By: Jacob Kim
Johnson & Johnson, one of the world’s largest healthcare companies, has reached a significant sustainability milestone by powering all of its operations across Europe with 100% renewable electricity. This achievement brings the company closer to its ambitious Health for Humanity climate goal of transitioning to 100% renewable electricity for its global operations by 2025. This accomplishment not only marks a major step in the company’s sustainability journey but also sets a standard for other large-scale corporations striving to reduce their environmental impact.
This milestone spans operations in 12 countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Johnson & Johnson’s success in Europe is a result of long-term planning and strategic initiatives, particularly through virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) finalized in 2021. These agreements led to the construction of two new wind farms and a solar field in Spain, which are now fully operational and connected to the European grid.
In addition to these new projects, the company has leveraged existing renewable energy sources in Ireland, Belgium, and the Netherlands, where it has been powering operations with 100% renewable electricity since 2020. In countries like Greece, Sweden, and Germany, hydropower has been providing renewable energy to Johnson & Johnson’s facilities since 2018.
“Achieving 100% renewable electricity for all our operations globally is a huge challenge and one we’ve been tirelessly working towards for many years,” said Marianne Gries, a representative from Johnson & Johnson. “We’re incredibly proud that with these new wind and solar power plants, combined with our existing schemes, we are a step closer to achieving this.”
This milestone represents a major step toward the company’s global 2025 target and underscores the increasing role of corporate responsibility in tackling climate change. By aligning its operational goals with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, Johnson & Johnson exemplifies how large-scale corporations can lead the way in sustainable energy transitions.
Sources
Energy Outlook 
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