PINELLAS PARK, Fla.—As part of its commitment to environmental sustainability, Transitions Optical, Inc. says it is minimizing its energy consumption and taking steps to become carbon neutral. In 2009, the company reduced resource usage across its U.S. operations, achieving a 15 percent reduction in consumption of electricity, 34 percent in water and 10 percent in gas.

For 2010, Transitions Optical is also supporting the generation of renewable energy from wind farms, and offsetting its remaining carbon footprint in the U.S. This includes the purchase of Green-e Energy certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to match 100 percent of its electricity use at U.S. facilities, and the purchase of Green-e Climate certified carbon offsets to counteract all direct greenhouse gas emissions generated at company-owned facilities, as well as all business-related employee air and car travel.

“Transitions is proud to be working on offsetting our carbon footprint through various means, including the support of renewable energy sources and the continual implementation of operating changes,” said Vincent Sweeney, director, Americas operations, Transitions Optical.

Steps taken by Transitions to reduce electricity use and other emissions at its global facilities since 2008 include the installation of variable frequency drive motors, work efficiencies to eliminate weekend production, building management system adjustments and rain water collection for reuse in cooling towers.

The certified RECs and carbon offsets will be supplied by renewable energy developer and marketer Community Energy, which delivers renewable energy and carbon reduction options.

For more information about individual plans or small-business plans offered for eyecare practices and labs to become more carbon neutral call (866) 946-3123 or visit communityenergyinc.com.