Sustainability
We are proud to be ISO 14001:2015 compliant. This globally recognised standard for environmental management systems underscores our unwavering commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and promoting sustainability.
What is ISO 14001:2015?
ISO 14001 is a self-assessment framework that supports companies across the world in becoming more sustainable by specifying the requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS). Through this system, organisations can set up and implement best practices, continuously improving their environmental performance through the use of efficient resources and waste reduction.
Our commitment
At Biofortuna we recognise the importance of sustainable business practices and have introduced several initiatives in our aim to reduce energy consumption and manage waste responsibly. Our EMS also sets out measurable objectives, allowing us to monitor our progress and ensure that we not only minimise our environmental impact, but lead by example in our industry.
Our key objectives are outlined in relation to:
- reducing the amount of electrical energy consumed year-on-year per £million of revenue generated,
- always using a Green electrical tariff,
- reducing total Scope 2 and 3 GHG emissions year-on-year per £million of revenue generated,
- reducing absolute weight of waste disposed of year-on-year per £million of revenue generated,
- on or before April 1st 2026 buying carbon offset for 50% of Scope 2 GHG emissions from an ethical source,
- on or before April 1st 2027 buying carbon offset for 100% of Scope 2 GHG emissions from an ethical source,
- on or before April 1st 2029 buying carbon offset for Scope 2 GHG emissions and 50% Scope 3 from an ethical source,
- on or before April 1st 2030 buying carbon offset for 100% of Scope 2 and Scope 3 GHG emissions and declare ourselves Net Zero.
Understanding greenhouse gas scopes
To guide the measurement of our energy consumption, we can refer to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which categorises emissions into three scopes:
Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 3
Our actions
As part of our ongoing commitment, we are dedicated to improving energy efficiency. In 2023 we installed a 100kW solar panel system on the south-facing roof of our Deeside offices. We use all the solar power that is generated, which equates to approximately 72,500kWh per year, helping to significantly reduce our carbon emissions.
We have also upgraded to sensor-activated LED lighting throughout our facilities. These are more energy efficient than traditional lighting, thanks to their extended lifespan and minimal maintenance needs. Additionally, voltage optimisation measures have reduced our overall energy consumption by 8%, cutting CO₂ emissions by 1.2 tonnes.
Additionally, we have created a garden at our laboratories promoting biodiversity in the local area. We are also in the process of exploring partnerships with local tree-planting initiatives to offset our emissions with ethically sourced carbon credits – offsetting just one tonne of carbon dioxide can require the planting of 31-46 trees.
Reducing cold chain impact with lyophilisation
Our lyophilisation services offer a sustainable alternative to cold chain logistics, which require continuous temperature control for the transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive reagents.
Through lyophilisation, water is removed from the assay, creating a stable, dry product that can be transported and stored at ambient temperatures. This process eliminates the need for refrigeration and dry ice resources, significantly reducing energy consumption, packaging waste and associated carbon emissions across the supply chain.
Our compliance with the ISO 14001 standard marks an important achievement for Biofortuna. We look to the future with a commitment to continuously improving our practices, minimising our impact and helping to build a more sustainable future.
