Solar Array immediately starts reducing Bausch + Lomb’s carbon footprint through use of clean energy
FOR RELEASE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014
Bridgewater, NJ — November 12, 2014 — Bausch + Lomb, a leading global eye health company, today announced the completion of its Rochester, New York facility’s solar array. The solar array, consisting of 3,667 solar panels, is one of the largest of its kind in Rochester, Monroe County, and the Finger Lakes region and will be used to generate and supply electricity to the company’s facility providing 1.12 gigawatt/hours of electricity.
Power generated from the solar array, which is equivalent to what approximately 175 homes use annually, began supporting the facility’s operations on Friday, Nov. 7. Bausch + Lomb’s carbon footprint will be reduced by 800 tons of carbon dioxide per year and save the company at least $115,000 annually.
“We are extremely gratified to have completed this ambitious project,” said Amy Butler, Bausch + Lomb’s vice president of Global Environment, Health, Safety and Sustainability. “The solar array not only reduces our annual electricity cost, but will provide a positive sustainability influence within the city of Rochester and in the community where we live and work. The most satisfying part of the project is demonstrating to industry and the Rochester community the environmental and financial benefits of investing in clean energy.”
Through Bausch + Lomb’s continuous work in identifying areas in which improvements can be made to reduce the consumption of fuel, energy, water, and natural resources, an opportunity was realized in 2013 to utilize solar energy for its Rochester facility.
The project was carried out with the instrumental support and involvement from Governor Andrew Cuomo’s NY Sun initiative through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). It also supports New York State’s efforts to help communities become cleaner and greener.
“Congratulations to Bausch + Lomb for its leadership in embracing non-polluting, renewable energy by installing this solar electric system and setting an example for other companies,” said John B. Rhodes, president and chief executive officer, NYSERDA. “This project, supported in part by Governor Cuomo’s NY Sun initiative, is part of a statewide effort to dramatically scale up the use of solar while moving the solar industry toward self-sufficiency.”
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter personally toured the new solar array and came away impressed with the technology used and the scope of the project, but more importantly with the commitment that is being made in the resurgent Bausch + Lomb.
“The solar array installed by Bausch + Lomb and its parent company, Valeant Pharmaceuticals, in Rochester is a remarkable investment,” said Rep. Slaughter. “The energy generated will be environmentally friendly and will improve the economic operations of Bausch + Lomb‘s new manufacturing lines now being installed. This is good for our community, good for the environment and good for Bausch + Lomb.”
Bausch + Lomb expects the solar array to provide energy to its facility for a minimum of 25 years with very limited maintenance required. Additionally, the site’s walking paths will remain intact for employees to use as part of the company’s wellness initiatives.
Bausch + Lomb is pleased with the response the solar array is receiving from local government, environmental groups and local labor organizations.
“Bausch + Lomb’s solar project is an exciting effort to reduce its reliance on non-renewable energy resources. The company is to be commended for the sensitive approach it undertook with both neighbors and the environment. This was also a learning experience for the City of Rochester, as we look to update our codes and ordinances to better reflect emerging energy technologies. We are extremely pleased with the outcome,” said Mitchell Rowe, the City’s director of Planning & Zoning.
“At The Nature Conservancy, we embrace new technologies that help preserve our environment,” said Jim Howe, TheNature Conservancy’s director in Central & Western New York. “The solar array at Bausch + Lomb is a great example of what we call ‘cool green science.’ This creative project will reduce carbon emissions by 800 tons yearly. It will also produce jobs and reduce the company’s energy costs for decades to come. Think of what could happen if more businesses and companies followed Valeant and Bausch + Lomb’s example.”
“The solar array at Bausch + Lomb is the largest of its kind in the entire Finger Lakes region,” said Dave Young, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers International, Local 86. “We are proud that Bausch + Lomb is making this kind of investment here in Rochester and we are proud to have been a part of building this four acre solar plant.”
For every tree that was removed to support the construction of this project, a new tree will soon be planted to screen the solar panels and beautify the surrounding area. Bausch + Lomb has also repurposed some of the trees that were removed into benches and other pieces of art, which will be used at the facility and other company locations in the U.S.
Bausch + Lomb, a Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. company, is a leading global eye health organization that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing, and restoring people’s eyesight. Our core businesses include ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses, lens care products, ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. We develop, manufacture and market one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in our industry with products available in more than 100 countries.
About Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.
Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE/TSX: VRX) is a multinational specialty pharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of pharmaceutical products primarily in the areas of dermatology, eye health, neurology and branded generics. More information about Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. can be found at www.valeant.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the future investment in R&D programs and the related benefits and effects of such programs. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of the words “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “believes,” “estimates,” “potential,” or “continue” and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties discussed in the company’s most recent annual or quarterly report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the SEC and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Valeant undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect actual outcomes.
Source: Bausch & Lomb
