As the world has faced extraordinary challenges over the last several years – whether referring to the pandemic, country conflicts, natural disasters or resource challenges and shortages – it has created  moments, big and small, for Edwards Lifesciences to lead in ensuring healthy and sustainable relationships with all of our stakeholders as we focus on and serve patients.

When Edwards was established in 2000, we formed the company around a Credo and Aspirations to define our culture and guide our actions. We defined who we are, what we do and how we serve others: patients, employees, customers, suppliers, communities and shareholders.

We have always operated in a multi-stakeholder model because it is fundamental to our ability to grow the value of Edwards over the long term. Sustaining the long-term growth and value creation of our company requires us to integrate sustainability practices into every corner of Edwards. We are not singular in emphasis, for example, solely thinking about the environment, particular social issues or governance; rather, we align our global company with our strategy and processes to pursue this vision.

I am pleased to welcome you to Edwards Lifesciences’ 2021 Sustainability Report, which details the continued progress and commitment of Edwards to address the needs of our stakeholders globally and to create shared value in the communities in which we operate, now and for future generations.

Throughout 2021, our nearly 16,000 employees worldwide continued to focus on patients and overcame the challenges of our dynamic environments to ensure our life-saving and life-enhancing therapies were delivered to patients in need. At the same time, our teams achieved key milestones, such as research and development, clinical trials and evidence generation to support our future therapies, in support of our long-term innovation strategy.

Our Credo and Aspirations help us define our company’s strategic priorities and objectives. As detailed in this report, our sustainability strategy, including our measurable sustainability targets, is also fully aligned with our values and business strategy. Following the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG), we focus our efforts on those goals where we believe we can have the greatest impact – UN SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being; UN SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; and UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

We made marked progress over the last year in the growth of our global teams while also continuing a focus on diversity, inclusion and belonging, as well as community engagement, at our global facilities. Notably in this year’s report, we are establishing a target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 and 1.5° C science-based targets. Through expansion of our global headquarters in Irvine, Calif., and construction or expansion of our manufacturing facilities in Ireland and elsewhere around the world, we have approached these projects with consideration for the environment. The new carbon neutrality target broadens our thoughtful focus to all areas of our operations as we deliver on our patient-focused innovation strategy.

We believe that by taking a long-term view and approach to our strategy and work, and continuing to maintain focused on the key stakeholders with whom we are engaged, we are creating a sustainable culture that will grow and thrive even when faced with unpredictable challenges. I am proud of our strong team, community-minded employees and patient-focused culture.

We look forward to continuing our journey at Edwards to focus, measure and communicate about the ways in which we make a sustainable impact. Thank you for your interest in our efforts, and we look forward to continued engagement with our global stakeholders to form trusted partnerships to act together with purpose, and help even more patients around the world.

Michael A. Mussallem, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer