New York’s Mohonk Preserve Goes Green

Green Mountain Energy Company Becomes Official Energy Provider for State’s Largest Nonprofit Nature Preserve

NEW YORK – October 25, 2016 – New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve is growing greener thanks to a new partnership with electricity provider Green Mountain Energy Company. The 8,000-acre Mohonk Preserve in Gardiner, NY has signed an agreement with Green Mountain to provide clean electricity to power the site’s facilities.

“At Mohonk Preserve, environmental stewardship is part of our DNA,” said Glenn Hoagland, executive director of the Preserve. “Choosing to purchase 100 percent clean energy is an important step to build upon our ongoing sustainability efforts. Our protected forests already absorb 9,105 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, and going with green power further combats climate change by supporting the expansion of our nation’s renewable energy footprint.”

By choosing renewable energy over traditional fossil fuel generation, the Preserve is projected to avoid an estimated 307,700 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. That’s equivalent to:

  • 339,362 miles not driven in a car
  • 31,675 trees planted
  • 4,886 incandescent light bulbs replaced with LED bulbs

“We’re thrilled that one of America’s iconic nature preserves made this important commitment to support renewable energy,” said Doug Semmes, head of renewable strategy and partnerships for Green Mountain. “The Preserve joins both business and residential customers in New York and many other states who are choosing renewable energy at a price they can afford to help support America’s clean energy transformation.”

In addition to choosing to power the facility with clean energy, Mohonk Preserve uses innovative sustainability practices, including the 2012 renovation of its Visitor Center. The center has received green building design awards by international, national and regional design/building associations. The Preserve, supported by a consortium including Central Hudson and others,  also was an early adopter of geothermal heat-exchange, an environmentally-sound technology comprised of 300-foot deep wells that use the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool the Visitor Center.

Mohonk Preserve
In partnership with its members, supporters, and volunteers, Mohonk Preserve protects and manages over 8,000 acres of mountain ridges, forests, fields, streams, ponds, and other unique and beautiful places. As New York's largest nonprofit nature preserve, the site welcomes over 165,000 visitors annually. The Preserve's devoted volunteers, dedicated donors, and expert staff all work in harmony for a common cause - to create a place where people and nature thrive. For more information, visit www.mohonkpreserve.org.

Green Mountain Energy Company
Green Mountain Energy Company is the nation’s longest serving renewable energy retailer and believes in using wind, sun and water for good. The company was founded in 1997 with the mission to change the way power is made. Green Mountain offers consumers and businesses the choice of cleaner electricity products from renewable sources, as well as a variety of carbon offset products 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 more than 50.6 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Follow us on facebook.com/greenmountainenergycompany or twitter.com/greenmtnenergy.

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