April 21, 2006—Outdoor gear retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc., (REI) recently pledged to purchase 10 million kilowatt hours of green power, or 20% of the company’s national electricity usage. REI says that in addition to its existing grants program supporting volunteers caring for public lands and introducing young people to outdoor recreation, the company is taking a close look at its business practices to reduce its environmental footprint.
The purchase of wind, landfill gas, and solar-generated electricity will provide 100% of the power for 17 of REI’s 82 retail stores, and is reportedly equivalent to the annual use of more than 1,000 average homes.
According to the company, this switch to renewable resources eliminates over 5,500 tons of CO2.
REI also selected qualifying, Green-e certified, renewable energy contracts.
In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in most cases these contracts also reportedly reduce the company’s exposure to fossil fuel surcharges.
REI has joined the Green Power Partnership, a voluntary partnership between the US Environmental Protection Agency and organizations interested in buying green power. REI’s purchase of 10 million kilowatts will place the company among the top ten retailers in the country purchasing green power.
REI also has announced that it will be a founding member of the Seattle Climate Partnership, a group of Seattle employers working together on climate issues.
