ISPE Sustainability Community of Practice (CoP)
In July 2024, ISPE launched a dedicated Sustainability CoP to foster a community focused on sustainability in the pharmaceutical industry, facilitating problem-solving, networking, and innovation. With the CoP, ISPE aims to share best practices, engage with regulators, and collaborate with initiatives across the pharmaceutical life cycle.
Since launching the CoP, a Steering Committee has been created, composed of global sustainability experts from across the pharmaceutical industry who will lead the CoP and execute on the CoP charter and content development plans. To promote broad engagement across key topics, three sustainability subcommittees have been formed: Circular Economy; Disclosure, Organization, and Culture; and Product Stewardship. These subcommittees meet monthly and are open to any ISPE member.
Sustainability-Focused ISPE Guidance Documents
The first edition of the ISPE Good Practice Guide: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning has been helping practitioners since 2009 in designing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that meet regulatory compliance while maintaining product safety, worker safety, and comfort. The second edition, released in September 2024, presents an updated perspective on current and emerging challenges, new opportunities available to HVAC designers and engineers due to technological advancements, and recently updated regulations, including Annex 1.
The ISPE Good Practice Guide: HVAC and Process Equipment Air Filters aims to serve as a comprehensive reference for the selection, application, specification, testing, operation, and maintenance of filters within the pharmaceutical industry. Designed to complement the ISPE Good Practice Guide: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, it offers in-depth information on air filters used in HVAC and process equipment, covers current technologies and their applications in line with existing guidance, and outlines the principles and objectives of filter testing during manufacturing and post-installation, with a suggested approach for assessing life cycle costs as part of the filter selection process.
The biopharmaceutical industry has had to adapt to new technologies, evolving regulations, cost pressures, and robust product supply expectations while maintaining high-quality standards. The ISPE Baseline® Guide: Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Facilities (Third Edition) aims to help teams make informed decisions about facility design and operations, supporting a compliant and cost-effective approach to biomanufacturing facility design. Released in November 2023, the newest edition introduces new topics such as quality risk management and contamination control strategies, reinforces concepts shared in earlier versions, and provides practical examples of how to apply these concepts in practice.
The recently published ISPE Guide: Sustainability is a foundational document that presents key principles and concepts underpinning sustainable practices in every life cycle stage of pharmaceutical development and production.
ISPE Conferences Feature Sustainability Tracks
The 2025 ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference addressed key regulatory and environmental challenges related to sustainability, including proposed bans on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the shift toward greener pharmaceutical production. Session speakers shared innovative approaches for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in facility operations and design. The conference showcased cutting-edge technologies that optimize energy efficiency and support sustainable cleanroom design.
The 2025 ISPE Europe Annual Conference had a dedicated sustainability track. Industry experts and regulators discussed challenges, opportunities, and industry readiness. Speakers emphasized the need for collaboration among manufacturers, engineering companies, and suppliers to accelerate net-zero pathways. They also shared insights on sustainable facility designs and advanced methodologies tailored to achieve sustainable goals. A highlight was the disaster recovery session, which aimed to provide a roadmap for better resilience in the future. Industry experts discussed disaster preparedness and recovery, sharing personal insights from recent crises.
The 2025 ISPE Biotechnology Conference showcased a track on process intensification, continuous manufacturing, and sustainability. Experts explored how sustainability programs can reduce energy consumption, water, and material usage, as well as minimize waste products.
The 2025 ISPE Annual Meeting & Expo highlighted sustainability and supply chain resiliency with a dedicated track on these topics. Sessions focused on sustainability considerations related to Annex 1 and other regulatory guidelines, LEED v5, CO2 reductions, high-hazard manufacturing, and more, with business use cases and case study examples shared throughout the sessions.
I’m proud to be a part of ISPE as we continue to support our industry with guidance on sustainability-related initiatives and look ahead to 2026 and beyond.
