EPA recently recognized Staples, Inc. of Framingham, Mass. at the 13th annual Green Power Leadership Awards.  Staples was one of only to 21 organizations and three suppliers recognized nationally for their achievements in advancing the nation’s renewable electricity market.

Staples was recognized for Sustained Excellence under EPA’s Green Power Partnership, a voluntary program where partner organizations work with EPA experts to reduce the environmental impacts of conventional electricity use.  Staples has been a member of the program since 2002.

“Our 2013 Green Power Leadership Award winners are driving new renewable energy generation and providing clear examples of organizations thriving on innovation and sustainability,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “These winners are moving us closer to the vision President Obama outlined in his Climate Action Plan – cutting harmful pollution and promoting American leadership in renewable energy.”

“New England citizens, organizations and businesses are often leaders in finding practical and common-sense solutions to protecting our environment,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator or EPA’s New England office.  “We applaud Staples for demonstrating a long-term commitment to a cleaner and healthier environment.”

As part of its commitment to the Green Power Partnership, Staples maximizes their energy efficiency and use renewable energy throughout its more than 1,800 stores, distribution centers, and warehouses nationwide. Earlier in 2013, Staples increased its company-wide green power use from 80 percent to 100 percent through a combination of green power purchases and on-site generation. Staples is using more than 635 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, an increase of approximately 119 kWh from 2012.

“Staples is committed to being a leader in sustainability and incorporating green power as part of our energy program. We are honored to work with the EPA to help lead the industry in combining green power purchases and alternative energy resources to reduce our carbon footprint. Green power purchasing, development and implementation play a key role in meeting the company’s sustainability goals and objectives,” said Bob Valair, Director of Energy and Environmental Management at Staples, Inc.

Staples and the other 20 award-winning partners were chosen for their exemplary use of green power from more than 1,500 partner organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, small and medium sized businesses, local, state and federal governments, and colleges and universities. By using green power, communities, businesses and organizations can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support America’s growing renewable energy industry, improve public health, and help transition the United States to cleaner energy sources.

EPA, through the Green Power Partnership, works with partner organizations to reduce the environmental impacts of conventional electricity use. EPA defines green power as electricity that is generated from renewable resources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas and low-impact hydroelectric sources and produces no fossil fuel-based carbon pollution. Nearly two-thirds of partners use 100 percent green power. All together, the partners are voluntarily using more than 28 billion kWh of green power annually, equivalent to avoiding carbon pollution created by the electricity use of more than three million average American homes each year.

More Information on the Green Power Partnership: www.epa.gov/greenpower