Trina Solar, a global leader in PV modules, solutions, and services, this week announced it was ranked number one for its environmental and social performance in the 2014 Solar Scorecard, an award system established by the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition (SVTC).
Trina Solar received a score of 92 out of 100, the highest among all 29 competing solar companies, including SunPower, First Solar, SolarWorld, REC, Panasonic, Sharp and Yingli.
The 2014 Solar Scorecard ranks global PV module manufacturers for 12 factors: extended producer responsibility (EPR); emissions transparency; chemical reduction plan; workers' rights; health and safety; supply chains; conflict materials; module toxicity; high value recycling; prison labor; biodiversity and water, energy and GHGs.
Judging was based on 12 criteria, of which Trina Solar ranked first among all participants for 11 and scored full marks for eight.
SVTC's Solar Scorecard, now in its fifth year, aims to ensure the solar PV sector is safe for workers, communities and the environment.
It reveals how companies perform on SVTC's sustainability and social justice benchmarks and is a resource for consumers, institutional purchasers, investors, installers, and anyone wishing to purchase PV modules from responsible product stewards.
According to SVTC's published statement, over the next two years, SVTC will develop the scorecard into an environmental leadership standard endorsed by multiple stakeholder groups.
"We are delighted to be the top-ranked company once again in this year's SVTC ranking," said Jifan Gao, chairman and CEO of Trina Solar.
"Solar energy brings clean energy to mankind yet the PV industry still faces critical environmental challenges particularly as demand grows.
"Ranking number one for the third consecutive year demonstrates our leadership in consistently reducing the use of toxic chemicals, developing responsible recycling systems and protecting workers throughout the manufacturing supply chain, while at the same time fulfilling our commitment to producing premier solar modules.
"We remain deeply committed to achieving our environmental and social targets and to shaping a truly clean and green solar industry."
The SVTC 2014 Solar Scorecard is available here.
