Bayer recognizes ‘Sustainability Champions’ that help pioneer efforts across a global landscape

Sustainability is a core element of Bayer's corporate strategy. As a global company, Bayer faces an urgent and unprecedented challenge to ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive while using our planet's finite resources in a sustainable way. Our vision of “Health for all, Hunger for none” demonstrates our commitment to having a positive impact on society and the planet. Bayer encourages employees to share their efforts around sustainability to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). To be successful Bayer advocates for passionate individuals to step forward and pioneer sustainability across our global landscape, helping more people to thrive within the planetary boundaries.

Making good business decisions

I was honored to be recognized as the “Sustainability Champion” for Clinical Development Operations (CDO). People have a responsibility to be ‘good ancestors’ for future generations. I am privileged to be able to spend time working on sustainability topics at Bayer and helping others make good business decisions, so we leave our planet with a stable climate and thriving biodiversity.

Integrating sustainability successfully into business requires 3 things: digital technology, innovation and a strong culture. The Bayer CDO organization is already undergoing extensive digital transformation and we excel at innovation. Here are some active sustainable processes in CDO:

1. Kits4Life, working with a non-profit organization that helps divert waste by repurposing unused lab kits and clinical trial supplies for humanitarian aid.
2. Decentralized Clinical Trials (DCT), a patient-centric approach to clinical trials that brings the study to the patient, offering options that can cater to their lifestyles and therefore allows clinical trials to be more inclusive.
3. Virtual Investigator Meetings (IMEX Program), a center of excellence team that assists employees with innovative virtual meetings, workshops, and training seminars.

“The CDO organization is committed to action that aligns with Bayer’s sustainability goals. Our leadership team encourages change management; the culture values we embrace support employees to lead the way in recognizing better ways of working.” Joachim Luithle, Head of Clinical Development Operations (CDO), Bayer

Throughout Bayer, communication and involvement in sustainability is supported by numerous groups. I represent the United Kingdom and Ireland in the global “Sustainability Champions” group and in the “Clinical Operations Goes Green” team. Together our goal is to demonstrate leadership and role model positive actions. The first step towards change is to be aware of how sustainable our processes are and then to act on our awareness. My passion is to support employee awareness of, energize engagement with, and therefore facilitate action that contributes to sustainability.

Together we are #TeamBayer

“By making sustainability an even stronger part of our strategy and operations, we aim to achieve long-term returns and generate a positive impact for society and the environment. In line with Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and the Paris Agreement, the company has set ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030.” Werner Baumann, Chairman of the Board of Management (CEO), Bayer AG

Employee engagement is growing at a remarkable rate because of Bayer’s ambitious 2030 global target goals:

• support 100 million small-holder farmers in low- and middle-income countries by giving them access to innovations, knowledge and partnerships
• enable responsible family planning for 100 million women in low- and middle-income countries
• give 100 million people in underserved communities improved access to everyday health care products
• help reduce both the greenhouse gas emissions of crop production where our products are used and the environmental impact of crop protection by 30 percent
• become climate-neutral and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions along the value chain

An independent Sustainability Council advises the Bayer Board of Management to further develop the sustainability elements of our business strategy. Learn more about the Bayer Sustainability Council.

Collaboration is a critical element of success at Bayer and I am privileged that I can work with so many passionate individuals who have great commitment to sustainability. Communication is key to igniting behavior change. Identifying and establishing sustainable processes will enable Bayer to continue to lead with integrity and equality as sustainability becomes embedded into our culture.

 About Bayer CDO

Clinical Development Operations (CDO) is the operational driver of Bayer Pharma’s Research & Development organization. The CDO group consists of 1800+ industry experts. CDO strives to put patients' needs and safety first by adapting cutting edge approaches to clinical trials. We are focused on modernized advancements and automation technology. These are the building blocks behind “Science for a Better Life.” 

Our goal is to improve the science behind generating quality data, delivering efficient clinical trials and finding innovative talent. And CDO, through the science, is taking large steps toward Bayer’s vision of “Health for All, Hunger for None.”  _________________________________________________________________________

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Published on January 14, 2021 by Dawn Deisem, Head of Training, Change & Communications, CDO, Bayer