As I sit here, sipping my morning coffee and gazing out the window, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and optimism about the future of renewable energy. It’s a topic that has captured my imagination, and I’m eager to share with you the incredible strides that businesses and communities are making in embracing clean, sustainable power.
Powering the Future, One Company at a Time
Let me start by highlighting some of the corporate trailblazers who are leading the charge towards a renewable energy revolution. Take Intel, for instance – the tech giant has been the largest voluntary corporate purchaser of green power in the United States for eight consecutive years. In 2015, they met 100% of their U.S. electricity use with a staggering 3.4 billion kilowatt-hours of renewable power, generated from sources like wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass.
But Intel isn’t just talking the talk; they’re also walking the walk. They’ve installed the largest wind micro-turbine array in the U.S. on the roof of their worldwide headquarters, and they’ve facilitated an impressive 18 on-site solar plants across their facilities, representing a growing installed solar capacity of approximately 7,000 kW.
And let’s not forget about Kohl’s, the department store chain that has been recognized by the EPA as the top green power-using retailer in the country every year since 2009. With over 1,000 of their 1,160 stores in 49 states being Energy Star-certified, and 163 locations featuring on-site solar panels, Kohl’s is proving that sustainable practices can be both good for the planet and good for business.
Defending the Rink: The NHL’s Commitment to Clean Energy
But it’s not just tech giants and retailers leading the charge – even the world of professional sports is getting in on the renewable energy action. The National Hockey League (NHL) has been a trailblazer in this regard, launching its “NHL Green” initiative back in 2010 to address the effects of climate change and freshwater scarcity on the sport of hockey.
Since then, the NHL has become the first professional sports organization or league to make the EPA’s Green Power Partnership National Top 100 list, ranking as the 17th-largest user of green power in the United States. They’ve also earned a 2015 Green Power Leadership Award from the EPA, and have even gone so far as to counterbalance all greenhouse gas emissions from their activities, starting in the 2014 season.
As NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has eloquently stated, “We believe that this effort is not only the right thing to do for the environment, but is also a core strategy for the long-term success of our League. We have a vested interest in this cause.”
Retail Giants and Tech Titans: Leading the Charge
But the renewable energy revolution isn’t just limited to tech companies and sports leagues – even retail giants like Walmart are getting in on the action. While their competitor, Target, took the top spot as the leading U.S. corporate solar installer in 2016 with 145 megawatts (MW) of installed solar capacity, Walmart was a close second with 145 MW.
Walmart has been a Green Power Partner of the EPA since 2009, and they currently rank 9th on the agency’s National Top 100 list for total annual green power use. And they’re not resting on their laurels – the company has set some ambitious sustainability goals, including a target to be 100% powered by renewable energy, with a number of publicly-announced commitments towards that goal set for 2020.
And let’s not forget about Apple, the tech titan that has also been making waves in the renewable energy space. The company has a comprehensive climate change plan, and they’ve even designed their in-the-works new main campus in Cupertino, California, to be powered by 100% renewable energy – primarily generated by what will become one of the largest onsite corporate solar installations in the world.
In fact, Apple has gone so far as to join the RE100 initiative, a global collaborative effort of influential businesses committed to using 100% renewable electricity. And as of this year, renewable energy already accounts for 93% of their global overall operations.
Catalyzing Change: The Role of Businesses and Communities
These business giants are demonstrating incredible leadership in the fight against the climate crisis, and they’re proving that renewable energy isn’t just good for the planet – it’s also good for business. But they can’t do it alone – they need the support of both industry and world leaders to truly make climate solutions a reality.
That’s why it’s so important for businesses, resorts, and communities to take the leap and commit to 100% clean, renewable electricity. Organizations like Ski Butlers have already taken this step, and cities like Salt Lake City, Utah, Aspen, Colorado, and Park City, Utah have all committed to 100% renewable electricity as well.
By joining the Climate Reality Project’s 100 Committed campaign and pledging to shift to 100% clean, renewable power, businesses and communities can not only do their part in the fight against climate change, but they can also set themselves apart with a reputation for innovation, values-driven operations, and forward-looking leadership.
The Path Forward: Embracing a Sustainable Future
As I reflect on the incredible progress that businesses and communities are making in the renewable energy space, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism and excitement for the future. The transition to a clean, sustainable economy is well underway, and with the continued support of industry leaders, policymakers, and engaged citizens like yourself, I’m confident that we can create a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
So, what are you waiting for? Join the renewable energy revolution and explore how Firewinder can help you or your organization transition to 100% clean, renewable power. The future is bright, and it’s powered by the sun, the wind, and the collective determination of those who refuse to accept the status quo.