The pharmaceutical industry has long been known for its heavy reliance on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs, including powering research labs, manufacturing facilities, and transportation vehicles. However, Pam Cheng, the Executive Vice President of Operations and IT at AstraZeneca, is working to change that. Since joining AstraZeneca in 2015, Cheng has led efforts to make the company a leader in sustainability within the pharmaceutical industry.
Cheng’s role as Chief Sustainability Officer at AstraZeneca is driven by her belief that a healthy planet is essential for promoting human health. She sees her initiatives as not only benefiting the environment but also driving positive change for both people and planet.
One of Cheng’s significant accomplishments is leading AstraZeneca towards net-zero emissions by 2025 through their $1 billion Ambition Zero Carbon program. By 2026, AstraZeneca’s entire vehicle fleet will be electric. She has also implemented innovative sustainability practices such as converting manufacturing plants to use biomethane and creating anaerobic digestion plants that turn waste into energy. These initiatives represent a circular economy model where everything is reused and recycled with zero waste.
Cheng’s leadership has been instrumental in driving AstraZeneca towards a more sustainable future in the pharmaceutical industry. Her commitment to sustainability practices not only benefits the environment but also promotes human health and drives positive change for both people and planet.
