Computer chip maker Intel has again topped the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) list for use of green electricity.
According to the EPA’s National Top 50 list, Intel consumed over 2.5 billion kilowatt hours of wind and solar energy sourced electricity in its last annual reporting period. That’s enough to power more than 215,000 average American homes and through carbon emissions avoided, the equivalent of taking more than 340,000 passenger cars off the road each year.
88% of Intel’s electricity consumption now comes from green sources such as various power purchase agreements with wind and solar farms, plus through its own on-site generation.
By February last year, Intel had nine solar panel installations at campuses in four states; altogether generating 3.8 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year. The installations are accompanied by “awareness kiosks” set up in each site lobby to educate and engage employees in the company’s energy efforts
Recognising the greenest watt is the one you don’t use, Intel also has a number of energy efficiency initiatives in place.
Intel’s ongoing efforts have resulted in it being awarded EPA’s Green Power Leadership Award 2010, Partner of the Year 2008, Partner of the Year 2009 and Partner of the Year 2011.
Other leaders in the green energy consumption stakes according to the EPA:
2. Kohl’s Department Stores – 1,524,656,000 kilowatt hours
3. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. / California and Texas Facilities – 872,382,088 kilowatt hours
4. Whole Foods Market – 800,257,623 kilowatt hours
5. Johnson & Johnson – 553,565,521 kilowatt hours
The EPA’s National Top 50 list can be viewed here.
