Santa Clara University, Half Turbine Partner

March 31, 2005

Santa Clara University showed its commitment to being a community leader with its recent purchase of 1,608 MWhs of 100 percent renewable energy through Santa Clara Green Power. This amount is equal to the annual output of half of a large wind turbine. This leadership is highly commendable.

In addition to being recognized as a community leader in the Santa Clara Green Power program, Santa Clara University will become a partner in the EPA Green Power Partnership. The EPA Green Power Partnership is the federal recognition body supporting organizations that voluntarily power their businesses with renewable energy. Santa Clara University joins over 100 Colleges and Universities in the United States supporting green power.

Santa Clara Green Power is a mix of 97.5 percent wind and 2.5 percent solar, both of which do not emit air pollutants nor do they contribute to global warming. The wind energy is generated from wind farms in Northern and Southern California; the solar energy is generated from solar projects in the Bay Area and right here in Santa Clara.

Rather than directly buying electricity generated from wind and solar power resources, customers in this program purchase renewable energy credits. In turn, Santa Clara Green Power purchases renewable energy credits from newly constructed wind turbine facilities and solar photovoltaic projects to match consumer consumption. Companies that produce energy without negative environmental impacts earn credits for each kilowatt-hour they produce.

The additional cost of securing renewable energy credits for Santa Clara is one of the lowest in the country, only a penny and half per kilowatt-hour (1.5 cents/kWh) above the standard electricity rate. A portion of the Green Power rate supports new solar facilities in Santa Clara, such as the recently completed Haman Elementary School.

The environmental impact of participation in the program is significant. Santa Clara University's choice to support renewable energy prevents more than 1.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually. The environmental benefits are equivalent to planting 217 acres of trees or not driving 140 cars for a year.

Santa Clara businesses may sign up for Santa Clara Green Power by registering through the secure webpage; by sending an e-mail with name, address, phone number and account number; or by calling 408-244-SAVE (7283).

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