Edna’s of Asheville has joined a growing club of businesses that are going green by purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs). Arcadia Power and other REC companies are, for small extra charges, allowing businesses and individuals who aren’t able to actually put up their own solar fields or wind farms, to adopt clean energy by proxy. Although here in Asheville the only power company is Duke Energy, and the power moving to their customers is currently generated by burning coal, some customers are choosing to offset the use of that coal energy, by promoting, in this case, wind energy, somewhere else.
Michael Gillenwater, one of the developers of EPA’s carbon emissions tracking system that makes RECs possible, has said that it’s more like donating to a cause. “What you are doing is subsidizing the market for renewable energy.” Read more about RECs here.
The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the trade of RECs. Here it is by way of North Carolina Renewable Energy Tracking System. The certificates allow purchasers to legally claim clean power, even though the actual power coming into the building was not generated from a renewable source.
Press release from Edna’s of Asheville:
Today, Edna’s of Asheville announced that it is now running on 100% pollution-free electricity through a partnership with national Clean Energy provider, Arcadia Power.
“It’s always been important that Edna’s has a positive impact on our community and world, and in partnering with Arcadia Power to eliminate our carbon footprint, we saw an opportunity to really make a difference and lead by example,” said Mike Zukoski owner of Edna’s of Asheville. “We couldn’t be prouder to be a Clean Energy Business.”
“We’re excited to be partnering with a company that truly exemplifies the responsible practices we all want from businesses in our communities,” said Arcadia Power co-founder, Kiran Bhatraju. “Renewable power used to be impractical for most families and businesses, but Edna’s of Asheville shows us that today, it’s possible for all of us to do our part to combat climate change. They are pioneers in a growing movement that will lead us to a cleaner, safer, more sustainable energy future.”
As an Arcadia Power Clean Energy Partner, Edna’s of Asheville now meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Green Power Partnership requirements, joining national brands such as Whole Foods, Google, and Starbucks that also purchase clean energy. The coffee house and cafe now joins a growing community of businesses, individuals, and families who are taking responsibility for their energy consumption through Arcadia Power.
Edna’s will celebrate the Clean Energy Partnership on Friday November 20th at 12:00 PM. The celebration is open to the public and members of the press.
Edna’s of Asheville is a local coffee house and cafe located at 870 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville.
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