Deutsche Bank, Intel, Kohl’s and Mohawk honored for green power use

Deutsche Bank AG — In 2009, the company made an annual purchase of 160 million kilowatt-hours of wind-derived renewable energy certificates (RECs), which represents 100 percent of the electricity needs for its U.S. operations. Worldwide, Deutsche Bank bought 515 million-kilowatt hours of green power.

The international bank has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2012.

Intel Corporation – For the past two years, Intel has been among the nation’s largest corporate buyers of green power, purchasing more than 1.3 billion kilowatt-hours from renewable energy sources, an amount roughly equal to half of its US electric use.

It has installed two large solar systems, in Oregon and in New Mexico, to demonstrate how solar power can be used to operate data centers. It plans to install on-site solar photovoltaic systems at several other facilities. It’s “Green Intel” forum helps employees around the world share energy-saving ideas and learn about Intel’s initiatives.

Kohl’s Department Stores – The Wisconsin-based retailer has made green power purchasing a priority across its 1,022-store network as it aims to reduce its environmental impact and become a retail sector environmental leader.
Kohl’s current purchases, of 600 million kilowatt-hours supplies 50 percent of its electricity.

The company has become one of the world’s largest retail promotes of solar energy, with 69 systems up and running in California, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Connecticut. Additional systems are planned. The solar arrays provide 20 to 40 percent of the power for each store where they’re employed, according to the EPA. Kohl’s also communicates it’s green power goals to employees through a website, and promotes sustainable practices at kohlsgreenscene.

Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc. – New York-based Mohawk, one of the largest manufacturers of fine text and cover papers in the US, has been supporting its operations with wind power since 2003. It now purchases 110 million kilowatt hours annually, representing enough power to run its manufacturing and distributing operations in New York and Ohio.

Like the other corporate award-winners, Mohawk spreads the news about its environmental progress through a website, PR efforts and customer outreach. To reduce its carbon impact further, Mohawk has set emissions reduction goals through the EPA’s Climate Leaders program and uses recycled fiber in its products.

Several other companies were commended at the EPA’s Green Power Awards in Atlanta for buying renewable power directly or for buying renewable energy credits (RECs).

Most of these companies also engage in other green practices. Beaulieu Commercial, a Georgia carpet manufacturer, uses post-consumer recycled materials for carpet tile backing. EarthColor, a printer in New Jersey recaptures material for recycling. Media conglomerate Bloomberg LP., has promised to install on-site solar systems to power its US facilities.

The EPAs full list of “Green Power Purchasers”