Rolex’s new manufacture site. (Photo credit: Antoine Vullioud)
According to an environmental impact report released this week, Rolex’s future manufacture in Bulle will include upgraded initiatives, revealing an internal commitment to sustainability by the brand.
The report shows that 98% of heating needs will be covered by just renewables, including geothermal probes and recovered machine heat from the manufacture. Cooling systems will rely at 100% on renewable energy, supplemented by rooftop solar panels. In a contract signed with Gruyère Energie SA, Rolex will buy renewable electricity from the local energy company.
Rolex has also set in place plans to dispose safely of hazardous materials, including cutting oils, solvents and acids. Production waste will be categorized and treated, alongside regular industrial and non-recyclable waste. Although the exact industrial processes are not finalized, the environmental impact report draws on experience from other Rolex sites to anticipate the potential footprint.
For complete coverage of Rolex’s newest site, follow Coronet’s reports about Bulle, including Rolex’s project to plant 500 trees around the manufacture.