Vision-Ease Lens Converts to 100 Percent Renewable Energy

RAMSEY, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Vision-Ease Lens (VEL), a manufacturer of eyeglass lenses sold through leading optical outlets worldwide, is reducing its carbon footprint and setting new sustainability standards for manufacturers in Minnesota. Since March 1, VEL is purchasing 100 percent renewable energy at its Ramsey, Minn.-facility.

“By switching to renewable power, we will avoid the release of more than 15,000 metric tons of carbon emissions each year. This saving is equivalent to the emissions that result from burning more than one and three-quarter million gallons of gasoline.”

With its commitment to sustainability, VEL is one of Minnesota’s largest industrial companies to purchase 100 percent renewable energy. The company purchases that renewable energy from Connexus Energy, an electric distribution cooperative.

“Manufacturers have a responsibility to offer a better option for eco-minded consumers,” said Doug Hepper, president and CEO, VEL. “Reducing Vision-Ease Lens carbon emissions as a manufacturer translates directly to consumers. We’re giving them another, more important factor to consider when making lens purchases.”

The consumer aspect is an important item to consider for today’s manufacturers. Overwhelming research shows that Americans believe it is important for companies to implement environmentally friendly practices.

“A number of parties benefit when an organization chooses to operate with renewable energy. Consumers, along with other manufacturers, need to realize the positive impact renewable energy makes,” said Mark Rathbun, Renewable Energy project leader, Great River Energy. “Vision-Ease Lens is a great model and leader for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Through Connexus Energy and its wholesale power supplier, Great River Energy, all energy purchased for the Ramsey, Minn.-based facility is generated through renewable wind power.

VEL’s sustainability efforts build on significant conservation and recycling efforts that VEL has had in place over the past several years, and also sets the stage for a long-term, corporate-wide initiative.

“Converting to 100 percent renewable energy is an additional cost today, but the benefits far outweigh the cost in the long run,” said Hepper. “By switching to renewable power, we will avoid the release of more than 15,000 metric tons of carbon emissions each year. This saving is equivalent to the emissions that result from burning more than one and three-quarter million gallons of gasoline.”

In addition to the conversion to renewable power, VEL has already engaged in a number of other eco-friendly initiatives. By eliminating extra product shipments for manufacturing, VEL saved more than 12,500 gallons of gas in 2006 by producing its proprietary, award winning LifeRx™ photochromic lenses in one facility. This has also saved 113 metric tons of CO2 emissions – equivalent to the electricity for 15 homes for one year.

And by replacing all lighting in the Ramsey facility with energy efficient fluorescent lighting, savings have reached near 800 metric tons of CO2 emissions since the conversion in January 2007.

“We’re taking meaningful steps in reducing the carbon footprint, waste generation and energy consumption,” said Hepper. “Making the shift to 100 percent renewable energy benefits Minnesota energy sources, Vision-Ease Lens customers, employees, shareholders and, ultimately, the environment.”

* Please contact Anne Cloeter at 651.286.6746 or anne@risdall.com to:

Schedule an interview with Doug Hepper, president and CEO of Vision-Ease Lens
Schedule an interview with Mark Rathbun, Renewable Energy project leader, Great River Energy
Obtain b-roll video footage of the Vision-Ease Lens Ramsey, Minn.-facility
Obtain high-resolution images

About Vision-Ease Lens

Headquartered in Ramsey, Minn., Vision-Ease Lens is a manufacturer of quality ophthalmic lenses including LifeRx™ photochromic lenses, Coppertone™ polarized lenses, SunRx® polarized lenses, and Illumina® progressive line-free lenses. Vision-Ease Lens products are sold through independent opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists, as well as many retail chains and dispensing markets across the country. For more information about Vision-Ease Lens and its products, visit www.vision-ease.com