July 1, 2008 – Bayer has issued the first progress report on its new suite of climate-related products and services, launched in November. The initial results of the $1.46 billion Bayer Climate Program have been outlined in the company’s 2007 sustainability report.

The Bayer Climate Program features three “lighthouse” projects focused on the following areas: assessing greenhouse gas emissions from production processes, building zero-emission buildings adaptable in any climate, and developing new commercially viable, plant-based energy sources. Here’s the rundown on these projects so far, according to Bayer:

• The Bayer Climate Check, an assessment tool designed to pinpoint emissions-reduction opportunities at industrial plants, has been piloted successfully in Germany. The tool identified the potential to cut carbon emissions 10% at five facilities involved in the pilot, and other German firms are already showing interest in purchasing the tool, according to Bayer. The company says it plans to use the Bayer Climate Check to assess its own global production facilities by the end of 2009.
• India Bayer has broken ground on the company’s first "EcoCommercial Building,” a zero-emissions office building that is expected to use 70% less electricity than comparably sized structures. Bayer attributes the low energy draw to super-efficient insulation made from Bayer-supplied raw materials. (The building will achieve zero emissions by relying on solar energy for all its electricity needs.) The concept can be adapted to a variety of climates, according to Bayer. The India Bayer building is slated for completion by the end of next year.
• Finally, Bayer is researching the jatropha plant as a potential source of renewable energy. The seeds of this inedible plant contain 30% oil, which can be used to produce biodiesel, Bayer says.

"We want to meet our claim to be an inventor company in climate protection, too," says Dr. Wolfgang Plischke, a Bayer board member. "Our goal is to continue growing without placing an additional burden on the global climate."

View Bayer’s 2007 sustainability report here. Find more information on the Bayer Climate Program here.