Making a Difference

Any organization choosing to use green power makes a difference in environmental protection and positions themselves as an environmental leader. Depending on the green power type, organizations using green power can help contribute to the following:

• Reducing emissions
  
  Organizations that purchase green power can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with their purchased electricity (or their scope 2 GHG emissions). Although consumers cannot directly control the generating facility that produces their electricity, they can influence the generator indirectly through their electricity choices.
   
• Reducing air pollution
  
  Electricity generation is major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in the United States. The emissions from conventional electricity generation contribute to a number of serious environmental problems. Green power generates fewer emissions than conventional power, helping to protect human health and the environment.
   
• Reducing environmental impacts on water resources
  
  Most eligible green power technologies do not utilize water and have a negligible impact on local aquatic ecosystems. Conventional power generation often requires water for fuel extraction, steam production and power plant cooling. The release of spent cooling water increases the temperature of local water resources, altering aquatic ecosystems. In contrast, most green power systems do not use water or release it into the environment.

Making a difference can look different

The United States is geographically diverse and includes numerous independently operating electricity markets. In addition, states have different energy and utility policies, meaning access to green power can vary depending on an organization’s location. Below are some attributes of a source of green power to consider as you weigh the environmental impacts of your purchase.

• Age
  
  Many organizations look for opportunities to support new sources of renewable electricity. “New” renewable facilities can be defined in different ways. EPA’s Green Power Partnership program defines “new” facilities as any renewable energy source that both meets specific environmental criteria and began operation within the last 15 years.
  
  Purchases from these new facilities help create the demand to necessary to increase the supply of renewable resources while allowing time to recover their capital costs. Some organizations directly impact the supply of renewable resources by entering into long-term contracts with a proposed project or a project still under development. Their investment may help the new project obtain financing and get built; however, not all organizations have the resources or ability to support project financing.
   
• Location
  
  Where renewable electricity generation occurs may matter to purchasing organizations for several reasons. Some may prefer to buy locally (e.g., in state) because the generating project is more visible, has a more direct economic influence, or creates a better story for local stakeholders. Others may prefer to buy in-state renewable generation to contribute local environmental benefits. Location also matters to organizations with public targets to reduce GHG emissions inventories.
   
• Resource Type
  
  Purchaser preference for the source of renewable energy in green power products varies. Wind and solar are commonly the most preferred renewable energy sources, but all affect the environment in some way, such as impacts on wildlife or end-of-product-life disposal issues.