As a Charter Supporter of the Greensburg Wind Farm Project, Stonyfield Farm is purchasing carbon offsets generated by the project to not only offset its own energy use, but also contribute to the construction of a renewable energy system that will generate enough electricity to power 4,000 homes.
“The wind farm is being built as part of Greensburg’s commitment to rebuild as a model sustainable community, and we applaud the ‘never say die’ spirit of the people of this town and the businesses that have stepped forward,” said Stonyfield Farm president and chief executive, Gary Hirshberg. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all communities across the nation joined in this effort and made a commitment to sustainability and renewable energy?”
Stonyfield has offset 100% of the carbon dioxide emissions – greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming – from its facility energy use since 1997. Using carbon offsets offered by NativeEnergy, Stonyfield not only ‘greens’ its electricity supply, but also offsets the global warming impact of its heating fuels and the company’s business travel.
NativeEnergy’s unique ‘Help Build’ carbon funding model brings critical revenues to new, renewable energy projects and other projects that reduce carbon dioxide (CO2). Electricity generated by the wind farm will displace fossil-based energy and reduce CO2 pollution by hundreds of thousands of tonnes that otherwise would enter our atmosphere.
“Stonyfield Farm shows time and time again its leadership in social and environmental responsibility,” said Tom Boucher, president and CEO of NativeEnergy. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Stonyfield, helping to build a cleaner energy future and address the growing threat posed by climate change.”
Greensburg’s commitment includes becoming the first US city to light its streets with LED lights and the first to have a LEED-certified ‘green’ town hall. The wind farm, being developed by John Deere Renewables LLC, will be located on farmland just southwest of the city. Several farm families will receive direct economic benefits from hosting the turbines.
“With 95% of its homes destroyed by the May 2007 tornado, this town decided to look to the future and become more environmentally responsible,” said Hirshberg. “The rest of us shouldn’t need that kind of tragedy to avert a global environmental catastrophe. All we need is the will to change.”
Source: Stonyfield Farm
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