The Climate Case
Roughly one-third of all the greenhouse gas emissions generated in the U.S. come from the burning of fossil fuels (primarily coal and natural gas) to produce electricity. Increasing the use of renewable power is one of the most critical ways to fight climate change. Right now, renewable energy sources account for only 13% of U.S. electricity although that number is growing quickly [1]. Businesses have the power to drive the creation of a thriving, global market for renewable power by committing to transition 100% of their electricity to renewable sources in the shortest practical time.
By transitioning to renewable sources of electricity, you can help to create an energy system that:
- Reduces our impact on climate change;
- Results in cleaner air;
- Is more reliable and secure; and
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May save your company money over time compared with conventional sources as recent reports indicate that the cost of renewables is dropping quickly [2].
Committing to a transition to renewable energy is not only a crucial strategy in combating climate change but also a powerful step towards climate justice. The burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation, which contributes to approximately one-third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, disproportionately affects marginalized communities. By increasing the use of renewable power, businesses can play a transformative role in addressing environmental injustices. Such a commitment not only reduces the overall impact on climate change but also ensures cleaner air, fostering healthier communities.
Take Action
Making the commitment to 100% renewable power means that your company will work towards a goal of switching to 100% renewable power by the earliest possible date. This commitment also includes providing annual, transparent reporting on your progress towards reaching this goal.
Even if your company is not ready to commit to 100% renewable power, you can still set a bold target that will get you started on the journey to supporting renewable power. Any shift away from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources will help slow climate change and help set an example that renewables make good sense for business and the economy.
Or, if you’ve already committed to 100% renewable power and want to do more, you can go even farther by:
- Encouraging your suppliers to join you in making a commitment to 100% renewable power like Clif Bar. In 2014 Clif Bar introduced a “50/50 by 2020” initiative with the goal of helping 50 of their key supplier facilities to transition to at least 50% green energy by 2020. See below for more information on this initiative.
- Expanding your renewables commitment to your full energy use including liquid fuels and natural gas. For manufacturers the GHG emissions from boilers, furnaces and other nonelectric energy use is often far more than electrical.
Companies making Renewable Energy Commitment via the Climate Collaborative will be expected to complete an annual online questionnaire updating the Climate Collaborative on progress made toward the commitment. The questionnaire will be short and should not be burdensome to complete.
Resources
Access more resources to help support your Renewable Energy Commitment work
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COMPANIES COMMITTED TO RENEWABLE ENERGY