Reflecting a decades-long commitment to environmental sustainability, Solatube International, a Kingspan Light + Air company and the worldwide leading manufacturer and marketer of tubular daylighting devices (TDDs), announced it has earned recertification as both a California Green Business and Green Innovator from the California Green Business Network (CAGBN). As the organization’s highest certification tier, the Green Innovator designation recognizes businesses demonstrating exceptional leadership in sustainability through comprehensive environmental practices. Solatube completed 88 sustainability measures during the recertification process, well above the program’s 65 required benchmarks, and also achieved its first certification through the City of Vista Green Business Program.
“This recertification serves as a testament to how Solatube International has centered sustainable practices at the core of our operations for over 35 years, with our team constantly evaluating how to improve efficiency and reduce waste in meaningful ways that scale into significant value,” said Neall Digert, vice president of innovation and market development at Solatube International. “Because we engineer advanced daylighting solutions to support sustainable architecture, our team shares a deep-rooted commitment to demonstrating meaningful environmental practices across our campus.”
CAGBN coordinates the statewide, California Green Business Program, recognizing organizations that demonstrate measurable environmental leadership through energy efficiency, water conservation, pollution prevention, waste reduction and employee wellness initiatives. Beyond reducing environmental impact, these efforts help businesses improve operational efficiency while supporting healthier workplaces and more sustainable communities.
“Solatube’s commitment to sustainability is truly exceptional,” said Lindsey Potts, workforce development manager at U.S. Green Building Council California, which serves as an administrator and partner of the CAGBN. “Not only did the company achieve recertification as both a Green Business and Green Innovator, but it also completed 88 sustainability measures, well above the program’s 65 required benchmarks. It’s clear how much care and dedication the Solatube team has invested in its environmental efforts, and we’re proud to recognize their continued commitment to sustainable business practices.”
The recertification also marks Solatube International’s first certification through the City of Vista Green Business Program. When the company originally earned its Green Business certification in 2023, the City of Vista had not yet joined the California Green Business Network, so the certification was administered through the City of Carlsbad’s program. Following Vista’s participation in the network last year, Solatube is now certified through its home city’s program.
“With three certification levels, we meet businesses where they are, recognize practices and efforts they already have in place, and help them grow as sustainable leaders,” said Cassidy McCarthy, Climate Action Plan program administrator for the City of Vista. “The City is excited that Solatube has achieved the highest certification level as an Innovator Green Business, promoting sustainable culture and values both in their business and in the community.”
Implementing ongoing environmental measures across product design, manufacturing and shipping since the year 2000, Solatube International operates as a low-carbon manufacturer for direct Scope 1 carbon emissions (addressing direct greenhouse gases released from sources owned or controlled by an organization).
The company’s Vista facilities feature photovoltaic systems that generate approximately 1,323 MWh of clean energy annually, enough to power approximately 123 U.S. homes for a year. Solatube also integrates 224 of its own tubular daylighting devices throughout its campus, reducing reliance on electric lighting by capturing and delivering natural daylight into occupied spaces.
Beyond renewable energy, Solatube continues to expand waste reduction and resource conservation efforts throughout its operations. The company partners with San Diego nonprofit Plastic Beach to capture and recycle thousands of pounds of soft plastic wrap generated during its manufacturing processes each year. Through pallet reuse initiatives, reusable pallet straps and the incorporation of recycled materials into its daylighting systems, Solatube continues to reduce waste while improving the sustainability of its manufacturing operations.
Through both its operations and product innovation, Solatube continues advancing sustainable building practices worldwide. Its tubular daylighting devices deliver abundant natural daylight without solar heat gain, helping reduce reliance on electric lighting, lower HVAC loads and improve overall building energy efficiency.
Beyond its manufacturing operations, Solatube also supports regional sustainability initiatives. In 2025, the company hosted an inaugural San Diego Climate Week event at its Vista headquarters, bringing together regional businesses, municipalities and community leaders for conversations and experiences focused on advancing climate resilience. As part of its ongoing commitment to the local community, Solatube employees participate in annual neighborhood cleanup events, removing hundreds of pounds of litter each year.
