9.07.2006 - 09:00am ET

(CSRwire) SEATTLE - Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), a national retail cooperative providing quality outdoor gear and apparel, announced today that it will purchase an additional 1 million kilowatt hours of wind power annually to supply its three stores in Maryland.

"Global warming resulting from greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels threatens the ecology of the planet," said Kevin Hagen, REI corporate social responsibility program manager. "As a retailer that promotes the responsible enjoyment of the outdoors and active conservation, we believe it is appropriate to look at our business operations to reduce negative impacts on the environment."

Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) helped REI broker the wind power purchase for REI stores in Timonium, Rockville and College Park. The product combines an energy supply contract with Pepco Energy Services with Green-e certified renewable energy contracts (RECs) provided by Sterling Planet.

"REI customers love the outdoors and REI is making the most direct commitment any retailer can make to protect the outdoors by buying clean energy to stop global warming and air pollution," said Gary Skulnik, CEP executive director.

The addition of the three Maryland stores brings the total number of stores powered by renewable energy to 20 out of 85. Sources of green power include wind, landfill gas and solar and represent more than 20 percent of REI's electrical use. The total annual purchase is more than 11 million kilowatt hours, equal to the electricity needed to power more than 1,100 homes. The switch to renewable resources also eliminates more than 6,000 tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing more than 1,100 cars from the road.

REI's green power purchases ranks it among the top 10 retail members of Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Green Power Partnership.

REI has committed to purchasing 100 percent of its electricity from new renewable energy resources in any region where qualifying, Green-e certified, green power contracts are available. In addition to the Maryland stores, other purchases include the following stores and suppliers:

Pittsburgh; Community Energy; source: wind

About Clean Energy Partnership (CEP)
CEP is a non-profit, non-partisan group that is organizing businesses in Maryland, District of Columbia and Virginia to support positive actions to fight the biggest environmental challenge of our time - global warming. CEP has almost 60 business members and hundreds of supporters who help it advocate for environmental policies, educate the public and promote clean energy solutions. It was founded in 2004.

About Pepco Energy Services, Inc.
Pepco Energy Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc., provides residential, commercial, institutional, government and industrial customers comprehensive energy management solutions including the supply of electricity and natural gas; energy efficiency projects; fuel management services; heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; lighting; onsite generation; project financing; and energy operations and maintenance services.

About Sterling Planet
With offices in Atlanta, Tulsa, San Diego and New York, Sterling Planet is the first company to offer 100 percent renewable energy nationwide. Sterling Planet has emerged as a national leader in bringing environmentally friendly energy solutions to U.S. consumers and businesses through direct business-to-consumer sales and utility/ESCO partnerships.

About Green-e
The San Francisco based non-profit, the Center for Resource Solutions, launched Green-e as the nation's first voluntary certification and verification program for renewable electricity products. Since 1997, Green-e has become the most recognized certification system helping consumers identify superior renewable energy products sold in competitive retail electricity markets, regulated markets, and nationwide through renewable energy certificates (RECs).

About EPA's Green Power Partnership
EPA's Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program helping to increase
the use of green power among leading U.S. organizations. The program
encourages organizations to purchase green power as a way to reduce the
risk of climate change and environmental impacts associated with
conventional electricity use. Partners include a wide variety of
leading organizations such as Fortune 500 companies, local, state, and
federal governments, trade associations, as well as colleges and
universities.

About REI
REI is an outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its 2.8 million active members for a lifetime of outdoor adventure. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI operates retail stores nationwide, two online stores - REI.com and REI-OUTLET.com - and an adventure travel company, REI Adventures. REI offers products from all of the top brands for human-powered outdoor recreation, including its own line of award-winning gear and apparel. While anyone may join or shop at REI, members pay a one-time $15 fee and receive a share in the company's profits through an annual member refund based on their purchases. As an active supporter of communities in which it does business, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through education, gear donations and financial contributions.

For more information please contact:

Mike Foley, Senior Public Relations Associate
253-395-8252

For more CSR news and information from this organization:

Corporate Social Responsibility Profile for Recreational Equipment, Inc.

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