Environmental Groups Applaud Toyota's Commitment to Buy 100 Percent Renewable Electricity
April 23, 1998
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Responding to notification that Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. (TMS) Inc. has signed a contract to become the largest single user worldwide of 100 percent renewable electricity, three energy-related environmental non-profit organizations - the Renewable Energy Marketing Board (REMB), the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS), and the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT) heralded Toyota's Earth Day decision to go green with their electricity purchases.
"This is proof positive," declared Steven Kelly, REMB Executive Director, "that renewable energy products are not only good for the environment, but good for California businesses as well."
The March 31, 1998 opening of the California energy market allows all consumers, including businesses such as Toyota Motor sales, to exercise their choice by switching to one of several renewable resource providers.
"Toyota Motor Sales' decision to purchase Edison Source's Earth Source 100 (SM), a Green-e certified renewable electricity product, represents a real commitment to protecting our air quality, our health and the environment," noted Jan Hamrin, Executive Director of CRS, the organization that oversees the Green-e certification program.
Green-e helps customers easily identify certified electricity products based on a minimum of 50% clean, renewable energy. Renewable energy comes from wind, solar, hydropower, biomass and geothermal sources. Companies providing Green-e certified products sign a code of conduct and undergo an annual audit ensuring that customers are getting what they pay for.
CEERT also applauded the action by Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. "Toyota is certainly the biggest California consumer to date to demonstrate corporate responsibility in this manner," remarked John White, Executive Director. "We wholeheartedly approve and fully expect other businesses to realize the business advantages from purchasing certified renewable products."
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