We are committed to incorporating Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) factors into all of our business practices.

Environmental protection, health and safety are integral to all our business processes. We see stringent environmental standards as an opportunity to innovate and improve efficiency. We are one of the first companies in the chemical industry to rate environmental performance on a par with value creation, as eco-efficiency contributes to the success of our business.

We keep close watch on our activities in each country to make sure we comply with local regulations. Where no relevant regulations are in place, we apply our standards of good practice. At all our sites we are engaged in safe working conditions which in turn ensure the health and safety of our employees. Our plants are run according to high security standards set by our approved integrated management system including both environment, health, safety and quality.

0-10-10 Targets

Ciba has established a set of EHS targets for the period 2007 to 2010 – the aim is to achieve no time lost to accidents; a 10 percent increase of proportion of renewable energies and a 10 percent reduction of unused waste by 2010.

Ciba is committed to

• Integrating EHS management into business processes and strategic planning
• Global compliance with laws, regulations, international treaties and conventions  
• Minimizing, managing and communicating all risks relating to our products and operations; participating in Responsible Care^® programs in all major regions  
• Maintaining a high level of awareness, motivation, training and professionalism in EHS for all employees  
• Continuously improving EHS performance through goal-setting and measurement
• Considering EHS performance as a key element in selecting suppliers, distributors and contractors  
• Communicating EHS strategies and performance openly and consistently to all key stakeholders

2007 Eco performance

• Energy use increased by 2 percent in absolute terms, but dropped by 6 percent when related to production on the adjusted base of 2006.
• Water consumption increased by 7 percent in absolute terms, or dropped 1 percent when related to production.
• Our global warming contribution was stable in absolute terms and decreased by 8 percent related to production. We are continuing to substitute fossil fuels by waste and renewable sources.
• Ozone depletion – our contribution decreased in absolute terms by 30 percent and by 35 percent related to production. In 2007, we were successful in our programs to ensure that the cooling circuits in refrigeration plants and air conditioning units are leak-tight.
• Waste generation fell by 2 percent in absolute terms. Related to production, this represents a drop of 9 percent.