CSR Press Release

BASEL, Switzerland, Nov. 04 /CSRwire/ -

• Six projects - from Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the USA - recognized by this year's Novartis Energy Excellence Awards


• Substantial energy savings and reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions achieved by record number of project submissions

Novartis has announced the winners of its annual Energy Excellence Awards (EEA), which recognizes associates who contribute to the reduction of the group's greenhouse-gas emissions. This year's theme was "When it comes to energy, saving is an investment", highlighting that energy efficiency, often resulting in cost savings, is important for the sustainable development of Novartis.

Novartis employees from all around the world submitted a record 69 energy-saving projects for the EEA 2009. Together, these will account for annual energy savings of 1060TJ, equivalent to more than six percent of the group's total energy consumption. Respective greenhouse-gas emission reductions will add up to 131kt of carbon dioxide.

"The huge increase in submissions this year - 50 percent more than last year - demonstrates the sense of individual and collective determination within our organization to act responsibly on climate change," said Thomas Wellauer, Head Corporate Affairs and Member of the Executive Committee, who will present the Awards at a formal ceremony at the Basel Campus in December.

A judge panel of eight highly experienced energy and environmental experts began evaluating submissions in September. They selected six winning projects - from Austria, Germany, Switzerland and the USA - demonstrating outstanding initiatives for effective heat recovery, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) free cooling, renewable energy application, energy-efficient processes and energy management.

About the Energy Excellence Awards
Novartis is fully committed to ambitious energy targets in line with the Kyoto Protocol - that is, reducing emissions up to 2012 by at least five percent below the 1990 level. The Novartis EEA is a global program that recognizes associates who contribute to improving the company's energy efficiency and reducing environmental emissions. The judge panel is made up of external international specialists from NGOs, academia and business organizations, together with three Novartis experts. Key criteria for winning an Award include supporting business growth objectives while reducing C02 emissions, minimizing energy costs and utilizing renewable energy sources.

About Novartis
Novartis provides healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Focused solely on healthcare, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines, diagnostic tools and consumer health products. Novartis is the only company with leading positions in each of these areas. In 2008, the Group’s continuing operations achieved net sales of USD 41.5 billion and net income of USD 8.2 billion. Approximately USD 7.2 billion was invested in R&D activities throughout the Group. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ approximately 99,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.

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