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InterContinental New York Barclay Supported by 100 Percent Wind

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NEW YORK—Sterling Planet, Inc. announced that the InterContinental New York Barclay, New York City’s landmark historic hotel, is now supported by 100 percent wind energy. Sterling Planet, a leader in the renewable energy market, supplies the 685-room luxury hotel with wind energy through renewable energy certificates (RECs). The Barclay is among the first New York Hotels to source 100 percent wind energy.

Sterling Planet will provide the InterContinental New York Barclay with more than 6.3 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of Green-e Energy certified RECs from nationwide wind resources to offset 100 percent of the hotel’s conventional electricity. Electricity produced from renewable resources reduces the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), a key greenhouse gas, released into the environment. Wind power is a particularly favorable renewable option because the operation of wind generators produces zero emissions.

The purchased RECs offset approximately 8.6 million pounds of carbon dioxide. The environmental benefit is equivalent to not driving 865 passenger cars for one year, 499 households’ annual electricity use, 3,241 acres of pine or fir forests storing carbon for one year, or 1,523 tons of waste recycled instead of landfilled. Beyond these environmental benefits, RECs help build a market for renewable electricity (“green power” or commodity electricity bundled with RECs), increase energy diversity and security, reduce dependence on foreign energy sources, support domestic economies and create U.S. jobs.

‘Sustainability in the City’

The Barclay initiated a holistic corporate responsibility program entitled “Sustainability in the City” in January 2010. “Our approach is based on our commitment to the Triple Bottom Line of people, profit, and planet, which includes numerous efforts addressing the needs of our hotel, neighborhood and the world community,” said Hervé Houdré, regional director of operations and general manager of the InterContinental New York Barclay. “We are glad to add wind energy to our ever-expanding energy conservation initiatives.”

InterContinental New York Barclay staff members have formed a variety of committees addressing issues such as education, health, sustainable purchasing, and reducing energy and waste. Two of the environmental successes in the past year have included the offering of organic, seasonal, natural or local food, including the popular Natural Power Breakfast; and a waste management program which includes composting and reduced paper consumption. Eight-five percent of the hotel’s lighting is achieved with compact fluorescent bulbs.

The InterContinental New York Barclay has “adopted” The Boys and Girls Club of Harlem and East Side Community High School and has forged a partnership which links that school with Hatua Likoni School and orphanage in Kenya. The hotel raises funds for Haiti, Chile and many other causes such as domestic violence, animal shelters and cancer organizations.

“This purchase of 100 percent wind renewable energy certificates reflects a strong commitment to the environment and to the development of further renewable resources,” said Mel Jones, CEO for Sterling Planet. “We are proud to partner with the InterContinental New York Barclay Hotel in their sustainable business endeavors.”

Go to the InterContinental New York Barclay and Sterling Planet.

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