Recently, the EPA announced the 50 organizations that are using more than 15 terawatts (that’s a lot!) of clean energy annually. These 50 are avoiding carbon pollution equal to that created by the electricity used by more than 1.3 million U.S. homes each year.
That’s impressive.
Intel Corp. tops the list as the largest single user of green power, followed by Kohl’s Department Stores and Microsoft Corp. Intel has ranked No. 1 on the list since 2008 and uses more than 2.5 terrawatts annually, which translates to 88% of the company’s nationwide electricity use. Microsoft, which holds the No. 3 spot, and McDonald’s USA LLC, which ranks 11th, are new to the list.
The top 20 green power users are as follows:
1. Intel Corp.
2. Kohl’s Department Stores
3. Microsoft Corp.
4. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (California and Texas facilities)
5. Whole Foods Market
6. Staples
7. City of Houston, Texas
8. Starbucks
9. City of Austin, Texas
10. Hilton Worldwide
11. McDonald’s USA LLC
12. HSBC North America
13. U.S. Department of Energy
14. City of Dallas, Texas
15. Lockheed Martin Corp.
16. Cisco Systems Inc.
17. U.S. Air Force
18. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
19. District of Columbia
20. TD Bank N.A.
Though these companies are to be lauded for their clean energy efforts, let’s not forget how important it is to systemically implement sustainability into a business’ DNA. I wonder if any of these companies would be on the Top 20 list for that accomplishment?
For now, this is a great vote of confidence for renewable energy.