Corporate Responsibility
For nearly a century, we have made a meaningful difference in global healthcare while creating lasting value for the communities we serve. We invite you to explore our corporate responsibility goals and accomplishments in more detail.
2023 Highlights
Our Corporate Responsibility and Reporting
We have a longstanding commitment to transparent reporting. Disclosures in our annual Corporate Responsibility Report reference the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting framework and are reflected in our Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Index. We also now report against the framework established by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures annually in our Corporate Responsibility Report.
Empowering Our Patients
We believe every patient deserves care that will give them the best chance of a longer and healthier life. We've committed to empowering our patients by investing in innovative initiatives, products and therapies that help tackle barriers to safe and quality care.
Protecting Our Planet
Completed 150 energy conservation projects in 2023, which are estimated to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 21,100 metric tons carbon dioxide equivalent per year beginning in 2024. This is nearly double the GHG emissions reduction achieved with energy projects completed in 20221.
1 Estimated GHG emissions reductions are calculated for the full calendar year following project implementation
Championing Our People and Communities
We strive to create a best place to work for our employees and make a meaningful difference in communities around the world. Baxter and the Baxter International Foundation have invested more than $143 million since 2021 to support underserved communities through strategic partnerships and product donations.
Our 2030 Corporate Responsibility Commitment and Goals
Empower Our Patients
- Reach More Underserved Kidney Patients
- Continually Improve Manufacturing Capabilities
Protect Our Planet
- Achieve Carbon Neutrality for Direct Operations by 2040
- Implement Strategic Water Management Plans
- Advance Sustainable Procurement
- Implement Strategic Materials and Waste Management Plans
Champion Our People and Communities
- Invest in Underserved Communities Globally
- Achieve Top Quartile Workplace Safety Performance
- Increase Representation of Women and Ethnic Minorities in Leadership Roles
In connection with the proposed separation of Baxter’s Kidney Care business, which is currently expected in the second half of 2024, we will assess our commitment and goals and adjust them as needed and if appropriate.
Our 2030 Commitment supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and 2030 Agenda with a global blueprint for achieving a more sustainable future. Our business and corporate responsibility initiatives touch various aspects of the SDGs, with an initial focus on:
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal: 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Our Governance and Materiality
Corporate responsibility matters receive strategic insights and oversight at the highest levels of our company, including our chair, president and CEO, senior leadership team and Board of Directors. Our corporate responsibility strategy is run by a council of executives and subject matter experts from across the company. This council leads our efforts to integrate corporate responsibility throughout our business and ensure high standards of accountability for the management of our corporate responsibility priorities and goals.
Our corporate responsibility strategy prioritizes material topics and their impacts across the value chain. Our work also supports efforts to achieve top quartile results relative to industry peers and other comparators across four dimensions:
- Patient Safety and Quality
- Growth Through Innovation
- Best Place to Work
- Industry-Leading Performance