Technology companies lead the way in renewable energy, according to the EPA's 2013 Green Power Partnership top 100 list.
Intel continues its seven-year run as the nation's largest voluntary user of green power, meeting 100% of its electricity load with renewable energy sources. Intel utilizes various clean energy sources including biogas, biomass, small hydro, solar, and wind.
Other technology companies in the top 10 include Microsoft, Google, and Apple. Apple increased its annual green power use by nearly 100 million kWh, moving up three spots on the list.
The top 10 partners are:
- Intel
- Kohl's Department Stores
- Microsoft
- Whole Foods Market
- Wal-Mart Stores
- Staples
- Apple
- City of Houston, Texas
- U.S. Department of Energy
Several higher education institutions also made the list. The University of Pennsylvania, at number 28 overall, continues to be the top individual school for the seventh year in a row, purchasing more than 200 million kWh of wind power annually. Out of the 33 competing conferences, the Big 10 is this year's champion, collectively using more than 309 million kWh of green power annually.
In total, the combined green power usage of the top 100 partners amounts to nearly 24 billion kWh annually, which represents close to 83% of the green power commitments made by all EPA Green Power Partners. The list is calculated based on annual green power usage (in kWh) by the partners.
