May 9, 2008 - Millipore, an S&P 500 biosciences firm, has unveiled a new set of sustainability goals, including a 20% reduction in the company's carbon footprint within five years.

Millipore's sustainability plan also calls for reducing consumption of non-renewable resources, eliminating waste, and "adopting behavioral changes that support long-term environmental sustainability."

“Millipore has launched this long-term effort because I believe that environmentally sustainable operations are essential to the long-term viability of any sizable company," CEO Martin Madaus said in a statement.

To achieve its climate goal, Millipore is stepping up current efforts to replace fleet vehicles with hybrids and boost operational energy efficiency. The company is also purchasing renewable-energy credits equal to 10% of its global energy use.

Other efforts focus on solid waste recycling, wastewater reduction, and environment, health, and safety management systems. In addition, "Over the next few months we’ll be exploring other ways to reduce our environmental impact - through our products and packaging, manufacturing processes, and LEED-certified building construction," according to David Newman, Millipore's head of sustainability.

For more on Millipore's sustainability programs, click here.