The team wraps up a great week (Image credit: Rob O'Dea)
The Kodak Gallery Pro Cycling Team presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. will offset 100 percent of team generated carbon pollution with renewable energy in 2007; The team has purchased 460,600 kWh of wind credits from Renewable Choice Energy, a leading national provider and marketer of wind power.
"No one understands the direct impact of carbon pollution better than cyclists who train everyday on our nation's roads," said team marketing director, Rob O'Dea. "We're glad to have a chance to offset the pollution we create by supporting the development of clean, renewable wind power," O'Dea added.
The team's purchase includes enough renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset 100 percent of the home electricity consumption of each of its athletes and management, as well as all of the team's travel emissions. Credits have also been purchased to offset all of the pollution generated by team vehicles operating in support of nearly 120 days of domestic bicycle racing in 2007.
The team's purchase of wind energy credits has the same impact as planting 8,460 trees, not driving 669,950 miles, or preventing the burning of 344,340 pounds of coal, according to statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Environmental stewardship is nothing new to the team's presenting sponsor, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., which has one of the largest and most advanced hydrogen fuel cell installations in the United States.
"We're proud of the leadership position the team has taken on this important issue and sincerely hope others will follow," said Sierra Nevada founder and owner, Ken Grossman.
The team announced its purchase on the heels of its fall training camp and just weeks before the beginning of the 2007 racing season. The Kodak Gallery Pro Cycling Team, presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., competes domestically under the auspices of USA Cycling. For a complete schedule of team races, visit http://www.kgsncycling.com.
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"We're thrilled that the Kodak Gallery Pro Cycling Team has taken this step," said Quayle Hodek, CEO and president of Renewable Choice Energy. "We hope that other sports teams follow their lead and make the choice to move beyond fossil fuels and support clean renewable energy," he added.
