Merck tracks five greenhouse gases (GHGs): carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride.

The majority of our GHG emissions are associated with CO₂. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are not tracked, because they are typically not used at Merck facilities. We also are gathering the emissions associated with business travel and materials transportation as part of GHG inventory and reporting.

Since 2005, we have been reporting our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually through the Carbon Disclosure Project, and we were a member of the U.S. EPA Climate Leaders program from 2002 until the agency phased out the program in late 2010.

In February 2008, Merck announced a first corporate goal to reduce GHG emissions from the company's global facilities and automobiles by 12 percent by the end of 2012 (from the baseline year of 2004). In 2009, Merck achieved and exceeded the first GHG reduction goal well ahead of schedule.

In 2009, we established a new GHG emissions baseline to reflect the integration of two legacy companies into one business entity. At this point, we set a second phase GHG reduction goal of an additional 10 percent reduction by 2015, based on 2009 performance.

Merck recognizes that although voluntary programs to reduce GHG emissions can be effective, national and even multinational frameworks will be required to address climate change. The company supports a global approach that stimulates the development and broad use of energy-efficient technologies and avoids unnecessary economic disruptions and the inefficiencies of disparate local, state or regional requirements.

We expect the trend of GHG emissions reduction to continue. In line with our position on climate change, we are fully committed to use renewable energy resources, implement energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies, materials and products, and report on our progress toward achieving our goals.