Consider the following statistics:
- More than 80% of U.S. GHG emissions are the result of burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
- In Canada, emissions from electricity generation had grown by 22% between 1990 and 2006.
- Businesses account for 50% of U.S. energy consumption.
- Electricity generation currently accounts for over 35% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S.
A switch to renewable energy could dramatically reduce GHG emissions: an effective strategy for combating climate change.
Forward-thinking organizations are taking responsibility for the environmental costs of doing business, and are finding that not only are they fulfilling important social-responsibility goals, but that doing so can be good for the bottom line. The benefits of buying renewable energy include:
- Avoiding air pollution and GHG emissions
- Stimulating local economies and creating jobs
- Generating positive publicity and enhancing public image
- Reducing the vulnerability of our nation’s energy infrastructure
Wind Energy Facts
- Wind energy is the fastest growing energy source in the U.S., at 25% per year. In Canada this source of energy grows at a 30% rate, a growth comparable to global development
- The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that wind energy could account for 20% of U.S. energy production by 2030 (currently all renewable energy is less than 3%)
- According to the Global World Energy Council, the wind energy industry currently hires 235 000 people in the world
- Wind energy is clean, renewable and emission-free
Benefits of Wind Energy
- Mitigates climate change through the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuels
- Clean technology; emission-free
- Renewable and endless supply
- Diversifies North American energy sources
- Growing industry; supports economic development
- Hedges against price volatility in energy markets
Click a question to learn more about the advantages that wind power brings to both Cascades and end consumers:
Questions
- Why was wind energy chosen?
- What is Cascades’ commitment to wind energy?
- How is Cascades’ purchase making a difference?
- What is the environmental impact of Cascades’ wind energy purchase?
Answers
Purchasing renewable energy is consistent with Cascades’ core mission: to be a
responsible steward of the environment. The decision to invest in wind energy
signals the company’s commitment to remain an environmental leader in the Away-From-Home towel
and tissue marketplace. Wind energy represents a clean, renewable, emission-free energy source. As
an environmental leader in our industry, we feel a responsibility to address the critical issue of
minimizing carbon emissions. The energy-intensive nature of our industry requires an understanding
of how our energy use affects climate change. Using wind energy allows us to lower our carbon emissions
significantly – more than 24 million pounds per year*.
* 2009-2010 Estimated electricity consumption
* 2009-2010 Estimated electricity consumption
Cascades Tissue Group purchases 18 million kWh of wind energy annually. This allows us to offset 100%
of the electricity required to manufacture North River towel and tissue products with Green-e certified
wind energy. As a result, North River is the first and only brand in the industry that offsets the electricity used with 100%
certified wind-generated energy.
Supporting wind energy also means advancing our nation’s energy independence and decreasing our reliance on
fossil fuels and imported resources. Cascades’ 18 million kWh wind energy commitment is equivalent to
powering more than 1981 homes per year. This is greater than the amount required to power all the homes
in Waterford, NY, Cascades Tissue Group’s headquarters in the United States. We have partnered with
Community Energy, a leading wind power supplier, for our purchase.
Using data compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency, it is estimated that Cascades’ use of wind
energy prevents the emission of 11125 tons of carbon dioxide per year: approximately 24 million pounds*.
This is equivalent to planting over 3 million trees, or not driving 27 million miles, or removing 2291 cars
from the road each year.
See how you can make a measurable difference by using North River products with our Environmental Calculator.
* 2009-2010 Estimated electricity consumption
See how you can make a measurable difference by using North River products with our Environmental Calculator.
* 2009-2010 Estimated electricity consumption
