GOING GREEN

Environmental sustainability is one of the great challenges of our age. The United Nations defines environmental sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Through international and national agendas this has lead governments, businesses, and other organisations to seek net zero targets and to rewire their internal processes and external supply chains.

In line with other sectors, healthcare companies, systems and organisations are adapting their operating practices. Within this, communications professionals have a role in enabling positive change and protecting and enhancing reputation for organisations and the healthcare industry.

This dynamic environment prompted the Healthcare Communications Association Foresight Committee to gather insights from agency and biopharma communication leaders on the move towards environmental sustainability in our sector. Over recent months, interviews were conducted with industry communications leaders in Biopharma and agency. The interviews were conducted anonymously to allow views to be shared freely. The report is not a large-scale survey but gives valuable qualitative insights to inform discussion and support further progress.

The interviews highlighted positive actions on environmental sustainability but a mixed picture on progress overall. All but one biopharma company had a net-zero target, yet less than half of agencies had a target and plan – although all were working on evidence and plan development. Interviewees highlighted the significant role for our profession to communicate internally and externally to deliver a more environmentally sustainable future, and some companies noted significant campaigns they are already running.

You can read an advance insight to what the report has identified in the article ‘It’s Not Easy Being Green’ in November’s PharmaTimes. The article has been authored by Andrew Harrison, Communications Consultant, Member Healthcare Communications Association’s Foresight Committee and one of the report’s architects.

HCA Members can click the image below to read the full report and recommendations