GlaxoSmithKline in green project

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and British Waterways have unveiled an energy-saving scheme.

Based at the pharmaceutical company’s canal-side headquarters in west London, the initiative will use canal water and heat exchange technology to provide an alternative to traditional air conditioning.

The company has produced a target of reducing CO2 emissions by 920 tonnes per year.

British Waterways adds it hopes a further 1,000 canal-side businesses nationwide will follow GSK – which would result in annual energy savings of 100 million pounds and the reduction of one million tonnes of carbon dioxide produced.

Duncan Learmouth, senior vice-president of corporate communications and global community partnerships, said: “GSK is committed to seeking innovative solutions to improve ? environmental performance.

“This approach will enable us to use a readily available source of water to cool our building – reducing the carbon dioxide emissions at our London headquarters.”

Last week, GSK has said it had extended its tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of common stock from Genelabs.

The addition to the offer is in connection to the inclusion of its wholly-owned subsidiary SmithKline Beecham Corporation as a bidder.

GSK employs 100,000 people in over 100 countries and its products include Horlicks, Zovirax, Sensodyne and Panadol.