France's LEEM signs eco deal with govt

France's research-based pharmaceutical association, the LEEM, has signed a convention on the progress to be made in the 2009-2011 period for the  pharmaceutical sector's support of Grenelle Environment Forum, a  tripartite assembly designed to create a policy consensus. Under the  terms of the deal, French drugmakers and the local units of foreign  pharmaceutical companies have pledged to take up five main elements of  the Forum.

First, the convention details ways in which manufacturers will reduce  climate-affecting gases and improve the energy conservation of the  sector. This will be achieved by scrapping fleets of vehicles and  replacing them with more environmentally-friendly cars, encouraging  car-pooling and Carbon Plans. Second, drugmakers promise to involve  employees in environmental efforts through training, including  sensitivity training and information programs. Third, the LEEM's 300  members will "continue to develop a sustained relationship with  stakeholders (patient associations, environmental protection groups,  etc) around issues of sustainable development and health care," the  group said. Fourth, the LEEM promises to adopt a "responsible  communication" strategy which limits environmental impacts. Finally,  the reinforcement of the public/private partnership over issues such as  the disposal of unused drugs, biohazardous waste, water pollution and  biodiversity protection.