Project Lightyear: A Net-Zero Milestone
United Therapeutics’ newest accomplishment, Project Lightyear, is a site net-zero, carbon-neutral cGMP warehouse and logistics center located in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) area. Dedicated to expanding the company’s warehousing and supply chain capabilities, this facility exemplifies how environmental stewardship can integrate seamlessly with high-stakes pharmaceutical operations.
Designed with the future in mind, Project Lightyear achieves its ambitious net-zero and zero-carbon goals through a combination of innovative technologies and thoughtful design strategies. Its achievements not only advance the company’s mission to improve lives but also set a powerful precedent for the pharmaceutical industry at large.
A Facility Rooted in Innovation
Project Lightyear incorporates cutting-edge technologies to ensure its zero-carbon footprint. The facility relies on a combination of passive and active energy reduction strategies, supported by:
- Rooftop Photovoltaic Array: This solar-powered system generates renewable energy to power the facility, reducing dependence on external electricity sources
- Geothermal Exchange System: Leveraging natural geothermal energy, the system provides efficient heating and cooling solutions
- Microgrid Technology and Battery Backup: The facility’s microgrid technology, coupled with Tesla Megapacks, supports stable energy supply and provides independence from the electrical grid during emergencies. This allows the warehouse to operate in “island mode” during power outages, maintaining critical cGMP environments
These systems enable the facility to not only operate sustainably but also give back to the grid when excess energy is produced.
Serving Patients and Protecting the Planet
Project Lightyear’s contributions extend far beyond environmental benefits. The facility supports the production and storage of Tyvaso®, an inhaled therapy product used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). These life-threatening conditions affect lung function, and Tyvaso® helps improve exercise capacity and blood flow to the lungs, offering patients a better quality of life.
The warehouse is designed to safely house Tyvaso® in both ambient and cold room conditions, ensuring its efficacy for patients who rely on it. This dual-purpose mission of enhancing patient care while minimizing environmental impact encapsulates the spirit of FOYA’s Social Impact category.
Resilient and Self-Sufficient
One of Project Lightyear’s standout features is its operational resiliency. The facility’s microgrid and battery backup system provide critical infrastructure support during power outages, ensuring uninterrupted functionality:
- The Tesla Megapacks deliver up to 48 hours of backup power for cold storage areas and 8 hours for essential systems like fire sprinklers
- The ability to operate off-grid not only ensures continuity in emergencies but also avoids the use of fossil fuels, maintaining the facility’s carbon-neutral status
This level of preparedness underscores United Therapeutics’ dedication to safeguarding both their operations and their environmental objectives.
Green Certifications and Industry Leadership
Project Lightyear’s forward-thinking design has set the stage for several prestigious certifications, including:
- LEED Gold
- LEED Zero Energy
- LEED Zero Carbon
- Energy Star Certification
These accolades confirm the facility’s alignment with the highest environmental and operational standards, cementing its place as a leader in sustainable innovation within the pharmaceutical sector.
A New Era for FOYA Recognition
By honoring United Therapeutics’ Project Lightyear as an Honorable Mention for Social Impact, FOYA’s judging panel has signaled a shift in what excellence looks like in the pharmaceutical industry. While previous winners have focused primarily on manufacturing clinical or commercial products, this award highlights how facilities can also drive progress in environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility.
United Therapeutics has set a remarkable example for other organizations, showcasing how net-zero and carbon-neutral facilities can become the new standard in pharmaceutical operations. Through Project Lightyear, they have demonstrated that innovation and sustainability are not mutually exclusive but can work hand-in-hand to shape a better future.
Looking Ahead
As the pharmaceutical industry grapples with the challenges of climate change, United Therapeutics’ Project Lightyear serves as an inspiring blueprint for what is possible. Their commitment to environmental stewardship, patient care, and operational resiliency redefines what it means to lead in this field.
With this FOYA Honorable Mention, United Therapeutics not only celebrates a milestone for their organization but also paves the way for future projects that prioritize the planet without compromising pharmaceutical excellence. Let Project Lightyear serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action for the industry to embrace sustainable innovation.
Congratulations to United Therapeutics for their extraordinary achievement—an accomplishment that truly embodies the spirit of FOYA’s Social Impact category.
About the ISPE FOYA Program
Established in 2005, the Facility of the Year Awards (FOYA) recognize state-of-the-art projects utilizing new, innovative technologies to improve the quality of products, reduce the cost of producing high-quality medicines, and demonstrate advances in project delivery. The FOYA program provides a platform for the pharmaceutical science and manufacturing industry to showcase its accomplishments in facility design, construction, and operation, while sharing the development of new applications of technology and cutting-edge approaches.
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