Solar power products manufacturer JA Solar’s emphasis on module production appears to have paid off. The company has announced that three of its cell models and three of its module models have successfully completed Intertek's Carbon Footprint Evaluation program and have been granted the Green Leaf Mark by Intertek. JA Solar is the first solar company in China to receive Green Leaf Mark verification for its products. In the second quarter of 2012, China saw a surge in investment to US$18.3bn, up 92% from the previous quarter.
Intertek's Green Leaf Mark is a consumer product systems certification used to demonstrate that environmental claims have been independently verified. The evaluation process integrates both on-site audits and life cycle assessment (LCA) measures. The Green Leaf Mark is currently available for use outside of North America on product packaging and in point-of-purchase displays, product advertising and literature, to explain a product's environmental credentials.
Dr. Peng Fang, chief executive officer of JA Solar, said, "JA Solar has long been committed to reducing our environmental impact from production and to providing our customers with environmentally friendly products. The cooperation with Intertek enables us to monitor our products' carbon footprint on a regular basis. By optimizing bill of material selection and streamlining the manufacturing process, we can further reduce carbon emissions from our production. We look forward to working with Intertek to promote environmental awareness and establish emissions standards in the solar industry."
Christophe Liebon, vice president of environmental impact solutions at Intertek, added, "Consumers increasingly demand evidence that the products they are using are as environmentally friendly as they claim to be. Whether for the purpose of communicating a product's environmental credentials, or complying with environmental regulations, it is crucial for manufacturers and retailers to be transparent in their commitment to protecting the environment. We are delighted to collaborate with JA Solar and support the Company in calculating and communicating its products' carbon footprint. We are confident that the Intertek Green Leaf Mark will further enhance JA Solar's reputation as a company that is taking a lead on environmental responsibility."