Green Retailer Doubles its Wind Power CommitmentAlberta MEC Stores 100% Emissions Free

Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), Canada's largest outdoor clothing and equipment retailer, has renewed its commitment to the environment by making its Alberta stores 100% emissions free.

This year, MEC has doubled its wind power purchase — which offsets emissions caused from the electricity its Edmonton and Calgary stores use — from 50% to 100%.

"Greening our operations through energy-efficient buildings, waste reduction and greenhouse gas emissions reductions is a key element in MEC's commitment to environmental leadership," said CEO Peter Robinson. "Since there is a predominance of coal-based electricity in Alberta, we made purchasing more wind power for our stores here a priority. Our staff and members are very supportive of MEC's environmental initiatives and welcomed the decision to double our wind commitment," he added.

"Buying from environmentally responsible retailers gives customers the comfort of knowing that they are shopping with the least possible impact on the environment," said Nancy Hammer, Director of Development for the Pembina Institute.

"MEC's decision to not only renew, but also to upgrade, their wind power purchase sends a strong message to other commercial organizations, and to other sectors, that offsetting emissions is not only financially feasible but good for business as well," said Marlo Raynolds, Executive Director for the Pembina Institute. "Canada is well above the emission reduction targets made under the Kyoto Accord, but initiatives like MEC's are a positive sign that actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are starting to move forward faster," said Raynolds.

The Pembina Institute is a non-profit environmental organization working to advance sustainable energy in Canada. Pembina partners with Vision Quest, Canada's largest wind power producer, to deliver its wind power program. The wind power program provides a mechanism for individuals and businesses to support renewable energy programs in Canada by purchasing wind certificates. The certificates are a guarantee that the amount of wind power specified by the purchaser will be produced on their behalf. These certificates can be purchased on-line at www.pembina.org/green-power .

MEC is Canada's largest retail co-operative, providing quality products and services for self-propelled outdoor recreation. Established in 1971, MEC has more than 2.3 million members throughout Canada and around the world.

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An image of a Vision Quest wind farm can be downloaded here.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Vision Quest Windelectric.