Volatile Organic Compounds and Photochemical
Ozone Creation Potential (POCP)
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Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured from point and fugitive sources at GSK manufacturing operations and research & development facilities. Volatile organic compounds are organic compounds, generally solvents, that are used in large quantities in GSK primary manufacturing operations and in lesser quantities in secondary manufacturing and research & development facilities.
Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted to Air |
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In 2003, 6.47 million kilograms of VOCs were released to the atmosphere representing a decrease of 2.3% or 0.15 million kilograms from 2002 and a 5 % decrease from the 2001 baseline.
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In 2001 we set a target to reduce VOC emissions to air by 30% on a per unit sales basis by the end of 2005. While some sites are making progress, work will need to continue at other operations if we are to succeed in reaching the 2005 VOC reduction target.
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History of data changes
The 2001 baseline for VOC was originally reported as 6.6 million kilograms. A
focused review of VOC reporting for 2002 by ERM, our independent verifier,
revealed some inconsistencies in reporting and the values for 2001 were adjusted
where appropriate. Further refinements were made this year and the new 2001
baseline is 6.81 million kilograms due to this improved reporting. The revised
2002 figure is 6.62 million kilograms.
Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted to Air by Business |
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Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential |
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VOCs are capable of producing ozone in the lower atmosphere by reaction with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight. This photochemical reaction results in the formation of smog, which is often worse in the hotter months. Releases of VOCs to air can be compared on the basis of their potential to create ozone relative to ethylene. Conversion to ethylene equivalents is based on the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) "Responsible Care HSE Reporting Guidelines" for VOCs (1998). For 2003, POCP related to solvent emissions is 2.21 million kilograms ethylene equivalent. This represents a decrease of 1.3% when compared to 2002.
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History of data changes
For 2001, POCP related to solvent emissions
was originally reported as 1.9 million kilograms ethylene equivalent.
Changes made in 2002 and 2003 to the 2001 VOC baseline data also
resulted in changes to the 2001 POCP baseline to 2.19 million kilograms
ethylene equivalent. The 2002 POCP figure was also revised from 2.14
million kilograms ethylene equivalent as reported in 2002 to 2.24
million kilograms ethylene equivalent. |
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