Contributing to Clean Air
The clean air initiatives at the Nutley site reflect the Roche Group's global commitment to help protect the earth's atmosphere and reduce greenhouse gases, which are thought to contribute to global warming.
Fuel Efficient Vehicle Program
Roche has made a concerted effort to provide fuel efficient vehicles to its pharmaceutical sales professionals. By the end of 2007, the company had 471 hybrid cars in its US pharmaceuticals sales fleet, which will eliminate an estimated thousand-plus tons of greenhouse gases and save more than 80,000 gallons of gasoline each year. This is only the beginning. We are committed to expanding our fleet with as many hybrid and other fuel-efficient vehicles as are available for purchase. Maintenance programs and tire pressure monitoring also contribute to improving fuel economy.
Carpooling
Roche is very proactive in encouraging employees to rideshare. Dozens and dozens of Nutley employees participate in car pools/van pools. In 2007, Roche was named a Gold Level Employer by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). The award recognizes Roche for outstanding achievement in supporting commuter programs that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Employees who rideshare also receive a special designation: preferred spaces in employee parking lots. GEM Vehicle—Roche is testing an all electric-powered vehicle on the Nutley campus. Powered by a rechargeable battery, the Global Electric Motor Car (GEM) vehicle shuttles passengers and small packages around the 127-acre site.
Climate Leaders
Roche is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Climate Leaders Program. Through this voluntary public-private partnership, Roche is joining with other industry leaders and the EPA to develop long-term, comprehensive corporate climate change strategies and set public goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2007, Roche's U.S. sites achieved a 10.8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This goal, which was set in 2001, was achieved two years ahead of schedule, and in support of the EPA Climate Leaders Program.