Biogen to spend $250 million to get off fossil fuels

— Biogen logo

From The New England Council (newenglandcouncil.com)

“Biogen, the big, Cambridge-based biotech company, has committed $250 million in investment to eliminate fossil fuels from Biogen operations. The initiative also includes collaboration with renowned institutions to improve the health of the world’s most vulnerable populations who are often adversely affected by fossil-fuel emissions.

“Biogen achieved carbon neutrality in 2014, and the new initiative is part of a concerted effort to advance positive environmental change. The company plans to eliminate its use of fossil fuels by 2040 and will continue to invest in initiatives to study the impact of fossil fuels on human health. With this investment, Biogen has become the first Fortune 500 company to commit to eliminating all reliance on fossil fuels by 2040.

“‘Our Healthy Climate, Healthy Lives initiative further builds on Biogen’s long-standing strategy to deal with climate change by addressing the interrelated challenges of climate and health, including in the realm of brain health,’ said Michel Vounatsos, CEO of Biogen. ‘Biogen was the first company in the life sciences industry to become carbon neutral. We believe that it is time to take even greater action by implementing a well-defined program that examines how we live, how we do business and how we consume energy. By doing so, Biogen will play its part to address and impact dramatic health disparities among people around the world, as well as build a stronger, more sustainable future for all.”’