One-fifth of Renewable Energy Adopters See 15% ROI or Better

by | Mar 16, 2010

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roiAmong firms that have added renewable energy, 20 percent said they are seeing a return on investment of 15 percent or more, according to a new special report from Environmental Leader.

About 40 percent of respondents to the survey said they spent $1 million or more, and another 20 percent spent at least $500,000 to implement onsite renewable energy generation, according to the new special report, “Enterprise Renewable Energy Adoption Survey: Benchmarking Onsite Renewable Energy Generation, Purchasing and REC Buying.”

State and federal incentives are typically key to making onsite energy generation affordable, respondents said.

About 12 percent of respondents were able to add renewable energy at no financial outlay by shifting the capital costs to their provider through PPAs.

The 150-plus page report presents a comprehensive survey on corporate renewable energy use including:

– the ROI of renewable energy programs

– how many corporations are using renewable energy

– what kinds of, how much and where renewable energy is being used

– the percentage of renewable energy in relation to conventional energy use

– how much company’s spend on renewable energy, and

– renewable energy plans for the next five years.

Learn from their experience:

Among the highlights of the report are in-depth interview-based case studies with JCPenney, USPS, White Wave, Costco, UPS, Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market, Half Price Books and Green Mountain Coffee.

Environmental Leader interviewed the experts who put together the deals, encapsulating best practices and general tips for companies considering adding renewable energy.

Companies choose to add renewable energy for varying reasons, and some opt to add virtual renewable energy by purchasing renewable energy credits that help fund solar and wind projects elsewhere.

About 25 percent of respondents who purchase RECs said they do so for branding/image reasons, and another 20 percent do so out of a sense of moral obligation.

Download a free executive summary (PDF) here.

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