Merck sustainability score: 39/100

Merck reports Scope 1 and 2 using GHG Protocol operational control, independently verified by ERM CVS for 2023 via CDP and Impact Report. Methodology sound (EPA/DEFRA factors, AR5 GWPs). Multi-year tracking in place. However, specific tonne figures are not prominently published; data buried in CDP filings, limiting public accessibility.

Merck acknowledges Scope 3 is 7× combined Scopes 1&2. Committed to 30% Scope 3 reduction by 2030 with supplier engagement via procurement. Climate Earth performed economic input-output modelling for travel vendor data. Third-party verification covers only partial Scope 3 categories. Full category breakdown limited in public documents; quantified supplier engagement results sparse.

Merck reduced Scope 1&2 emissions 9% from 2019 baseline by 2021. Renewable electricity grew from 41% (2021) to 57% (2023). However, 2025 carbon neutrality relies on offsets for remaining Scope 1—not genuine absolute reduction. No evidence of Scope 3 absolute reductions. Growing revenue signals potential rising supply chain emissions.

Merck sourced 57% renewable electricity in 2023 (up from 41% in 2021). Signed multiple VPPAs: 60MW Invenergy wind (2018); three additional VPPAs in Texas/Spain (2021, 145MW combined). ISO 50001 certification at Ireland sites; on-site solar at multiple facilities. Target 100% renewable by 2025. Transition credible but not yet 90%+.

Merck lacks formal biodiversity disclosure for US operations. Ireland sites hold All-Ireland Pollinator Plan certification and planted pollinator-friendly species. Water risk assessment standard practice. No TNFD-aligned disclosure, no formal deforestation policy, no quantified nature footprint. Pharmaceutical supply chains involve chemical inputs with ecosystem risk; engagement minimal beyond basic awareness.

Merck created 2022 Waste Diversion Playbook to support site-level strategies. Goal: ≥50% of sites send zero waste to landfill by 2025; Ireland sites already achieved this. Six consecutive Green Chemistry Challenge Awards indicate product footprint minimization. No comprehensive circularity programme with verified metrics or full supply chain materials transparency.

Merck completed 2023 CDP Water Security Questionnaire with quantified tracking. Closed-loop cooling systems at >50% of facilities save ~3.3 billion gallons/year. RO reject water reuse saves 50 million gallons annually. Water risk assessment across manufacturing network. 2006 potassium thiocyanate discharge caused fish kills; $10M settlement 2007. Formal water stewardship policy established December 2023.

SBTi-validated: 46% absolute Scope 1&2 reduction by 2030 (2019 baseline). Net-zero all scopes by 2045. Scope 3 target of 30% reduction by 2030 not yet SBTi-validated. 2025 operational carbon neutrality explicitly relies on offsets for remaining Scope 1—red flag. Company pursuing SBTi Scope 3 alignment by 2026.

Merck publishes annual Impact Reports (2023/2024, 2024/2025), responds to CDP Climate and Water, maintains Basis of Reporting document. Third-party assurance via ERM CVS. Sustainability metrics added to Company Scorecard 2023, affecting 10% of executive compensation. Board-level oversight present. TCFD-aligned disclosure exists. Specific emissions figures not easily accessible on website; requires CDP responses or PDFs.

EPA settlement $1.5M 2011 for record-keeping violations (resolved, no environmental damage). $10M settlement 2007 for Clean Water Act violations: 2006 discharge caused fish kills and drinking water intake closure in Philadelphia. Remediated nearly 20 years ago. Member of US Chamber of Commerce and NAM, both negatively engaged on US climate policy; Merck aligns with NAM stance. No lobbying audit published.