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In general, the activity of Eurofins as a provider of bioanalytical services necessitates the use of limited amounts of water, raw material and energy (principally electricity and liquid nitrogen). The Company is aware that the long-term conservation of scarce resources will benefit not only the planet but also its own profitability. As water, raw materials and energy are all costs of the business, managers are always looking at reducing their consumption as part of good operating practices.
In Northern Europe (Benelux, Scandinavia), the Group subsidiaries attempt wherever possible to use renewable energy such as that generated by wind, water or the sun.
Eurofins uses solvents and chemical products which are kept in secure locations. After use these products are collected and recycled by specialist waste disposal businesses. In the event of accidents or fires there is a risk of contamination of the environment or our employees. This risk has been assessed as being very small in relation to the quantities used. The Group is aware that in the event of significant environmental damage there could be a consequential impact on its image, reputation and finances.
As part of our operational rationalisation plan, the cost of closing sites includes provisions and expenses to restore buildings and the surrounding environment. It is of note that litigation arose in 2004 on closure of a laboratory, due to events pre-dating the acquisition of the company by Eurofins.
The Group is not aware of any noise or olfactory pollution that has occurred within its subsidiaries or operational sites.
In addition, by its development at the cutting-edge of environmental analysis the Group contributes by its work to the protection of the environment.
In certain countries in which the Group operates, such as the United States, training programmes are developed for laboratory personnel in order to limit their impact on the environment.
Certain laboratories in several countries possess an “environmental license” given by local authorities but in accordance with international standards. An example is in Scandinavia where the implementation of an environmental management system, which enables the business to minimize its impact on the environment, to anticipate accidents and to plan to improve its environmental performance, enabled it to be accredited ISO14001. This process is part of a regular evaluation of the environmental impact of every business decision.
Many of the Group laboratories incur particular costs in the areas of transport and in the treatment of materials that present particular risks (BSE samples, detection kits, toxic waste, human blood). In addition Eurofins invests in infrastructure that helps to avoid pollution, for example to stop leakage of solvents, and pays additional community taxes for the treatment of waste water.
The Company has dedicated internal resources for the reduction of environmental risk, particularly through the education and provision of information to employees. Some of the laboratories have their own department or person responsible for safety, through regular inspection and internal training on the issues of safety and the protection of the environment.
The Company has ensured that by implementing and following its safety systems it complies with the applicable local regulation.
