Across our six sites in Ireland, we’re taking the Emerald Isle ethos to heart with a call to “See Green, Be Green.”

See Green, Be Green is an employee-led initiative that aims to reduce our company’s environmental impact by embedding a sustainability mindset at every level of our operations. The program started in Ireland and has taken root across the organization, inspiring innovation, enhancing efficiency and driving progress toward our company’s climate goals.

“We decided to collectively develop, implement and maintain this program, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because of our shared belief that sustainability-focused business is smart business. What we do — and how we do it — truly matters.”

• Mark O’Connor
  Associate director of engineering in our energy and environmental sustainability center of excellence
  

Built around four focus areas — carbon transition, waste and water management, biodiversity and culture — See Green, Be Green is a framework that guides the sites’ sustainability efforts, from installing EV chargers and solar panels to planting pollinator gardens and native trees.

Colleagues from each of our Ireland locations — Ballydine, Brinny, Carlow, Biotech Dublin, Dunboyne, and Red Oak North — form a core team that identifies shared priorities and guides projects. The country leadership team, composed of plant managers, actively sponsors this initiative and provides strategic oversight. Cross-functional teams facilitate knowledge sharing among the sites to foster innovation and drive progress countrywide.

Our sustainability efforts in action

Carbon transition 

Reducing carbon emissions is critical to our company’s goal of achieving net zero by 2045. All of our Ireland sites have been certified in ISO 50001, an internationally recognized standard for managing energy, and in 2024 sourced 56% renewable energy through virtual power purchase agreements, making progress toward our company’s target to source 100% of our purchased electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

Other initiatives include installing solar panels, using electric company vehicles and transitioning from gas to electric boilers.

  

Waste and water management 

The Ireland sites send zero waste to landfill — key to our company-wide goal for at least 50% of sites to do so by 2025 — and are now working on improving other means of disposal, such as recycling rather than incinerating when possible, and donating items to organizations in need.

Other efforts include installing water fountains to replace single-use water bottles, harvesting rainwater and providing reusable coffee cups in company cafes.

Biodiversity

All sites have been accredited with All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Business certifications. Initiatives include planting pollinator-friendly and native species of plants, trees and bulbs, installing bug hotels and adopting “No-Mow May” to aid clover growth.

Culture 

Arguably the most important part of See Green, Be Green is creating a culture in which everyone is empowered to take action. From educational campaigns and outreach events to grow-your-own food and energy-reduction challenges, employees are encouraged to embrace sustainability at work, at home and in their communities.

“We want everyone to get involved so that we can make informed decisions about our habits and how it impacts our environment,” said O’Connor.

While the sites continue to challenge themselves to do more and do better, the initiative’s impact is already palpable.  

“It’s the mindset changes, it’s the momentum, it’s getting things done,” said Maher. “It’s the fact that our company really cares and that we’re taking real action.”