Inspired by Leonardo DiCaprio, TAG Heuer goes green

In an effort to reduce its carbon footprint, Swiss horology brand, TAG Heuer, has signed an agreement with Swiss energy distributor Viteos and environmental firm Planair to equip the rooftops of its four buildings with solar panels.

The company announced on Monday that it is constructing solar roofing for their factories in La Chauds-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

This announcement coincides with the release of the Aquaracer 500M, co-designed by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio as part of an initiative to raise money in support of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Green Cross International, two leading environmental organizations in the world.

The decision to undertake the feasibility study came at the direction of Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO, following DiCaprio's visit of the TAG Heuer factory in March this year.

Leonardo visited the factory with an eye on everything that could be done to reduce our energy consumption. His factory visit in La Chaux-de-Fonds turned into an inspiring and creative environmental audit. Leonardo combined his environmental mind with a highly respectful approach toward our staff, making his visit an impactful highlight of TAG Heuer's 150th anniversary celebration, said Babin in a statement.

The project, expected to cost around 750,000 Swiss Francs, is co-financed by Tag Heuer and Viteos. Prior to reaching this decision to construct the solar roofing, a number of feasibility tests on the various options were conducted by the company.

It was only during the end of September that an agreement on the photovoltaic roofs was reached. The deal will commit TAG Heuer and Viteos for a minimum of 15 years for the installation of over 500 photovoltaic panels.