Commercial real estate agents looking to expand their “green” clientele should begin by reviewing the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of the top 50 green power purchasers.
These green power purchases are amassed from renewable resources like wind, solar, biomass, geothermal biomass and low-impact hydro, according to the EPA. Power generated by these zero-emission, renewable electricity resources is issued in renewable energy certificates.
While many industries were well represented, it seems a few invest more in renewable energy certificates than others. Retailers, government agencies, educational entities, information technology companies and banks comprise the bulk of the top 50 list purchasers.
Intel Corporation claimed the number-one spot on the EPA’s list. This information technology company invested in so many green power resources that it was able to utilize this alternative energy for 88 percent of its total electricity use in 2010.
Rounding out the rest of the top five were Kohl’s, Whole Foods, Starbucks and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, respectively. Of the six most common green power resources, wind power was by far the most popular source of energy. Almost every company listed in the top 50 had invested in wind power.
If you’re an agent who specializes in retail, government agencies or higher education, you’re in luck. The EPA has compiled lists of the top 20 energy purchasers in these fields as well.