Following the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (1992) and the Kyoto Protocol (1997), a regulatory framework for energy and emissions of greenhouse gasses is emerging. The political approaches to dealing with climate change on the international political scene as well as nationally vary a lot. In most countries government rules are not yet in place.

At Novozymes, global warming, CO₂ emissions and energy are closely linked. To stay competitive Novozymes has to continuously and effectively manage costs related energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Novozymes’ energy consumption is considerable, and energy is essential to our production. Improving energy efficiency as well as reductions in CO₂ emissions is directly linked to cost reductions and responsibly managing resources.

As an element in Novozymes’ overall management system, a new energy management standard has been implemented at some production sites, and it is steadily rolled out in the remaining part of the organisation.

Due to their energy savings potential in the application of enzymes – in technical application as well as in food and feed production – society’s need to minimise climate change provide a business opportunity for Novozymes. See The Novozymes Report 2005 “Biofuel for cars gain ground” and “Enzymes effects from cradle to grave”.

For 2006 Novozymes has a target of limiting the increase of energy consumption to a maximum of 9%.