While not as energy-intensive as some other industries, certain aspects of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies’ operations require significant energy use. The highest level of energy use occurs with operational activities related to research and development, office operations, bulk manufacturing, formulation, packaging and filling, and warehouses.
The most significant processes driving energy use in these operational areas include heating, ventilation and air conditioning (65 percent); plug loads and processes (25 percent) and task and overhead lighting (10 percent). The most important energy consuming activities in the industry—typically bulk manufacturing (35 percent) and research and development (30 percent)—represent significant opportunities for companies to realize energy savings.
These activities rely on research instruments and equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, incubators and refrigerators, which constitute a significant portion of the “plug load” or the amount of energy drawn by devices from an electrical outlet. In addition, sterilization and ventilation processes are integral to development procedures and require energy to meet regulatory standards and ensure product quality.