In 2006 REI made a commitment to buy 100 percent of our electricity from new renewable energy sources anywhere in the United States where we can find green power offerings that meet our renewable energy requirements.* By year end, we had signed multi-year energy contracts for 20 stores, totaling more than 11 million kilowatt hours or approximately 20 percent of our total electricity usage.
Our actions have been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership, where we rank in the top 10 retail green power purchasers in the country.
Wind, solar and other renewable power choices reduced our 2006 GHG emissions from electricity usage by about 31 percent from 2005. In addition, by using renewable energy we reduced our exposure to fossil fuel markets and saved an estimated $100,000 by avoiding fuel cost surcharges and other rate increases.
We are currently working with utility companies and third-party suppliers to encourage them to offer high-quality commercial green power contracts in more areas so that REI and other businesses in our communities can take advantage of the benefits of renewable energy.
* REI's renewable energy requirements include long-term direct energy contracts and the use of the Green-e certification standard.
