State environmental officials today recognized Pfizer, located in Sanford, for its outstanding environmental performance. Michael S. Regan, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality, presented company officials with a plaque recognizing the facility as a 2019 Environmental Steward – one of only 31 facilities in North Carolina to earn the coveted designation for a commitment to superior environmental performance.
“Pfizer joins an elite number of organizations in our state that have gone above-and-beyond to protect North Carolina’s natural resources while remaining globally competitive,” said Regan. “Pfizer’s commitment to setting and achieving high environmental standards recognizes the economic benefits of stewardship and exemplifies its role as an environmental leader.”
To become an environmental steward, organizations and businesses like Pfizer Sanford must demonstrate leadership through a commitment to exemplary environmental performance beyond what is required by regulations. Stewards represent the highest of three levels of recognition for environmental performance in the state’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative.
Pfizer Sanford manufactures intermediates and active drug substances used to produce vaccine products and gene therapy treatments. The Sanford facility was recommended for recognition because it has reduced the amount of waste being sent to landfill, including diverting at least 50,000 pounds per year to composting. Since 2012, Pfizer Sanford has improved its water and energy efficiency. During its period of expansion, the facility has also committed to limit increases in energy and water usage and waste generation. It also has a strong history of environmental compliance and works with the local community to provide environmental information and leadership.
“We are honored to receive this recognition today from Secretary Regan,” said Tony Mulcahy, Site Leader at Pfizer Sanford. “Environmental Steward is the culmination of a collaborative effort by colleagues who are passionate about realizing Pfizer’s Green Journey here in Sanford. We are committed to continuously integrating environmental sustainability throughout our product manufacturing lifecycle and to maintaining the level of excellence acknowledged by this recognition.”
Recommendations for stewards are provided to Secretary Regan following a rigorous review of environmental performance by DEQ staff and an external advisory board. This voluntary program was established in 2002 to stimulate the development and implementation of programs that use pollution prevention and innovative approaches to meet and exceed regulatory requirements.
For more information, visit the Environmental Stewardship Initiative’s website, www.ncesi.org, or contact Angela Barger, Environmental Stewardship Initiative manager, at 877-623-6748 or esi@ncdenr.gov.
###