The environmental benchmark is a voluntary standard designed to encourage organisations of any size and from across all sectors to systematically address the environmental impact of their activities and provides a flexible tool for environmental improvement. Penn, one of only nine companies and one of two pharmaceutical companies in Wales to have the ‘Green Dragon’ environmental award at level 5, received the SGS/UKAS ISO 14001 standard in recognition of its commendable track-record of energy and emissions reduction, waste disposal and recycling. Penn also reached the finals of the Environment Awards for Wales last year (Environmental Management Systems award). Key achievements over the last year include: • 12% reduction in total CO2 emissions, achieved largely through investing in energy efficient equipment and lighting, purchasing ‘cleaner’ electricity and through an employee energy conservation awareness campaign • A total reduction in non hazardous waste of 68% and a 62.8% reduction in contaminated waste • 260% increase in recycling and a substantial cost saving as a result of the company’s upgraded recycling strategy. • 7.5% reduction in gas usage and 3.14% reduction in water usage Valerie Ellis, Human Resources Director at Penn, who was responsible for overseeing the accreditation process said: "In a climate where environmental legislation is high on the global political and, indeed business agenda, it is increasingly important that we all take responsibility for our actions and do what we can to help mitigate climate change and preserve the local environment in which we work. "This award is testament to the commitment shown by all our staff. As a global business operating in the local community Penn takes its Corporate Social Responsibilities very seriously and it is particularly pleasing to achieve environmental improvements year on year during a period of growth – both in terms of increased business activity and employee headcount". Penn Pharmaceutical Services Ltd is a leading provider of outsourced pharmaceutical development services to the international healthcare industry. The company’s core business expertise includes a fully comprehensive product development service, which consists of formulation and analytical development, clinical trial manufacturing, packaging and supply management and extensive contract manufacturing. Penn also offers CMC Consultancy and Qualified Person (QP) Services.