Carbon dioxide, produced by burning fossil fuels to drive cars and heat homes and offices, is creating a greenhouse effect that is warming the planet. By cutting back on energy use and shifting to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, we can be part of the solution to global warming.

At REI, we are reducing our own greenhouse gas emissions in order to reduce our footprint on the planet. Through a variety of initiatives, we are adopting green energy strategies, such as increasing our purchases of green power, achieving greater energy efficiencies throughout our business.

Green Power

We purchased 11 million kilowatt hours of green power in 2006—equal to approximately 20 percent of our electricity usage nationwide. These green energy purchases:

• Place REI on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Green Power Partnership top 10 list of retailers in the country purchasing green power in 2006
• Supply 100 percent of the energy for 20 of REI's retail stores
• Represent roughly the annual power usage for 1,100 average U.S. homes
• Reduces our impact by more than 5,500 tons of carbon dioxide (equivalent to taking 1,100 cars off the road for one year)

REI is a founding member of the Seattle Climate Partnership, a group of Seattle-area employers working together on climate issues, and a member of the leadership club of the EPA's Green Power Partnership.

Energy Efficiency

While the purchase of green power helps reduce our carbon dioxide emissions, we also recognize the need for further energy efficiencies throughout our business.

Our efforts center on utilizing new energy efficient lighting and other technologies in our retail stores, increasing our focus on green building strategies and considering energy-efficient transportation options.

The Journey Ahead

We are committed to finding additional ways to decrease our energy consumption and reduce environmental impacts from greenhouse gas emissions. Going forward, we will seek additional sources of green power and collaborate with others to identify innovative sustainable solutions for our energy needs.

What You Can Do

Businesses and individuals can have a positive impact on addressing climate change. Here are some suggestions for ways consumers can make a difference. Contact your local energy provider for additional ideas.

• Bike to work
• Share a ride, carpool, vanpool or take public transportation
• Turn off the lights in your home and workplace when not in use
• Consider buying a hybrid or bio-diesel fuel vehicle
• Buy green energy for your home