Choosing to purchase green power instead of sticking to conventionally sourced electricity is an important way for individuals, organizations, and businesses to shrink their carbon footprint and help further the development of green energy technologies.
The U.S. EPA, sponsor of the Green Power Partnership program, co-sponsors the Green Power Leadership Awards each year to recognize businesses, individuals, and organizations which have contributed substantially to increasing America’s energy security through their investment in green electricity during the past year. Nominations ended on May 18 for the 2010 awards, which will be given in Portland, Oregon, at the Renewable Energy Markets Conference in October. Awards are given for purchasers (by the EPA), suppliers (by the U.S. Department of Energy), and market development (by the Center for Resource Solutions).
The EPA’s awards to purchasers include the Green Power Partner of the Year, the Green Power Community of the Year (new category), On-Site Generation, and Green Power Purchase. Winners of these prestigious awards publicly demonstrate their environmental leadership, get recognition from the EPA, and get to participate in the Renewable Energy Markets Conference, which brings important green energy stakeholders together.
Last year’s Green Power Partners of the Year were Deutsche Bank AG, Intel Corporation, Kohl’s Department Stores, and Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc. The winners in the Green Power Purchasing Category were Beaulieu Commercial, Bloomberg LP, EarthColor, Inc., Foulger-Pratt Management, Inc., Motorola, Inc., Neenah Paper, Inc., Shaklee Corporation, Steelcase USA, The Joinery, and Western Pennsylvania Energy Consortium. Recognition for on-site generation went to Applied Materials, Inc., Butte College, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. / California and Texas Facilities. In addition to the EPA’s awards, the Department of Energy recognized 3Degrees, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Central Vermont Public Service Corporation – Cow Power™, Madison Gas and Electric Company, and Puget Sound Energy. CRS gave awards to Bonneville Environmental Foundation, PepsiCo, AmerenUE, and Edward Holt. Which sustainable businesses do you think will be recognized this year for their investment in clean, green energy?
Photo via Lance Cheung