Coldwater Creek (Sandpoint, Idaho) has received a 2006 Green Power Leadership award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy for being the largest purchaser of renewable energy in the apparel industry. The retailer is being lauded for offsetting 100 percent of its energy usage through wind power purchased through renewable energy certificates totaling 45,000 megawatts this year alone.
“Coldwater Creek remains absolutely committed to joining the increasing number of companies that are working, collectively, to make a positive impact on global climate change by supporting cleaner technologies and helping develop the green power market,” said Dennis Pence, chairman and ceo. “We are honored that our involvement in this important area was recognized with this prestigious award.”
Coldwater Creek sells women’s apparel, jewelry, gifts and accessories through more than 200 retail stores in the U.S., its web site and direct-mail catalogs.
The award presented to Coldwater Creek recognizes leading national green power purchasers and suppliers for their commitment and contribution to helping advance the development of the nation’s green power market. The honor was bestowed on the retailer during the recent National Renewable Marketing Conference in San Francisco.
“Every year more energy suppliers are providing their customers the option of buying green power,” said Andy Karsner, assistant secretary for energy efficiency and renewable energy. “We are proud to recognize the efforts of the suppliers that are leading the way in promoting the use of renewable energy.”
Green power is a subset of renewable energy, and includes such resources as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. In all, the EPA and DOE presented awards for green power purchasing to 22 organizations that have demonstrated leadership by voluntarily purchasing green power or creating innovative supply options for consumers.