First company to receive WindMade label
Danish hearing aid manufacturer Widex International, Lynge, became the first company in the world to receive the WindMade label. Under the rules, participating companies must obtain at least 25 % of their electricity from wind power. In fact, Widex’s new global headquarters in Denmark covers 95 % of its energy needs from a single wind turbine on site, including production. The building, which houses more than 800 employees, also has solar cells on the facade and an Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage system (ATES) for heating and cooling.
WindMade is a new renewable energy label announced by Vestas at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi in January 2011. The label would recognise a company’s commitment to renewable energy while providing consumers with a way to favour companies and products using wind power. WindMade was set up as a non-profit organisation based in Brussels.
Richard Tøpholm, member of the Board at Widex, said: "As a high tech company, we have an uncompromising approach to innovation and we always strive to find the best solution. By completely eliminating the use of fossil fuels, we believe that we have created the best possible foundation for the future – both for our company and for society."
Henrik Kuffner, CEO of WindMade, said: “We congratulate Widex as the first ever WindMade certified company. By committing to renewable energy and using the WindMade label, Widex has set a great example that will inspire companies and consumers all over the world.”
Other major companies under consideration for certification include Becton Dickinson, Motorola, Deutsche Bank and PricewaterhouseCoopers Denmark.
(Elizabeth Block)
