ATLANTA, GA. - March 18, 2009 - Sterling Planet, a leading renewable energy and carbon solutions provider, is among the first companies in North America with a Certified Greenhouse Gas Verifier (GHG-V) on staff. Developed by industry experts, the new CSA America certification program aims to standardize GHG verification and recognize professionals who develop, quantify and report greenhouse gas emissions and removals, in addition to performing third-party greenhouse gas verification services in regulatory and voluntary markets.

Early this year, Sterling Planet participated in the expert stakeholder committee that beta tested the CSA America examination that leads to voluntary GHG verifier certification. Marcus Krembs, Sterling Planet's Director of Climate and Business Services, successfully completed the examination and became one of the industry's first graduates of the rigorous Greenhouse Gas Verifier Certification program. Along with his passing score on the certification exam, Krembs submitted evidence of his extensive GHG project implementation and auditing experience to complete the certification requirements.

"Sterling Planet is pleased to announce that we’ve earned this extra measure of credibility in the rapidly evolving carbon markets," said Mel Jones, Sterling Planet President and CEO. "Marcus’ achievement demonstrates that we fully possess the qualifications needed to verify GHG emissions claims."

CSA America, a leading developer of standards, codes and personnel certification programs, led development of the certification program with the assistance of industry stakeholders, including The Climate Registry, California Climate Action Registry, California Air Resources Board, Chicago Climate Exchange and the Ohio EPA.

This is the first program in North America for individuals who want to demonstrate that they are fully adept at conducting verifications and risk assessments of GHG emissions. Candidates for certification need to have an in-depth knowledge of GHG fundamentals, climate change science principles, as well as generally accepted protocols, standards and methodologies.

CSA America says the goal of the certification program is to help enhance the credibility, consistency and environmental integrity of GHG quantification and reporting by recognizing the expertise of individuals who perform these tasks. The certification program complements accreditation programs for verification organizations, including American National Standard Institute's Greenhouse Gas Accreditation Program. "¨"¨

About Sterling Planet:

Sterling Planet helps clients reduce their environmental footprint with renewable energy, innovative White Tags® energy efficiency certificates and verified carbon offsets. Awarded back-to-back honors as Renewable Energy Marketer of the Year by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2007 and 2008, Sterling Planet is the nation’s first (since 2000) and foremost retail provider of renewable energy certificates. The top two U.S. renewable energy purchasers are Sterling Planet clients, along with 1,641 other business customers, 108 utilities, 58 colleges and universities, 211 government clients and thousands of consumers. Services include utility or municipality partnerships, development of new renewable energy and carbon reduction projects, management of suppliers’ environmental assets, and educational and marketing outreach. Going beyond the cause of environmental sustainability, the company also embraces social sustainability through solar electrification projects that illuminate African schools and create fresh opportunities for the youngest generation. www.sterlingplanet.com

About CSA America"¨

CSA America develops standards for gas equipment, fuel cells and related energy sectors in the U.S. market, provides personnel certification services, and participates in other National and International standards activities. CSA America, Inc. is accredited by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is a part of CSA Group, which also consists of CSA, a leading solutions based standards organization, providing standards development, application products, training and advisory services; CSA International, which provides testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information, visit www.csa-america.org.

Sterling Planet

Sterling Planet

Sterling Planet is the nation's leading retail provider of solar, wind and other types of clean, renewable energy through direct sales and electric utility partnerships. As of early 2007, Sterling Planet Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) sales have created environmental benefits comparable to taking nearly 1 billion cars off U.S. roads for a year. Founded in 2000, Sterling Planet was the first company to offer RECs to every U.S. home and business as a way to support sustainable energy production that benefits the environment, the economy and society in general. In 2006, Sterling Planet pioneered the U.S. market for White Tagâ„¢ Energy Efficiency Certificates. The Atlanta-based company has 461 large commercial and industrial clients nationwide, including 40 utility partners in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and elsewhere. The company is also exploring emerging clean energy markets and maintaining a focus on businesses, universities, government clients and other companies seeking LEED credits for green building certification.

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