Green Mountain Energy Company Releases Sustainability Report
-
New interactive Web portal highlights company's most significant environmental benefits to date
AUSTIN, Texas, Apr 20, 2012 -- Today Green Mountain Energy Company announced the latest data on the company's sustainability efforts with the release of its 2010-2011 Sustainability Report. This is the first time the report has appeared as a standalone, interactive website, inviting widespread consumer consumption. The information shared reflects the company's dedication to carbon neutral and environmentally friendly business practices.
As the nation's longest serving green power retailer, Green Mountain's sustainability report reinforces the company mission to change the way power is made by providing added transparency into its business. This is the company's 10th sustainability report and the first time it's been offered via a consumer-friendly online portal. The combination of company growth and several new sustainable initiatives has produced the most compelling report on Green Mountain to date.
"Environmental responsibility is at the core of our business and our company culture," said Paul Thomas, president and CEO, Green Mountain. "The way we conduct business is important to our customers, our employees and the community at large. We're proud of the work we do and I'm excited to share such a powerful, transparent report in a way that makes it more accessible to the public than ever before."
Sharing the company's environmental practices has been a part of Green Mountain's business since the company was founded 15 years ago. The first report was released in 1999, with subsequent reports following at least every two years thereafter. The report announced today shares results from 2010 through 2011.
2010 -- 2011 Report highlights include:
-- Introduction of an interactive, easy to navigate format. The online site combines various digital elements that are reader-friendly, visually engaging and invites reader feedback. It also offers more flexibility for Green Mountain to refresh content as it becomes available.
-- Largest annual environmental impact from customers to date. In 2011 alone, Green Mountain customers helped avoid 4.5 billion pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2). That's the equivalent of 6 billion miles not driven or planting over 6.5 million trees!
-- Increased recycled materials within business practices. All billing envelopes for Texas residential customers were transitioned from 30% to 100% post-consumer recycled waste materials.
-- Nearly double employee participation in green commuter program. 2010 and 2011 were the strongest years for employees commuting in environmentally friendly ways to work since the program was launched in 2006. Employees saved over 62,000 miles of driving and avoided nearly 57,000 pounds of CO2 emissions.
-- Expansion of the Green Mountain Energy Sun Club(TM). Green Mountain customers have voluntarily contributed to the installation of almost 5,000 kW of new solar power on the roofs and campuses of non-profits while educating the surrounding communities on the importance of this renewable resource.
"Green Mountain is a healthy, financially sound company founded with a sustainable mission, and this report is a proof point that a company doesn't have to choose between profitability and environmental responsibility," continued Thomas. "As we grow, doing good for the environment will remain as a central pillar of our business."
The report follows indicators laid out by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) which thousands of companies consult as an international best practice guideline for sustainability reporting. The report also includes information about Green Mountain markets and products as well as its environmental standards. Examples of the company's commitment to integrity, especially within product offerings, are cited within the report including links to the company's voluntary, independent third-party "green audit" conducted annually.