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Global Citizenship
Product Stewardship
 As part of HelioVolt's product stewardship we utilize only Oxygen, Argon and Nitrogen as process gases – in stark contrast to the variety of toxic and pyrophoric gases (Silane, Phosphine (PH3), Arsine (AsH3)) used by comparable PV manufacturers utilize in their manufacturing. We do not use hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and hydrofluorinated ethers (HFE) (powerful green House gases) typically used in semiconductors and some PV manufacturing, to clean product and/or equipment. HelioVolt's products are all lead-free. |
At HelioVolt, corporate responsibility and exceptional product stewardship are what drive us in everything we do. All of our programs are guided by one common commitment: to do what is right for our customers, our employees, our communities and the environment. We are continually reviewing and improving our efforts to lessen our impact on the environment and uphold the highest ethical standards in everything from research and development to manufacturing and sales. And, we are continuing to drive solar innovation to power a sustainable world that meets the challenges of today, and tomorrow.
HelioVolt Corporation is not only committed to protecting the environment we are also committed to protecting the welfare of our employees, customers, stockholders, and the communities in which we operate. Through continual improvement of our EH&S performance, beyond standard regulatory compliance, our goal is to reduce EH&S impacts associated with our products, packaging, processes, and facilities by:
- Customers – Providing customers with information regarding relevant EH&S aspects of handling, use, and disposition of our products.
- Employees – Implementing systems to reduce risks and to prevent injury to our employees.
- EH&S Preparedness – Maintaining contingency plans to minimize and respond to accidental releases and emergencies.
- Contractors and Suppliers – Examining and guiding the EH&S practices of contractors and suppliers.
- Pollution Prevention – Managing and reducing the consumption of raw materials and natural resources, and the generation of waste through design, reuse and recycling.
- Performance Metrics – Improving performance by monitoring and measuring compliance with this Policy's commitments.
- Communication – Providing information regarding EH&S performance through dialogue, training, and openness with our employees, customers, and communities.
- Recycling of materials used in our operation, wood pallets, white paper, aluminum – misc metal, plastics, cardboard, glass.
Demonstrating Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
As part of HelioVolt's ongoing commitment to creating a sustainable world, HelioVolts' facilities are built to meet LEED certification requirements. LEED-certified buildings are designed to: lower operating costs and increase asset value, reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, be healthier and safer for occupants and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
HelioVolt's current facilities achieves these goals by:
- Water use reduction of up to 40% versus benchmarks for "typical" buildings
- HVAC systems use enhanced refrigerant management to minimize ozone depletion
- Optimization of energy efficiency – approximately 20% better than code-required minimums
- Energy efficiency strategies include energy efficient T8 fluorescent light fixtures, high-efficiency chilled water system, vent cycles on air handlers, economizer for process cooling loads
- Use of building materials with recycled content and low VOC emissions (adhesives, sealants, paint, carpet systems, ceiling tiles, composite wood and laminate adhesives)
- Construction waste management to reduce the amount of construction waste going into the landfill by 75%
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