Beyond the Lab – Pharma Sector Guide

The Scope 3 Reality in Pharma

Scope 3 emissions account for the overwhelming share of pharma’s footprint – often up to 90% – and include purchased goods, upstream and downstream transport, business travel and employee commuting. While complex value‑chain decarbonisation takes time, commuting is a pragmatic first move. It’s measurable, manageable and capable of delivering rapid reductions without disrupting critical operations.

Our guide explains how to establish a robust emissions reporting baseline using employee travel surveys and verified emission factors. You can then use these insights to identify viable sustainable commuting alternatives (active travel, public transport, or carpooling) that reduce emissions and improve staff experience.

Why Commuting Data Matters

If your organisation supplies the NHS or has EU exposure, commuting data collection is no longer optional.

Compliance risk is rising for highly regulated pharma. EU and UK frameworks are converging on transparent Scope 3 reporting, with commuting explicitly in scope. Investors are also rewarding credible Scope 3 strategies, making high‑quality data and science‑based targets a differentiator.

• NHS Supplier Requirements: Carbon Reduction Plans already apply to high‑value contracts and expand to all suppliers by 2027, with progress reporting mandatory from 2030.

• CSRD & ESG disclosure: Large or listed pharma operating in the EU will be mandated to report material Scope 3 categories, including commuting.

• Investor expectations: 64% of global investors want firms to spend more on decarbonisation.

Benchmarking

Our analysis shows a clear divide. Top performers are moving beyond assumptions, investing in primary data and site‑specific strategies. These companies are integrating commuting into ESG frameworks and setting science‑based reduction targets, earning credibility with investors and regulators.

Others still rely on averages or haven’t disclosed commuting emissions at all. This lack of transparency limits their ability to track real reductions and poses growing compliance risk. The full guide includes a detailed comparison of methodologies and practical steps to help you close the gap.