Pharma Supplier Achieves $1.25M in Annual Savings and Industry Recognition with Decarbonization Master Planning
Executive summary
A leading pharmaceutical supplier partnered with SSC to develop a comprehensive sustainability strategy. By integrating Decarbonization Master Planning with on-site assessments and greenhouse gas benchmarking, SSC identified over $1.25 million in annual savings while building a scalable framework for emissions management across all facilities. The supplier not only improved operational efficiency but also gained recognition from major pharmaceutical companies for the maturity of its sustainability program. Today, the company is using its program as a competitive advantage, aligning with customer requirements for emissions reporting, reduction, and science-based target setting.
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Key Findings
$1.25M in Annual Savings Identified:
Through standardizing an annual process for measuring energy consumption and calculating greenhouse gas emissions combined with an on-site operations assessment, SSC uncovered significant efficiency and cost-saving opportunities.Scalable Sustainability Framework:
Established company-wide systems for tracking fuel use, utility data, and carbon emissions, enabling consistent performance measurement across all facilities.Supplier Recognition:
The client earned credibility with major pharmaceutical customers by demonstrating advanced sustainability practices aligned with global expectations.Scope 3 Preparedness:
SSC helped the supplier conduct their Scope 3 analysis, identifying key emissions hotspots and laying the groundwork for future science-based targets. SSC assisted with integration of all GHG data into a software platform.Competitive Advantage:
The company’s growing sustainability maturity positioned it as a preferred supplier, supporting both business growth and alignment with big pharma requirements.
Results
Estimated Annual Savings: $1,250,000
Implementation of a benchmarking and measurement system across all facilities.
Development of a scalable Decarbonization Master Plan focused on energy efficiency and a renewable energy strategy to reduce long-term emissions.
Enhanced supplier credibility with major pharmaceutical companies.
Alignment with customer requirements for Scope 3 emissions reporting and science-based target setting.
“Sustainability is now a true business driver for this client and has positioned them as a preferred supplier to major pharmaceutical companies. By incorporating this plan across multiple facilities, they are achieving significant reductions in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions while building a consistent framework for long-term impact and continued business growth.”
Tad Radzinski, PE, SEP, LEED AP, SFP
President & Co-Founder, Sustainable Solutions Corporation
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The pharmaceutical supplier had never developed a formal sustainability initiative but faced increasing pressure from large pharmaceutical customers to track, report, and reduce emissions. Big pharma issued a supplier-wide directive requiring all partners to measure emissions, set reduction goals, and establish science-based targets. Recognizing both the risks of inaction and the potential for competitive advantage, the supplier turned to SSC for a comprehensive solution.
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SSC implemented its Decarbonization Master Planning framework, beginning with benchmarking and emissions measurement across the client’s facilities. The team conducted an on-site operations assessment, analyzing utility use, fuels, and operations to improve energy efficiency and identify cost-saving opportunities. A roadmap was developed to scale these improvements across all facilities, creating a system for continuous performance measurement and emissions management. SSC also guided the supplier in conducting its first Scope 3 emissions analysis, identifying hotspots and building readiness for science-based targets. By combining technical analysis with hands-on facility engagement, SSC delivered both immediate savings and a long-term sustainability strategy.
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A strategic roadmap that identifies opportunities for energy efficiency and emissions reduction across operations that includes a renewable energy strategy and a focus on Scope 1 emissions reduction. The master plan helps companies meet greenhouse gas reduction goals and achieve science based targets.
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Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that come from sources owned or controlled by an organization. These emissions result from the fuels companies burn and typically come from a few different sources:
Company-owned Vehicles
HVAC Systems and Processes
On-site Landfills and Wastewater Treatment
Process and Fugitive Emissions
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Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the energy a company purchases. These emissions result from a few different sources:
Purchased Electricity
Purchased Chilled Water
Purchased Steam
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Scope 3 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that come from a companies value chain. These emissions come from 15 different categories:
Upstream Categories (1–8):
Category 1: Purchased goods and services
Category 2: Capital goods
Category 3: Fuel- and energy-related activities (not included in Scope 1 or 2)
Category 4: Upstream transportation and distribution
Category 5: Waste generated in operations
Category 6: Business travel
Category 7: Employee commuting
Category 8: Upstream leased assets
Downstream Categories (9–15):
Category 9: Downstream transportation and distribution
Category 10: Processing of sold products
Category 11: Use of sold products
Category 12: End-of-life treatment of sold products
Category 13: Downstream leased assets
Category 14: Franchises
Category 15: Investments
