Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Gilead Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company based in Foster City, California. It is known for HIV medicines like Biktarvy and Descovy, as well as treatments for hepatitis, cancer, and cell therapies such as Yescarta. Gilead's work covers virology, oncology, inflammation, cell therapy, pharmaceutical research, and global drug manufacturing. Daniel O'Day is the Chairman and CEO. Since Gilead depends on research labs, cell therapy manufacturing, and pharmaceutical production, water use is a relevant part of its ESG performance.

Gilead completed the irrigation modernization project in California's Central Valley. The company has partnered with the Pacific Institute, Netafim, LimnoTech, General Mills, and Keurig Dr Pepper to transition five family-owned farms from flood to drip irrigation and reduce water consumption by 2025. For example, Gilead transformed the irrigation system on 60 acres and decreased the water used by 40 million gallons, equivalent to 151 million liters or 151,000 cubic meters per year. Moreover, Gilead irrigation has improved the functionality of the land and sustainability outcomes, including biodiversity, to advance the environmental pillar.

Gilead's La Verne, California, manufacturing site has increased water reuse through the modification of steam generators. Previously, the facility had been using water that had been discharged from the steam generators for low-pressure boilers. At the same time, Gilead La Verne is now reusing water from the steam generators in the cooling towers, reducing the consumption of water that has been purified and softened by 1,386 kiloliters (1,386 cubic meters) of water per year.

Gilead's research and manufacturing facilities and sites participating in the company's water conservation plan in Edmonton achieved significant water conservation results by optimizing the high-purity water systems. For example, the modification of equipment that produces ultra-high purity water has decreased water use by more than 2 million gallons (7,600 cubic meters) per year.