Animal health manufacturing site achieves carbon neutral certification

Boehringer Ingelheim has earned carbon neutral certification for its animal health manufacturing, research, and development site in Athens, Georgia.¹ The certification was issued by TÜV Rheinland Energy & Environment GmbH carbon services, according to Boehringer Ingelheim.

The certification is for the scope 1 and scope 2 categories for carbon service, which are set by the globally recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol for measuring and managing emissions.¹ Scope 1 is for direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, such as fuel combustion and company vehicles. Scope 2 is for emissions produced indirectly from the generations of purchased energy such as electricity, steam, heating and cooling.^1,2

To achieve this certification, Boehringer Ingelheim followed the carbon management hierarchy: avoid, reduce, replace, and only offset currently unavoidable emissions. In 2024, the company’s Athens site operations advanced their decarbonization through energy-efficiency upgrades, 100% renewable electricity sourcing, and offsetting unavoidable emissions. In total, the site reduced and offset more than 20,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.¹

"Sustainability is a responsibility we embrace every day," Eduardo Macedo, head of US animal health sustainability for Boehringer Ingelheim, said in the release.¹ "This milestone reflects the concrete steps we're taking to reduce emissions and operate more responsibly across our value chain."

Carbon neutral certification marks significant progress toward Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to environmental sustainability and achieving carbon neutrality in its operations by 2030, according to the company.¹ Boehringer Ingelheim’s advancing decarbonization initiatives are part of the company's global sustainable development for generations strategy.¹ Its framework focuses on 3 pillars: more green, more potential, and more health. The more green pillar incorporates the carbon neutral initiatives in its commitment to environmental sustainability.³

The Athens site sources 100% renewable electricity. Additionally, the site’s new research and development building was designed with LEED-aligned sustainability elements. Other US sites are advancing decarbonization strategies through investments in innovative technologies, infrastructure upgrades that improve energy and operational efficiency, increased use of renewable energy, and credible offset projects.¹

In Gainesville, Georgia, Boehringer Ingelheim claims the first US site to be certified carbon neutral in owned manufacturing operations, with photovoltaic arrays installed and 100% renewable electricity sourcing. Meanwhile, a facility in St Joseph, Missouri, is powered primarily by wind energy, and a Ridgefield, Connecticut, site powered by renewable sources, including solar energy, is carbon neutral certified.¹

Overall, the company has a worldwide total of 19 certified sites that include locations in Spain, Brazil, and China. "This achievement reflects our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact and build a stronger, more resilient business for the future," Andy Brehm, executive director, US site operations in Athens for Boehringer Ingelheim, said in a news release.¹

References

1. Boehringer Ingelheim’s Athens site achieves carbon neutral operations, advancing 2030 commitments. News release. Boehringer Ingelheim. April 6, 2026. Accessed April 8, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boehringer-ingelheims-athens-site-achieves-carbon-neutral-operations-advancing-2030-commitments-302734945.html
2. Corporate carbon footprint verification. TÜV Rheinland. Accessed April 8, 2026. https://www.tuv.com/world/en/sustainable-carbon-service.html
3. Boehringer Ingelheim shares updated 2030 environmental sustainability commitments. News release. Boehringer Ingelheim. January 11, 2021. Accessed April 8, 2026. https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/about-us/sustainable-development/environmental-sustainability-commitments