Southface has shown their commitment to sustainable building practices by purchasing American Wind™ for their new Eco Office. Their purchase will promote the further development of renewable energy resources, decrease harmful pollutants and lessen our dependence on fossil fuels.

Using wind power is an important part of sustainable building. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the conventional way we produce electricity, (primarily by burning fossil fuels), is the leading cause of industrial air pollution. Wind power offers a clean, cost effective alternative. By choosing American Wind™; Southface is avoiding the creation of 174,473 pounds of carbon dioxide air pollution each year. This is equivalent to not driving a car 190,473 miles. It would take 24 acres of trees to absorb that much CO2.

Southface is purchasing wind power as part of earning LEED certification for the Eco Office. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. LEED provides a complete framework for assessing building performance and meeting sustainability goals. Based on well-founded scientific standards, LEED emphasizes state of the art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Adjacent to its current demonstration home, Southface will construct a new Eco Office which will showcase state-of-the-art energy, water and waste-reducing features, all of which are economical and market-ready, and many of which are manufactured locally in Georgia. This new building - and everything in it – will help make “green building” a reality for Atlanta’s office buildings, hotels, event spaces and more.

American Wind™ is a blend of wind power certificates from new wind farms nationwide and is Green-e certified by the Center for Resource Solutions. In order for a renewable product to be Green-e certified and qualify for LEED credits, it must meet the highest environmental and consumer protection standards. Wind power certificates represent clean, renewable energy produced from domestic wind farms, including all emission offsets. Their value is based upon the benefits of displacing other non-renewable sources from the electricity grid and the pollution they cause. By purchasing these certificates, Southface is taking responsibility for the electricity they use from the power grid and the pollution its production causes. Consumers of renewable energy certificates have a direct impact on how our country produces energy. Not only are their dollars going to support the wind farms’ operation and growth, but by buying certificates, they create demand for more wind power. Wind power is the fastest growing source of energy in the country. Each time an electricity user chooses American Wind™, the mix of energy in the national grid becomes cleaner for everyone.

“Southface has shown foresight that the decisions made today will effect generations to come. By purchasing American Wind™ for their building, their company is ensuring a brighter, cleaner future for us all,” said Quayle Hodek, CEO of Renewable Choice Energy. “American Wind™ is now available anywhere in the country for individuals, companies and institutions looking for an alternative to fossil fuels.” Renewable Choice Energy is the leading grassroots renewable energy company. The company is working with architects, designers and building owners to bring affordable green power to buildings nationwide. Visit www.renewablechoice.com to learn how wind power can work for you.