Green Mountain recognized as Outstanding Philanthropic Business by the Central Texas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals
Waco, TX – Today, Waco Habitat for Humanity ReStore (1224 Franklin Ave.) and the Green Mountain Energy™ Sun Club™ “flipped the switch” on the Waco non-profit’s new solar array. The solar installation was made possible by a $30,000 donation from the Sun Club, a voluntary program in which Green Mountain residential customers make monthly contributions toward solar generation systems for non-profits.
The 6.75-kilowatt solar array measures about 400 square feet and sits on the roof of the ReStore. The 27-panel array is expected to generate 9,300 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of pollution-free energy for the ReStore each year, annually avoiding 10,800 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. That’s the equivalent of not driving 12,000 miles! The electricity produced by the array is expected to help lower ReStore’s monthly electric bills, allowing the unused funds to go directly to building Habitat for Humanity homes. The expected annual savings would be enough to cover the cost of providing shingles for one Habitat for Humanity home each year. The expected lifetime savings would equate to the material costs for an entire home!*
“Today is a wonderful day in the City of Waco in which we celebrate another solar installation while recognizing what a help Green Mountain Energy Sun Club has been to Waco non-profits,” said John Alexander, Executive Director, Waco Habitat for Humanity. “In our case, we can use the electricity savings to help build more homes. That’s a big deal for our community and the home owners, and we appreciate the Sun Club for making that possible.”
In addition to the solar installation on the roof of the ReStore, an in-store interactive computer screen will monitor the energy generated by the system in real-time. Attendees viewed the display to learn more about the panel’s function and benefits while enjoying a special ReStore discount on all building material inventory between 3:00-5:00pm the day of the ceremony.
The solar dedication took place after the Central Texas Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ National Philanthropy Day Award Luncheon, where Green Mountain was honored as the 2012 Outstanding Philanthropic Business. The event honors and pays tribute to the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations that support the many charitable organizations and projects within the community.
“Few non-profits have the reach or respect of the world-renowned organization that is Habitat for Humanity,” Tony Napolillo, Sun Club Program Manager, Green Mountain Energy Company said. “Since the proceeds from the ReStore go directly to Waco Habitat, this solar donation is helping to make quality housing affordable for low-income Wacoans while building a more sustainable world.”
Since 1986, Waco Habitat for Humanity has built over 140 simple, decent, affordable homes in partnership with low-income families in need. ReStore is the Sun Club’s fourth solar dedication in Waco, and 38th dedication since the program was founded in 2002. The company also provides thousands of homes and businesses with renewable energy. Last year, Green Mountain residential customers in Texas prevented the emission of more than 2.7 billion lbs of CO2. That’s as much as taking more than 265,300 cars off the road for a year!
Pictures from the event will be added to Green Mountain Energy’s Flickr stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenmtnenergy/
About Waco Habitat for Humanity ReStore
The Waco Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a building materials recycling center that provides a sustainable source of income to Waco Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization that builds and rehabilitates affordable homes in partnership with low-income families. The ReStore accepts material donations from a variety of sources, uses donated materials whenever possible in the construction of Habitat homes, and sells the balance to the public at greatly reduced prices with all proceeds benefiting Waco Habitat for Humanity. Annually, the ReStore diverts about 3,000 tons of usable material otherwise bound for the landfills and sells it at affordable prices. Another 150,000 pounds of raw material is salvaged for recycling. The ReStore is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.wacorestore.org.
Green Mountain EnergyTM Sun ClubTM
Green Mountain EnergyTM Sun ClubTM is a program where Green Mountain residential customers in New York and Texas have the opportunity to give back to deserving non-profit organizations through the promotion of solar power. Direct monthly contributions from customers go toward the funding of solar installations. Since the program’s founding in 2002, Sun Club members have helped install more than 500 kilowatts of solar power capacity, preventing over 808,400 pounds of CO2 emissions each year. That’s like not driving 902,100 miles or 400 households turning off their lights for a year. For more information, visit www.gmsunclub.com.
Green Mountain Energy Company
Green Mountain is the nation’s longest serving renewable energy retailer and believes in using wind, sun and water for good. Founded in 1997, the company is a green power pioneer and celebrates 15 years delivering on the mission to “change the way power is made”. Green Mountain offers consumers and businesses the choice of cleaner electricity, as well as carbon offsets and sustainable solutions for businesses. One of Green Mountain’s largest customers is the “world’s most famous office building,” the Empire State Building in New York City. Green Mountain customers have collectively helped avoid over 19.4 billion pounds of CO2 emissions. Visit us online at www.GreenMountain.com and learn more about our campaign for good at www.greenmountain.com/forgood.
* Based on savings estimate from solar installer.
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