“In our core business, Biogen takes a partnership approach to tackling complex problems. In many ways, our approach to sustainability also is informed by that ethos,” said Mike Cheney, Head of Engineering & Facilities for Biogen’s Cambridge, Massachusetts, operations, which accounted for 30% of our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in our baseline year of 2019. “We work with employees across the organization, with external stakeholder groups and with other companies. Collaboration helps identify ways to best integrate sustainability in our work to deliver therapies to patients safely, efficiently and with less environmental impact.”

Studies suggest that energy use is among the pharmaceutical industry’s biggest environmental impacts, so we prioritize energy efficiency.¹ To surface opportunities for impact, Mike hosts global monthly meetings with our energy oversight team and with the local utility company. While they focus on projects with the greatest potential impact, no idea is too big or too small for consideration.  They all add up.

The team starts by reducing demand through projects like optimizing the chillers that are used to control the indoor climate and maintain the integrity of our research spaces. Using technology to monitor outside air temperature, the team has devised ways to capitalize on the natural cooling available any time the temperature drops below 52 degrees Fahrenheit. They also instituted a nitrogen-generation system that uses compressed air, which provides greater reliability and redundancy while improving efficiency.  

Globally, we aim to achieve net-zero market based Scope 2 emissions, which starts with sourcing 100% renewable electricity procurement in all markets where we operate. So, it is significant that in 2024, we marked the 10^th anniversary of the company’s commitment to sourcing 100% renewable electricity. Mike has been a driving force behind Biogen’s virtual power purchasing agreements (VPPAs), which is a key part of advancing our goal. 

“This strategic approach delivers financial benefits to Biogen while positioning us to meet emerging regulatory requirements for climate action,” said Angela Walsh, Capital Planning Program Manager. “It also supports additional solar energy production at the grid level, which is a tangible change to energy infrastructure. We’re not only advancing Biogen’s goals, we’re contributing to cleaner air and greater health while fostering greater community resilience.” 

In 2024, we supported new solar energy production in Liberty County, Texas. The project produces ~100 MW, enough to power approximately 15,000 homes, with Biogen assuming a 20 MW position.

“We began exploring VPPAs more than five years ago and quickly realized that the scale of grid-level investments requires joint action since the costs are often too high and the details too complex for most companies to support on their own,” Mike said. “The market is volatile and fast moving. By engaging with other companies on potential projects, we also benefit from advice and collective knowledge.” 

Liberty Solar came online in September 2024. Last year, we also signed two additional VPPAs, with anticipated delivery and operations in 2027. Once all three VPPAs are fully operational, together, they are expected to cover 100% of our electricity use across North America. 

“As a company that has been sourcing 100% renewable electricity since 2014, Biogen has long recognized the importance of building a cleaner, more resilient energy grid,” said Kathleen Woodward, Head of Sustainability. “We’re delighted to make progress on projects designed to provide the sustainable energy communities need to advance economic growth and public health."