Catawba College
Table of Contents About Renewable Choice The Problem: Electricity Production Today The Solutions: Renewable Energy Sources Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) Who can participate in Renewable Energy Common Misconceptions
Renewable Choice Energy Founded 2001 Privately held in Boulder, CO Award winning marketing Nations leading provider of RECs Fossil Fuel Free Renewable Choice helps forward-thinking individuals and companies take meaningful environmental actions without ignoring the bottom line
Client Portfolio Selected Strategic Partners - Selected Clients -
Test Your Energy IQ Source: National Environmental Education and Training Foundation 1. How is most electricity in the US generated? Is it a) Oil, coal, and gas b) Nuclear energy c) Solar energy d) Hydro-electric power
Test Your Energy IQ Source: National Environmental Education and Training Foundation 1. How is most electricity in the US generated? a) Oil, coal, and gas
Test Your Energy IQ Source: National Environmental Education and Training Foundation 1. How is most electricity in the US generated? a) Oil, coal, and gas 2. Which of the following uses the most energy in the average home? a) Lighting rooms b) Heating water c) Heating and cooling rooms d) Refrigerating food
Test Your Energy IQ Source: National Environmental Education and Training Foundation 1. How is most electricity in the US generated? a) Oil, coal, and gas 2. Which of the following uses the most energy in the average home? Is it c) Heating and cooling rooms
Test Your Energy IQ Source: National Environmental Education and Training Foundation 1. How is most electricity in the US generated? a) Oil, coal, and gas 2. Which of the following uses the most energy in the average home? c) Heating and cooling rooms 3. Though the US has only 4% of the world s population, what percentage of the world s energy does it consume? a) 5% b) 15% c) 20% d) 25%
Test Your Energy IQ Source: National Environmental Education and Training Foundation 1. How is most electricity in the US generated? a) Oil, coal, and gas 2. Which of the following uses the most energy in the average home? c) Heating and cooling rooms 3. Though the US has only 4% of the world s population, what percentage of the world s energy does it consume? d) 25%
The Grid System
Fossil Fuel Pollution According to the EPA, the way we produce electricity is the number one cause of air pollution U.S. power plants emit: 70% of the sulfur dioxide 40% of carbon dioxide 33% of nitrogen oxides 28% of particulate matter 23% of mercury & heavy metals
What are the Alternatives?
Renewable Energy Technologies Wind Small Hydro Solar Biomass & Biogas Geothermal
Why go with Renewables? Wind power, biomass, and geothermal technology are clean and renewable alternatives to fossil fuels. It just makes sense: No harmful pollution Does not consume natural resources Permanent solution, lasting and reliable Proven technology Huge potential Get Powered By Nature
Combats Global Warming The U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change cites wind power as a key mitigation technology available today to reduce carbon emissions in the energy supply. FACT: According to the American Wind Energy Association, if wind power provided 20% of the nation s electricity, an achievable goal supported by many including President Bush, it could displace enough coal-fired plants to reduce the United States carbon dioxide emissions by one third.
Supports Farmers & Rural Development Wind power provides a new source of revenue for farmers and rural communities. Wind farms can be installed without significant impacts on existing farming operations. FACT: According to the American Wind Energy Association, for a 250-acre farm, the annual income from a wind lease could be $14,000, with no more than 2-3 acres removed from production.
Ways to Create Renewable Energy Generate On-Site Purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
Renewable Energy Certificates Easiest way to buy renewable energy Add renewable electricity onto the grid Investment incentive for renewable projects Decrease dependence on fossil fuels Tracks ownership of investment Supported by Department of Energy + EPA and is Green-e audited and certified
Residential Customers According to the Environmental Protection Agency, residential electricity generated by fossil fuels is the third largest contributor of carbon dioxide emissions in the United States. Easy and inexpensive way to take responsibility for the energy used at home
Corporations Carbon reduction strategy for sustainability reports Increases customer and employee loyalty Large PR potential Opportunity to lead in industry
Case Study: Google Google Checkout reports satisfied merchants Google Checkout merchants contacted Renewable Choice Energy about directly promoting Renewable Choice Energy products Renewable Choice Energy measured increased Wind Power Card sales, site traffic, and residential sign ups
Case Study: Make Earth Day Every Day Co-branded materials were distributed to over 100,000 Whole Foods Market and Performance Bicycle customers over a 30 day period More than 5,000 people made a pledge on the custom website to reduce their environmental impact Cited as an innovative program by wind power industry media
LEED Certified Building Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design 400+ projects in 41 states, Largest and most experienced supplier of clean energy to the green building market 100% success rate on achieving LEED credit approval
Green Building Project List
The Proposition Proposition: As They Do for Organics, Consumers Will Pay Extra for Clean Energy Products = Carbon and Cost Neutrality Highly Visible Products Retail Environment Educated Customer
Its Working! In 2007, 5,244 MW of new wind turbines were put into operation Across the country More wind was added in the fourth quarter alone (2,930) than in all of 2006 (2,454)!
Environmental Impact of Green Power Your purchase of 1,638,000 kwh of renewable energy would avoid 2,232,594 pounds of CO 2 from being released into the atmosphere That s similar to not driving a car 2,437,330 miles that s the same as 10 trips to the moon! It would take 9,188 mature trees one year to soak up this much CO 2!
President s Climate Commitment Establish a policy of offsetting all greenhouse gas emissions generated by air travel paid for by our institution. AKA Carbon Offsets Within one year of signing this document, begin purchasing or producing at least 15% of our institution s electricity consumption from renewable sources. AKA RECs
Common Misconceptions
Bird Killers.
Renewable Energy Action Steps Make your family or business 100% Renewable Make your family or business Carbon-Neutral Offset your home electricity use www.renewablechoice.com John E Johnson District Sales Manager Renewable Choice Energy Phone: (303) 551-7593 Email: jjohnson@renewablechoice.com