These reductions, which exceeded Pfizer's original goal of 35 percent, were achieved in partnership with the EPA's Climate Leaders Program. Climate Leaders is a public-private initiative in which the EPA works with companies to develop comprehensive climate change strategies. The announcement was made during a meeting of energy and climate change leaders in Chicago.

"Climate change is the world's greatest global environmental challenge and has the potential to adversely impact the health of millions of people," said Natale S. Ricciardi, president of Pfizer Global Manufacturing. "As the largest research-based biomedical and pharmaceutical company, we have a responsibility to act proactively on environmental health issues. By voluntarily reducing our GHG emissions and promoting energy conservation, we hope to increase awareness and encourage others to do the same."

Due to the leadership of its Global Energy and Climate Change Team and the efforts of colleagues worldwide, Pfizer exceeded its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals by implementing more than 1,000 projects during the duration of the goal. The projects included installing a combined heating and power system at its Singapore facility; a geothermal system at its Freiburg, Germany, site; a photovoltaic (solar panel) system at its LaJolla, California, facility; and boiler efficiency upgrades at its Kalamazoo, Michigan, site, as well as many smaller projects.

Pfizer has also taken steps to improve the fuel efficiency in its sales fleet through several approaches including raising driver awareness of efficient driving methods and increased use of fuel cards, dual-fuel and hybrid vehicles in certain markets.

In his remarks at the conference, Mr Ricciardi said Pfizer pledges to reduce total global GHG emissions by an additional 20 percent from 2008 to 2012. He noted that Climate Leaders recently endorsed the goal.

"We look forward to continuing our partnership with the EPA in this effort," Mr. Ricciardi said. "We will build upon our initial success by implementing additional energy efficiency projects, adding cogeneration capacity and other clean energy technologies, and improving fuel efficiency in our sales fleet."

Through its Energy and Climate Change Program, which began in 2000, Pfizer has established public metrics and achieved significant greenhouse gas emission reductions, implemented energy conservation measures, and achieved cost savings. Pfizer has been recognized globally, regionally and locally for its commitment to addressing these challenges.