Carbon Neutral Future for Life Sciences

The Life Sciences industry is at the forefront of innovation, bringing advancements in personalised healthcare, genomics and biotechnology.

However, companies in the sector face mounting regulatory requirements, increasing consumer expectations, and the imperative to address sustainability comprehensively. As the world shifts towards a greener future, the Life Sciences market must adapt.

Sustainability Challenges in Life Sciences

Life Sciences companies develop products that directly impact human health and wellbeing, and their operations should reflect that same commitment to improving lives. For most clients, achieving carbon neutrality is therefore a priority.

But sustainability is a multifaceted challenge. Many facilities were built before current environmental regulations and sustainability goals took precedence. Retrofitting such facilities to align with today’s standards – achieving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and managing water and waste – often requires a sophisticated balance between operational continuity and transformative upgrades.

Moreover, the sector’s complexity means that sustainability cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution. Life sciences companies deal with stringent regulatory environments, highly specialised processes, and an ever-growing demand for efficiency. To meet these challenges, Deerns adopts a tailored approach, integrating technical, environmental, and economic considerations into each project.

Here’s where we add value to Sustainability Efforts

Deerns differentiates itself through its ability to bridge the gap between strategic aspirations and on-the-ground implementation. With a strong foundation in engineering and sustainability, our approach combines in-depth knowledge of energy systems, facility operations and compliance requirements with a commitment to long-term, sustainable outcomes.

In cases where clients face decisions about retrofitting ageing facilities or building new ones, Deerns brings the expertise needed to evaluate the most cost-effective and sustainable options. This might involve assessing potential energy savings, carbon reductions and operational efficiencies for each scenario, helping clients make informed decisions that align with both immediate needs and long-term goals.

Four Core Focus Areas in Sustainability

Deerns’ sustainability efforts in Life Sciences focus on four primary areas:

• Carbon neutrality is a central goal for many clients, encompassing direct emissions from facility operations (Scope 1), indirect emissions from energy use (Scope 2), and the often-overlooked emissions across the supply chain (Scope 3). Deerns excels in devising strategies to reduce emissions across all three scopes, from implementing renewable energy systems to rethinking supply chain logistics.
• Resource efficiency is another priority, as life sciences facilities are heavy consumers of water and energy and often generate significant waste. Deerns helps clients monitor and optimise resource use, introducing advanced conservation measures and recycling systems tailored to each facility’s unique needs.
• The wellbeing of employees is also an integral part of sustainability. To promote health and productivity, Deerns advocates features like green spaces and recharge zones, ensuring employees have areas to relax and rejuvenate.
• Deerns promotes data-driven decision-making by introducing metrics such as Carbon Usage Efficiency (CUE) and Water Usage Efficiency (WUE). These tools enable clients to track their progress, identify areas for improvement, and quantify the impact of sustainability measures over time.

Success Stories: Real Impact in Action

One of Deerns’ hallmark projects is the design and development of a net-zero carbon manufacturing facility for Innocent Drinks in Rotterdam. The factory, capable of producing 400 million beverages annually, required both strategic planning and technical expertise to achieve its sustainability goals. By consolidating several production sites into one, Innocent Drinks not only reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions through renewable energy systems like solar panels and wind turbines. It was also able to cut Scope 3 emissions significantly by streamlining its supply chain and reducing transportation needs.

Another notable project involved working with a Life Sciences client in the Netherlands. The site, a decades-old facility, faced regulatory pressures to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Deerns proposed a multifaceted approach, combining onsite sustainability management and immediate upgrades to existing systems with advice on investing in new measures like demounting existing infrastructure. We were also able advise on futureproofing the facility through a larger renovation or new build, to optimise energy, cost efficiency and sustainability.

A Global Perspective with Local Insights

One of Deerns’ key strengths is its ability to operate globally while adapting to local needs. With offices across various regions, the company ensures that its sustainability strategies are aligned with the specific regulatory and climatic contexts of each location. This dual focus allows Deerns to implement cohesive global strategies that resonate on a local level, making them both practical and impactful.

The journey toward sustainability in Life Sciences is ongoing. For Deerns, the mission is clear: to guide clients in setting realistic goals, implementing effective measures, and continuously improving their operations. By combining innovation, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainability, Deerns is leading the Life Sciences market in its quest towards environmental and social responsibility.