Water Consumption and Emissions into Water

In addition to the efficient use of fresh water, all Boehringer Ingelheim sites have to ensure that wastewater discharges are kept at levels to avoid adverse environmental impact and to conserve natural resources. Our sites have to ensure the efficient functioning of wastewater treatment plants in order to minimise emissions into water and to guarantee a proper water quality.

As part of starting our BE GREEN initiative, all major activities and measures to improve water quality and to reduce water use will be coordinated worldwide.

Data

Boehringer Ingelheim reports on water consumption for all production and research sites in million m³. A water consumption index (in %, relative to sales volume, base year 2010) was introduced for assessment and performance classification, as well as to show how consumption has developed in relation to sales volume.

In addition, various wastewater indicators are reported, e.g. wastewater quantity (in million m³), chemical oxygen demand (COD) load in tons after treatment, the COD load index (in %, relative to sales volume, base year 2010) and water discharged without treatment.

Details on metrics are provided in the chapter Performance Indicators.

Water Use and Emissions into Water in 2012

Regarding the total numbers Boehringer Ingelheim's water consumption decreased slightly by 0.03 million m³ to 7.01 million m³ compared to previous year. In relation to sales the index shows water consumption efficiency: it fell from 96 % to 86 % in 2012. The reasons for this improvement are in particular improved processes and changes in employee behaviour. Wastewater discharged to treatment was at 4.84 million m³.

COD serves as an indicator of the water quality of effluents. In view of the rise in sales and inclusion of additional sites in 2012, an increase by 108 to 317 tons of COD load after treatment is to be evaluated compared to 2011. The COD load after treatment index was at 91% in 2012 (2011: 67%).