Today, the Pembina Institute launched its "Wind Powered PCs" program, an initiative that aims to power 20,000 computers with wind and help move Canada towards a more sustainable energy future.
One of the first companies to step forward and participate in the Pembina Institute's Wind Power PCs program is CH2M Hill.
"The program not only promotes action, but also helps people become more aware of the benefits of low-impact renewable energy sources such as wind power," says Ann Duffy, Vice President, Sustainable Development at CH2M Hill.
"By purchasing wind power certificates for our company's computer use, employees gain personal awareness about the benefits of investing in renewable energy at work and are inspired to extend this to their own home computer use. With the Pembina Institute and other partners, we are helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote wind power development in Canada," she adds.
Businesses say they are excited about the program because it allows them both to reduce their environmental footprint, and to demonstrate leadership in sustainable energy practices.
"Our contribution of buying wind power represents the beginning of DIRTT's ever-increasing commitment to the environment. One company can't move a mountain. But if each of us picks up a stone, together we can," says Mogens Smed, owner of DIRTT Environmental Solutions Ltd, a company that makes environmentally friendly interior construction systems.
Vision Quest Windelectric, Canada's largest wind power producer, is working in partnership with the Pembina Institute to offer the Wind Powered PCs program.
"We are pleased that the Pembina Institute is offering all Canadians the chance to support green power," says Jason Edworthy, Managing Director External Relations at Vision Quest. "Not only are individuals able to make a difference in their electricity choice, but they are also supporting an established non-profit organization that is committed to protecting the environment."
If the Pembina Institute reaches its goal of 20,000 computers powered by wind, annual greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by an estimated 4,000 tonnes.
"The program packages wind power benefits into something tangible and accessible. It's a solid bridge between the technology that makes wind power possible and the people who want to switch to a clean source of electricity, says Marlo Raynolds, the Pembina Institute's Executive Director.
"Canadians turn on about 14 million computers every day. By participating in the Pembina Institute's Wind Power PCs program, Canadian firms and individuals help spread the word about the benefits of low-impact renewable energy and directly support its development," adds Raynolds.
Much of the electricity used in Canada is generated by high-impact conventional sources of energy such as coal, oil, nuclear, large hydro and natural gas. The impacts of conventional energy include climate change, acid rain and smog (fossil fuels), major landscape and social impacts (large hydro) and high economic costs and radiation risks (nuclear).
The Pembina Institute's Wind Powered PCs program allows people to feed wind power into the grid, displacing the amount of conventional energy that would have been used to power their computers, homes and businesses. These initiatives come at a time when the Kyoto Protocol is entering into force and Canada will be legally obliged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
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For more information contact:
Marlo Raynolds Executive DirectorThe Pembina InstituteTel: (403) 269-3344 x 113 Ann DuffyVice President, Sustainable DevelopmentCH2M HillTel: (604) 439.2354
Mogens SmedOwnerDIRTT Environmental Solutions Ltd.Tel : (403) 723-5000 Jason Edworthy Managing Director External Relations Vision Quest WindelectricTel: (403) 532-4265
Video footage of a Vision Quest wind farm is available in DVD format to journalists attending the launch.
For more information on wind energy and Wind Power PCs visit our website.