(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pfizer today announced that it achieved its five-year public goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 20 percent after only four years. As a result of this effort, the company achieved $85 million in annualized project savings. This milestone marks the second time since 2000 that Pfizer has reached its target of cutting GHG emissions.

”Environmental sustainability is aligned with Pfizer’s strategic business imperatives, including making the right capital allocations. While undertaking our ambitious greenhouse reduction goal, Pfizer achieved $85 million in annualized project savings and, on average, every dollar that we have invested in the program gets paid back in two years,” says Steve Brooks, Vice President, Global Environment, Health and Safety, Pfizer.

To help reach this goal, more than 1,500 energy conservation and utility projects designed to improve efficiency and promote environmental sustainability were implemented along with other initiatives that reduced product packaging and increased use of renewable energy sources. These activities, according to Brooks, are part of the company’s broader program to protect the environment. Find out more about Pfizer’s commitment to environmental sustainability at pfizer.com/ehs.

Company Tops Corporate Ranking in Climate Change

Pfizer was recently ranked No. 1 out of 10 companies in the pharmaceutical subsector of the Maplecroft Climate Innovation Index Benchmark, a rating of 346 of the largest companies in the U.S. based on their climate-related innovation and carbon management. The index is calculated by Bloomberg and identifies the companies better equipped to operate in the growing low-carbon economy.

Pfizer was recognized for its commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and its wide variety of initiatives that engage colleagues around the issue of climate change and energy.

Pfizer Inc.: Working together for a healthier world™

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world’s leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.com.