According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Intel Corporation is to become the top corporate purchaser of green power in the United States after the purchase of 1.3 billion kilowatt hours a year of renewable energy certificates (RECs), a trasnsaction that is being handled by Sterling Planet. 

“We have a long history of commitment to the environment and energy efficiency is an important consideration in everything we do, from building transistors to designing microprocessors and running our factories,” said Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini, who is also a member of the Copenhagen Climate Council, a global group of leaders working to achieve an effective global climate treaty at next year’s UN Environmental Summit in Copenhagen. “Our renewable purchase is just one part of a multi-faceted approach to protect the environment, and one that we hope spurs additional development and demand for renewable energy.”

Over the last seven years, Intel said it had invested over $20 million in more than 250 energy conservation projects that saved in excess of 500 million kilowatt hours.

Intel’s REC purchase will include wind, solar, small hydro-electric and biomass sources. The purchase will be certified by the non-profit Center for Resource Solutions’ "Green-e" program, which certifies and verifies green power products.