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 that avoid adverse environmental impact and conserve natural resources. Our sites have to ensure the efficient functioning of wastewater treatment plants in order to minimise emissions to water and to guarantee a proper water quality.

For Boehringer Ingelheim sites not maintaining an own waste water treatment facility, proper disposal routes need to be verified. 

As part of our BE GREEN initiative, all major activities and measures to improve water quality and to reduce water use will be coordinated worldwide.
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 (e.g. cooling water).
 
Details on metrics are provided in the chapter Performance indicators.

Water use and emissions to water 2010-2015

Boehringer Ingelheim´s worldwide water consumption dropped in 2010 to 2015 from 7.0 Mio m³ to 5.95 Mio³ which is an reduction of ~ 15%. This saving was mainly triggered by divesture of former Boehringer Ingelheim sites.

Boehringer Ingelheim´s water consumption index relative to sales decreased to 72% in the year 2015.

In Boehringer Ingelheim Cooperation released 18% less waste water for treatment over the last 5 years.

Ingelheim, which is Boehringer Ingelheim´s biggest administration and production site, was able to achieve a reduction of the COD load after waste water treatment of around 12% in the last 3 years. 
The COD serves as an indicator of the water quality of effluents.

Note: Figures from outsource activities/ site closure or site acquisition are not excluded.