Solar now powers Swiss production in Romont

In another step forward in its commitment to protect what’s important, Vetrotech Saint-Gobain has installed more than 3,200 photovoltaic panels atop 6,335 square meters of the roof of its factory in Romont, Switzerland. With this investment, the factory has exceeded its commitment to power the production of CONTRAFLAM fire-rated glazing with renewable energy, previously achieved solely through the purchase of hydroelectric power. This move allows the company to now produce part of their energy locally and contribute to the production of renewable energy for the local electric grid.

Vetrotech has signed an agreement with VETSUN SA. By leasing its roof for the operation of photovoltaic panels for a period of 25 years, Vetrotech benefits from the solar energy produced for its CONTRAFLAM glazing production, while the surplus is sent to the grid. The installation is expected to reach a maximum production of 1,313 kilowatts at peak hours and cover 25% of the factory’s electricity needs. The remaining energy for the plant continues to be supplied through an agreement to purchase renewable electricity from a local utility provider.

Our photovoltaic installation was driven by our commitment to play an active role in supporting the communities in which we live and work. Vetrotech’s sustainability and social responsibility commitments are deeply entwined, and this move allows us to create real progress in both areas.

Cederic Berg, director of Vetrotech’s Romont plant.

This installation is one of several steps the Romont factory has taken in 2023 as part of its sustainability commitment. Earlier in the year, the plant installed a second tempering furnace, which allowed it to relocate all tempered glass production to its Romont plant and end the purchase of tempered glass produced by a German plant fueled by fossil fuels (coal). Bringing tempering in-house also reduces the emissions generated during the transportation of glass. Through this single investment, Vetrotech has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 445 tons a year.

In addition, the factory is preparing to shift to more sustainable heat sources. By the end of 2023, the factory’s heat will make the switch from natural gas-powered heating to geothermal heat supplied by local plants. The move is expected to further reduce CO2 emissions by 132 tons per year.

For Vetrotech, protecting people and property is what we do – and sustainability is a natural extension of this work. While our corporate goal is to reach net-zero carbon by 2050, we recognize that we can’t drive progress without supporting our partners, customers, and communities in their own environmental commitments. As leaders in fire-rated glass production, we take seriously our unique ability to select suppliers, testing labs, and other partners that can contribute to responsibly minimizing our ecological footprint from raw material selection to final product delivery. An uncompromising approach to safety isn’t possible if it doesn’t also include action for the wellbeing of communities and the environment.

Uncompromising advocacy. Honest ambitions. Verifiable transparency. Our approach to safety inspires our approach to sustainability.