Renewable Choice Energy Client Naropa University Named One of Eight “Greenest Schools in America”

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"Naropa University’s commitment to sustainability has taken many forms, including a commitment to renewable energy, divesting from fossil fuels, and providing advanced degrees on environmental leadership,"-Charles G. Lief, President of Naropa University

Boulder, CO (PRWEB) July 01, 2014

Renewable Choice Energy announced today that local client Naropa University has been named one of eight “Greenest Schools in America” by US News and World Report, an honor due in part to the University’s continued commitment to green power.

In 2014, Naropa purchased more than 1.4 million kilowatt hours of clean energy in the form of renewable energy credits (RECs) from Renewable Choice in order to offset 100% of its electricity consumption. In total, the school has purchased over 7,300,000 kWh of green power since it began purchasing RECs from Renewable Choice in 2009. The University is a member of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Green Power Partnership Leadership Club and a signatory to the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC).

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014, Naropa is a Buddhist-inspired, student-centered liberal arts university with a longstanding commitment to sustainability. In addition to the RECs it purchases from Renewable Choice, the school also utilizes onsite solar energy. The University has committed to meet the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) LEED® Silver standard (or equivalent) with all new campus construction. New technology at the University’s Paramita Campus includes a subsurface irrigation system linked to an onsite weather station in order to coordinate a highly efficient water supply. The University also offers an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies and a graduate degree in Environmental Leadership.

“Naropa University’s commitment to sustainability has taken many forms, including a commitment to renewable energy, divesting from fossil fuels, and providing advanced degrees on environmental leadership,” said Charles G. Lief, President of Naropa University. “Naropa University is pleased to work with Renewable Choice Energy to reduce our carbon footprint and provide a model for other colleges and universities throughout Colorado and the country.”

RECs are the way that green power is tracked and traded in North America and are used by thousands of U.S. and Canadian organizations, including the EPA, to decrease environmental impact. The RECs purchased by Naropa are sourced from 100% U.S.-based wind power facilities and are certified by Green-e® Energy, the nation’s leading certification program for renewable energy.

Both Renewable Choice and Naropa are located in Boulder, Colorado, which was the first community in Colorado to be named a Green Power Community by the EPA. As a forerunner in environmental leadership, the city is home to many clean energy-based businesses and EPA Green Power Partners.

“Congratulations to Naropa University on the recognition it has received for its ongoing commitments to, and leadership in, environmental stewardship,” says Aran Rice, VP of Sales for Renewable Choice Energy and a Naropa alumnus (MA, Contemplative Psychology, 1997). “We’re grateful for our five-year partnership with Naropa and feel our work together to support clean energy is representative of the progressive Boulder community that we share. We look forward to a continued and mutually beneficial relationship.”

About Renewable Choice Energy
Colorado-based Renewable Choice Energy is a leading global provider green power, carbon offsets, sustainability consulting, and renewable energy advisory services and is recognized as a trusted partner to numerous major brands. Recipient of the Green Power Supplier of the Year award in 2012 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Renewable Choice is a certified B Corporation. To learn more, visit http://www.renewablechoice.com.

About Naropa University
Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a private, liberal arts institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2014-15, Naropa University is a leader in contemplative education, an approach to learning and teaching that integrates Eastern wisdom studies with traditional Western scholarship. Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Learn more at http://www.naropa.edu.

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