The Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) has released its 2009 Green-e Verification Report, which highlights Green-e Energy certified renewable energy and carbon-offset sales in 2009.
The report shows a 43% increase in total Green-e Energy sales volume over the previous year, equivalent to over 18 million MWh of renewable energy generation. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Green-e Energy certified 62% of all voluntary market retail sales in the U.S.
Over 402,000 MWh were purchased or generated by companies participating in Green-e Marketplace, continuing a trend showing that renewable energy continues to be an important part of many organizations' environmental-responsibility goals, according to CRS.
‘Consumers and businesses continue to make buying clean energy a priority, despite a challenging year for many,’ says Arthur O'Donnell, executive director of CRS. ‘The growth in Green-e certified sales reflects that of the larger market, which showed double-digit increases once again, led by commercial customers who understand the benefits of renewable energy and certified carbon offsets in reducing their environmental footprint.’
The report also shows that utility participation in Green-e Energy grew significantly in 2009, with certified utility green-pricing sales reaching over 2.5 million MWh, an 18% increase from 2008. This reflects a rise in certified residential and commercial purchases. Over 487,000 customers participated in green-pricing programs, with commercial purchases from over 18,000 customers increasing 33% over 2008. Residential purchases were up 10% in the same period.
SOURCE: Center for Resource Solutions