First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) shares fall Thursday, after it today announced that its 2.7 -gigawatt (GW) vertically integrated manufacturing complex in Ohio has achieved Platinum status in a Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) Validated Assessment Program (VAP) audit. Platinum is the highest possible rating awarded on completion of a full VAP audit, which is considered a leading standard for onsite compliance verification and effective, shareable social and environmental audits across industries.
The audit was conducted at First Solar’s manufacturing facilities in Perrysburg and Lake Township, Ohio, by independent third-party auditors specially trained in social and environmental auditing and the VAP audit protocol.
It covered the full scope of the VAP, including fair labor practices and human rights, health and safety measures, environmental performance, business integrity, ethics, and supporting management systems. The rating is valid until May 5, 2024.
“We’re incredibly proud that our Ohio facilities set the benchmark for socially- and environmentally-responsible solar manufacturing, based on an independent, impartial standard used across manufacturing industries,” said CEO Mark Widmar.
First Solar joined the RBA, the world’s largest industry coalition dedicated to supporting the rights and well-being of workers and communities in the global supply chain, in 2021. The audit of its Ohio facilities was the first in a series of VAP audits that are expected to also include its other manufacturing facilities in Malaysia and Vietnam.
FSLR dipped 81 cents, or 1.1% to $70.89.
