October 26th, 2008

From the Environmental Protection Agency

The 2008 Green Power Leadership Awards were presented in conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Marketing Conference, held October 26-29 in Denver, Colorado.

Green Power Purchasing Award

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services to over 85 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. The company’s annual purchase of more than 75 million kilowatt-hours of wind-derived renewable energy certificates (RECs) supplies 100 percent of the electricity needs for its U.S. operations. ING’s parent company, ING Group, played an important role in developing ING’s U.S. green power procurement strategy, drawing on the company’s experience in buying green power for its Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium operations.

Through its green power purchase, ING seeks to increase awareness of environmental issues. The company has successfully expanded its outreach to influence those within and outside the organization, using e-mails, presentations, surveys, on-site displays and newsletters. The company’s first green power purchase inspired employees to create a corporate-wide greening effort called “Orange Goes Green,” which educates employees about renewable energy. Through this program, ING encourages its employees to sign up for wind power at home and to also adopt energy efficiency measures.

Part of ING’s green power purchase includes participation in a Connecticut green power program through the local utility, which earmarks a free solar photovoltaic system to a local community for every 1 million kilowatt-hour purchase. ING plans to have its donated systems placed on a library and a school.