Press release
First Solar Issues 2022 Sustainability Report Showcasing Continued Progress on Environmental, Social, and Governance Metrics
Reports lower greenhouse gas emissions, manufacturing energy, water and waste intensity TEMPE, Ariz., July 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Solar, Inc.
About this update from First Solar, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Reports lower greenhouse gas emissions, manufacturing energy, water and waste intensity\nTEMPE, Ariz., July 26, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Solar, Inc. (Nasdaq: FSLR) today announced that it has issued its 2022 Sustainability Report highlighting its continued, industry-leading environmental, social, and governance (ESG) progress. The only US-headquartered company among the world’s ten largest solar manufacturers, First Solar’s responsibly produced photovoltaic (PV) solar modules have the lowest carbon and water footprint and fastest energy payback time of any commercially available PV technology today. “By placing Responsible Solar at the heart of our business and investing in innovation and scale, First Solar is an example of how solar can be competitive without compromising on principles and purpose,” said Mark Widmar, chief executive officer, First Solar. “We have consistently demonstrated that the solar-at-any-cost approach, which turns a blind eye to human and environmental costs of PV manufacturing, does not have to be the norm and that Responsible Solar is now a competitive differentiator.” Highlights in First Solar’s 2022 Sustainability Report include: A 13% year-on-year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions intensity. The company remains on track to achieve its science-based target of reducing its absolute scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, from a 2008 baseline, by 34% by 2028 and net-zero emissions by 2050 in line with limiting global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius.An 8% year-on-year reduction in manufacturing energy intensity and a cumulative reduction in manufacturing energy intensity per watt by 65% since 2009. First Solar’s manufacturing energy intensity includes all processes, from the beginning of its manufacturing process to finished module. The company set a target to improve global energy efficiency per watt produced by 74% by 2028, from a 2009 baseline.A 32% year-on-year reduction in manufacturing water intensity and a 78% reduction since 2009. Water recycling initiatives saved more than 268 million liters of water in 2021. After surpassing a previous water intensity target seven years early, First Solar set a new target of an 87% reduction in water intensity per watt compared to its 2009 baseline.An 8% year-on-year reduction in manufacturing waste intensity and a 55% reduction since 2012.A...