bci burke and u.s. epa green power

Under the partnership, BCI Burke agrees to meet specific goals for “green” power use and will report to the EPA on its use each year. Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. These resources generate electricity with a net zero increase in carbon dioxide emissions, while offering a superior environmental profile compared to traditional power generation sources. The Green Power Partnership encourages businesses to use and support development of renewable energy to reduce the risk of climate change.

 

According to the U.S. EPA, BCI Burke’s green power purchase of 60,000 kilowatt-hours is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions of eight passenger vehicles per year, or is the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power six average American homes annually.

 

“This dovetails with our existing renewable energy efforts. Through Alliant Energy’s Second Nature™ Program, we purchase enough energy from wind and other renewable resources to offset approximately 12 percent of our electrical usage,” said BCI Burke Chief Executive Officer, Tim Ahern

 

“We find that one idea sparks another, and together, we will find ways to better use resources and ensure a more sustainable world. After all, as a manufacturer of playgrounds, we’re in the business of serving children, and one of the best ways we can serve children is by doing everything we can to ensure a safe and sustainable world for future generations,” he said.

 

BCI Burke has made a substantial investment in sustainability, earning the company ISO 14001:2004 certification, which reflects Burke’s environmental system with specific policy commitments that include compliance with all environmental laws and regulations.

 

“Even small things add up. We use energy efficient lighting to reduce total energy consumption as well as increase our use of recycled materials, from the steel used in playgrounds to the recycled content for the catalogs,” said Ahern. 

 

BCI Burke, with headquarters in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is a premier manufacturer of commercial playground, park, and recreation equipment and an avid supporter of playground safety. More information is available at www.bciburke.com and www.getintensity.com.

 

The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with purchased electricity use. The Partnership currently has more than 1,000 Partner organizations voluntarily purchasing billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually. Partners include a wide variety of leading organizations such as Fortune 500 companies, small and medium sized businesses, local, state, and federal governments, and colleges and universities. For additional information, please visit http://www.epa.gov/greenpower.

 

For more information:

BCI Burke - Carl Carter, 205-823-3273

 

U.S. EPA Press Contact
Allison Bellins
202-343-9526

bellins.allison@epa.gov