Boston Scientific Corp. celebrated Earth Week by inaugurating a 3,900 panel rooftop solar installation atop the company's international distribution center. The event showcased the company's commitment to supporting renewable energy and sustainability initiatives. "Boston Scientific is proud to be the host of one of the largest rooftop solar installations in Massachusetts," said Ken Pucel, executive vice president, global operations, quality and technology, Boston Scientific. "We support efforts to enhance environmental performance and integrate environmental sustainability into our processes. This project is one of the many ways we show our commitment to sustainable principles across the organization." The 1.28-megawatt solar energy system generates an average of 1,685,000 kilowatt-hours a year, or enough electricity to serve 145 average-sized American homes a year. The installation covers 120,000 s/f on a roof that is 850,000 s/f in size and powers 25% of the Boston Scientific international distribution center. This is the third-largest rooftop solar installation in the state, according to data provided by the Mass. Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The project was developed by HelioSage Energy in collaboration with Consolidated Edison Solutions, Inc. ConEdison Solutions serves as project owner/operator and sells the electricity produced by the system to Boston Scientific through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement. "ConEdison Solutions is proud to work with Boston Scientific, one of the world's outstanding leaders in the medical device industry," said Michael Gibson, vice president, Energy Services, ConEdison Solutions. "Boston Scientific deserves praise for its leadership. We appreciate its visionary approach to sustainability." "Thanks to the leadership of companies like Boston Scientific, Massachusetts is a national clean energy leader," said Rick Sullivan, secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. "Boston Scientific - working in cooperation with ConEdison Solutions and HelioSage - tapped state incentives that promote investment in renewable energy sources. With the vigorous encouragement of the Patrick-Murray Administration, these incentives are playing a key role in affirming Massachusetts' status as a solar leader. We encourage the private sector to follow Boston Scientific's lead and help expand Massachusetts' embrace of clean and renewable power." Underscoring the international commitment by Boston Scientific to environmental sustainability, the Quincy complex is one of 13 sites worldwide certified under the globally recognized ISO14001 standard for environmental management systems, as established by the International Standards Organization. Boston Scientific has also been certified in the "FTSE4Good" Corporate Social Responsibility Index fund since 2004. Managed by the London Stock Exchange Group, the stock index measures the performance of companies that meet globally recognized standards of corporate responsibility. Local students, who are part of the Quincy community's High School Electricians Core Competency Program, attended an educational seminar on solar power electrical generation to prepare for the event and participate in the celebration. Shown (from left) are: State senator John Keenan; David Sapienza, Boston Scientific; Michael Gibson, ConEdison Solutions; Tim Pratt, Boston Scientific; Leonard Sarapas, Boston Scientific; mayor Thomas Koch, Norman Birenbaum, office of senator Elizabeth Warren