National Geographic Society Buys 100% Wind Power

Pepco Energy Services will provide Green-e Certified RECs from Sterling Planet, representing wind-generating resources across the U.S.

"Purchasing wind power is part of National Geographic's commitment to incorporate environmentally friendly processes into all aspects of its business," said Christopher Liedel, National Geographic's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "As a result of our efforts to minimize the environmental impact of our operations, National Geographic headquarters is one of only 28 existing office buildings in the country currently 'green certified' by the U.S. Green Building Council."

Other notable organizations that have purchased green energy from Pepco Energy Services include the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Department of Labor, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior. In addition, Pepco Energy Services currently supplies 100% renewable resources to the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum on Ellis Island, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency headquarters, located in Washington, DC.

Electricity produced from renewable resources reduces the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), a key greenhouse gas, as well as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emitted into the atmosphere. Wind energy is particularly effective in reducing greenhouse gases, because no air emissions are associated with operating wind generators.

"Thanks to energy-saving initiatives implemented since 2001," Liedel added, "the Society is now using 2.7 million kilowatt-hours less per year than five years ago."