Diamond Packaging Commits to Buy Renewable Energy Through 2017
Rochester, NY – Diamond Packaging, The City of Austin, Texas, Southern Oregon University, the Bank of Georgetown (DC and MD), Stevens Pass, and Sandy Alexander are the first to sign the Renewable Energy Markets Association (REMA) “5 Year Renewable Energy Pledge.” The national program recognizes organizations that make a long-term commitment to voluntarily purchase renewable energy for at least the next five years. The official REMA-led program launch is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership, Center for Resource Solutions, and the founding companies, organizations, and municipalities.
“Voluntary purchases of renewable energy contribute significantly to our nation’s renewable energy infrastructure and deployment of new renewable generation,” said Jay Carlis, REMA President. “In 2009 alone, U.S. consumers voluntarily purchased over 30 million megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy above and beyond government mandates, but more can be done. With federal renewable energy policy fading away, long-term demand for green power from voluntary customers can step in to catalyze renewable energy development in the absence of federal policy drivers. That’s what the Pledge seeks to stimulate.”
The Pledge participants have committed to voluntarily purchase renewable energy for at least the next five years, with the goal of tripling U.S. voluntary purchases of renewable energy by 2015. According to the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), long term commitments, such as those recognized by the Pledge, help alleviate risk and provide certainty associated with renewable energy project development.
“The Pledge signatories are demonstrating a new level of leadership in the voluntary renewable energy market,” said Carlis. “Some are new to renewable energy purchasing while others have been purchasing for five years already. The statement that these organizations are making today sends a strong demand signal to renewable energy developers and investors that voluntary customers are committed to renewable energy for the long-term.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership has also expressed its support of the Pledge. “EPA’s Green Power Partnership applauds REMA for launching the Pledge and encouraging long-term purchases of green power,” said Blaine Collison, Director of the Green Power Partnership. “By voluntarily purchasing significant amounts of green power for the next five years, the Pledge signatories are helping to protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and we hope to see this list of organizations continue to grow.”
The Pledge program requires that organizations must, at a minimum, voluntarily purchase green power for a 5+ year commitment according to EPA Green Power Partnership Leader Club levels. Also, purchase of renewable energy must be made in adherence with the Green-e® National Energy Standard or equivalent guidelines. "Companies of all sizes that take responsibility for reducing the environmental effect of their electricity use by taking a long-term renewable energy pledge like this one are true environmental stewards," said Jennifer Martin, Executive Director of Center for Resource Solutions. "They are investing in our shared clean energy future."
About Diamond Packaging
Founded in 1911, Diamond Packaging is a WBENC-certified woman-owned business specializing in developing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Utilizing state of-the-art technologies, Diamond designs and manufactures paperboard and plastic folding cartons, and provides comprehensive contract packaging services for the personal care (cosmetics & skin care, fragrance, hair care), health care, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food and confectionery industries. Its client portfolio includes Bausch & Lomb, Beiersdorf, Coty, Elizabeth Arden, Estée Lauder, Godiva Chocolatier, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oreal, and Procter & Gamble. As part of the Global Packaging Alliance® (GPA), Diamond and its alliance members offer packaging solutions to companies operating on an international scale. Customers receive responsive, localized service, award-winning creative designs, identical product specifications and consistent brand recognition, resulting in unparalleled worldwide packaging support. For more information about Diamond Packaging, contact Dennis Bacchetta at (585) 334-8030 x229 or visit the website at www.diamondpackaging.com. For more information about Diamond’s greenbox initiative, visit the sustainability microsite at www.diamondpackaging.com/green.
