Prickly Pear Creek, Montana Credit: Rankin Holmes

The Bonneville Environmental Foundation today announced more than 17 million gallons of water have been restored to critically de-watered streams and rivers in the United States as a result of corporate participation in its Water Restoration Certificate™ program. Launched in 2009, the innovative Water Restoration Certificate (WRC) Program enables businesses and individuals to take responsibility for water consumption beyond traditional conservation practices. Organizations such as Intel, Ecoteas, WhiteWave Foods, and a number of craft brewers in the Northwest, including Big Sky Brewing, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Laurelwood Brewing Company, Lompoc Brewing and Widmer Brothers Brewing, are investing the WRC program.

"More companies recognize the need to factor in water consumption when assessing their environmental footprint," notes Margie Gardener, CEO of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. "We are proud to be able to offer our customers a comprehensive package that enables them to maximize environmental performance relative to their carbon footprint, preference for renewable energy and now water consumption."

The WRC program is the first national-level, market-based solution that addresses the issue of deteriorating fresh water resources in the United States. Through economic incentives BEF, and its water trust partners, allows water rights holders to allocate their water to contribute to flow restoration efforts. Each WRC represents 1,000 gallons of water restored to critically de-watered streams. Standards and criteria for the program have been certified by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to ensure water is returned in ways that provide the greatest environmental benefit to rivers, streams, fish and wildlife populations.

BEF is the only organization to offer customers a mechanism for addressing water consumption issues beyond anti-pollution and conservation practices.

"Leading the way in environmental stewardship is core to our business strategy," said Ellen W. Feeney, VP Responsible Livelihood, WhiteWave Foods Company. "Working with BEF to support renewable energy sources and restore fresh water supplies enables us to have a greater impact on the future health of this planet."

Increasing Customers' Environmental ROI
BEF has been instrumental in the development and growth of the voluntary market for environmental services. BEF closed the first renewable energy certificate sale in 2000 - a market with a current estimated value of between $136 million and $236 million. BEF continues to foster new ways to increase the use of renewable energy. For example, in recognition of the growing interest by large organizations in on-site renewable energy generation, BEF has partnered with the Natural Resources Defense Council on an intiative to install solar systems on professional sports stadiums.

Because BEF is the only organization to reinvest profits from the sale of water and energy certificates in environmental programs focused on habitat restoration and education, customers that buy from BEF maximize their investment in environmental services. Beneficiaries of BEF's reinvestment include:

• BEF's Model Watershed Program represents a comprehensive, long-term approach to habitat restoration. Currently it is the only program architected to provide both financial and scientific support over a 10-year period. BEF's innovative program has been recognized by other funders, state agencies and watershed groups for tailoring its comprehensive approach to match the complexity of the restoration challenges. In 2010, BEF added two new projects to its roster bringing the total to seven. More information on the Model Watershed Program is available at http://www.b-e-f.org/watersheds/model.shtm


• Free to schools, BEF's Solar 4R Schools program is designed to educate children, teachers and parents on the benefits of solar energy. In 2010 the program added 68 more schools, bringing the total to 165. The program has provided renewable energy generation and education to 50,000 students in 16 states and Washington D.C. since 2002. More information about BEF's Solar 4R Schools Program can be found at http://www.b-e-f.org/solar4rschools/

"Our customers are passionate about environmental sustainability. Our goal is to maximize their investment in the future of this planet," added Gardner.

About the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF)

An entrepreneurial nonprofit, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is creating a more sustainable future by investing now in clean energy and fresh water. Customers who buy independently certified BEF Carbon Offsets and Renewable Energy Certificates support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the development of new renewable energy facilities, while customers who buy BEF's Water Restoration Certificates™ support the return of water to critically dewatered streams and rivers. All BEF customers and donors support long-term watershed restoration and renewable energy education for students and communities nationwide because BEF reinvests its net revenues to fund its Model Watershed and Solar 4R Schools programs. Since it was established in Portland, Ore. in 1998, BEF has been a pioneer in helping people and companies become better stewards of the environment. Learn more at www.b-e-f.org.

Bonneville Environmental Foundation

Bonneville Environmental Foundation

An entrepreneurial nonprofit, Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is creating a more sustainable future by investing now in clean energy and fresh water. Customers who buy independently certified BEF Carbon Offsets and Renewable Energy Certificates support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the development of new renewable energy facilities, while customers who buy BEF's Water Restoration CertificatesTM support the return of water to critically dewatered streams and rivers. All BEF customers and donors support long-term watershed restoration and renewable energy education for students and communities nationwide because BEF reinvests its net revenues to fund its Model Watershed and Solar 4R Schools programs. Since it was established in Portland, Ore. in 1998, BEF has been a pioneer in helping people and companies become better stewards of the environment. Learn more at www.b-e-f.org.

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