Environmental Impact

In Australia, environmental sustainability forms an integral part of all our operations. We approach it with the same level of commitment as we do with any business-related activity, striving for continuous improvement wherever possible and economically viable.

We are helping protect resources and minimise our environmental footprint by improving environmental efficiency in our own operations. We are also involving our suppliers and other partners to continuously improve the environmental performance of our products along the value chain.

Roche is a signatory to theAs such, we are dedicated to working with our suppliers to increase recycled content of our local packaging. We have also implemented a cold chain packaging reuse program which has significantly reduced the amount of tertiary packaging entering the waste stream. 

Our medicines are also transported via refrigerated vehicles, which reduces the amount of cold chain packaging material used (i.e. polystyrene).

Roche relocated its pharmaceutical headquarters to the Sydney CBD, on the edge of the city's waterfront precinct of Barangaroo in 2017. Roche occupies the top three levels of 30 The Bond – Australia’s first office building to achieve a 5 star NABERS Energy rating, and a 5 Star Green Star – Office As Built rating. (The current NABERS Energy rating is 5.5 star.)

30 The Bond has floor-to-ceiling windows to its Hickson Road facade that are fitted with aluminium solar louvres, which repel heat and allow natural, controllable light into its office areas. Chilled-beam technology and naturally ventilated/mixed-mode spaces enhance indoor air quality while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2014, Roche Diagnostics opened a state-of-the-art warehousing facility in Western Sydney. The 10,000m2 facility’s green credentials include zero ozone depleting hydrocarbons, and rainwater reuse throughout the facility.  In addition, rainwater runoff is captured for irrigation of the neighbouring public golf course. 

At a global level, Roche is committed to reducing our energy consumption, as well as using renewable energy wherever we can. In the period between 2015 and 2025, for example, energy consumption per employee is to be reduced by 15%. Our long-term goal is to reduce energy consumption per employee by approximately 50% from the 2005 baseline levels. In Addition, by 2020 the proportion of our total energy consumption produced from renewable sources is to be increased to 20%. In Australia, Roche is proud to be contributing to the achievement of these global goals.