For the eighth consecutive year, Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) has been recognised as Group Leader in sustainability within the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI). This is based on an in-depth analysis of economic, social and environmental performance. The DJSI family of indices serves as a benchmark for investors who integrate sustainability considerations into their portfolios.
Roche performed particularly well across a number of categories and DJSI noted that Roche has maintained its leadership in the pharmaceuticals sector through its excellent sustainability strategy, which is fully embedded in the company's business and culture. This year's DJSI assessment emphasised that by placing focus on access to healthcare, compliance and transparency, diverse work culture and collaborating with diverse partners, Roche is committed to creating value for all of its stakeholders.
"We are very proud of this recognition," says Roche CEO Severin Schwan. "Our selection once again as the world's most sustainable healthcare company was only possible through the dedicated efforts of Roche employees across the Group. Sustainability is an integral part of what we do at Roche and at the heart of our business, now and in the future. I strongly believe that our main contribution to society is improving healthcare, developing diagnostic tests and medicines to meet some of the most urgent medical needs. If we are successful in exactly doing this, we will have a long and lasting impact."
Roche has been pursuing a commitment to sustainability for 120 years. In 2016, Roche has also taken first steps in direct response to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all as part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Roche is committed to supporting a number of the SDGs in line with its business strategy; in particular SDG3, which aims at ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
About the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI)
This global ranking is published annually by the S&P Dow Jones Indices and RobecoSAM and measures the performance of the world's sustainability leaders. RobecoSAM invites 3,450 publicly traded companies to participate. Companies are selected for the indices according to a systematic Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) performed by RobecoSAM. Only firms that lead their industries based on this assessment are included in the indices. This is determined by a comprehensive assessment of long-term economic, environmental and social criteria that account for general as well as industry-specific sustainability trends. Each company reports on an online questionnaire including over 100 qualitative and quantitative questions, supported by extensive documentation, complemented by examination of media coverage, stakeholder commentaries and other publicly available sources.
About Roche
Roche is a global pioneer in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics focused on advancing science to improve people's lives.
Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, ophthalmology and diseases of the central nervous system. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. The combined strengths of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics under one roof have made Roche the leader in personalised healthcare - a strategy that aims to fit the right treatment to each patient in the best way possible.
Founded in 1896, Roche continues to search for better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and make a sustainable contribution to society. Twenty-nine medicines developed by Roche are included in the World Health Organization Model Lists of Essential Medicines, among them life-saving antibiotics, antimalarials and cancer medicines. Roche has been recognised as the Group Leader in sustainability within the Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology & Life Sciences Industry eight years in a row by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.
The Roche Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is active in over 100 countries and in 2015 employed more than 91,700 people worldwide. In 2015, Roche invested CHF 9.3 billion in R&D and posted sales of CHF 48.1 billion. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.