaningful, measurable progress for patients, communities and the planet, while creating long-term value for society."

Achieving net zero emissions

The cornerstone of the sustainability strategy is an ambitious commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain by 2040. This timeline positions Novartis ahead of many industry peers.

The company has established interim milestones for 2030 that include a 90% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 42% reduction in Scope 3 emissions from a 2022 baseline. These targets encompass both direct operations and the broader supply chain.

Additionally, the organisation aims to achieve a 30% decrease in total waste sent for disposal by 2030, addressing the pharmaceutical industry's significant contribution to global waste streams.

The comprehensive approach to emissions reduction demonstrates the company's recognition that meaningful climate action requires transformation across all operational areas, from manufacturing processes to logistics and supplier partnerships.

Water stewardship and resource management

Water conservation forms another critical pillar of the environmental commitments. By 2030, Novartis intends to eliminate water quality impacts from manufacturing effluents across all internal sites and suppliers, addressing concerns about pharmaceutical contamination in waterways.

The company will implement specific water-reduction plans for facilities in water-stressed regions, recognising that pharmaceutical manufacturing can place significant demands on local water resources.

These water stewardship initiatives reflect growing awareness within the pharmaceutical sector of the industry's responsibility to protect freshwater ecosystems and ensure sustainable access to this vital resource.

The targeted approach to water management in stressed regions acknowledges that climate change is intensifying water scarcity challenges, requiring proactive measures to minimise industrial impact on already vulnerable water systems.

Linking environmental action with health equity

While sustainability forms the primary focus, the strategy also addresses healthcare access in regions most vulnerable to climate impacts. Novartis has committed to ensuring every new therapeutic launch includes a tailored global access strategy, with particular emphasis on low- and middle-income countries.

By 2030, the company plans to expand the reach of its strategic innovative medicines in these regions by at least 150% compared to a 2025 baseline.

The organisation is collaborating with international partners to develop at least 40 healthcare system readiness roadmaps by 2030, focusing on preparing local systems to manage complex conditions including rare renal diseases, Huntington's disease, chronic myeloid leukaemia, myelofibrosis and Sjögren's syndrome.

Between 2026 and 2030, Novartis will invest a minimum of US$250m into research and development for malaria and neglected tropical diseases, conditions increasingly affected by changing climate patterns. A regulatory submission for a new malaria treatment is anticipated in 2026.

The company is also launching community health initiatives designed to enhance screening, prevention and treatment of cancer and heart disease in low- and middle-income countries, with the goal of establishing these programmes in 10 different nations by the end of the decade.

The framework suggests that pharmaceutical companies could play a role in addressing the climate crisis while maintaining their core mission, though the success of these commitments will depend on transparent reporting and consistent implementation across global operations.