January 12, 2010, Woodstock, IL -- Other World Computing (OWC®) http://www.macsales.com, a leading zero emissions PC and Mac® technology company, announced today that it has been recognized by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership program for its leadership role in becoming an on-site producer of more than 100% of OWC’s power needs through clean, green wind power. The EPA Green Power Partnership program is a voluntary program that provides recognition to organizations demonstrating environmental leadership by using clean renewable power, either by producing power, as OWC does, or by purchasing green credits.
First 100% On-Site Wind Powered U.S. Technology Manufacturer
OWC became the first 100% on-site wind powered U.S. technology manufacturer on October 19, 2009, when it activated its Vestas V39-500kW wind turbine. The turbine is projected to generate an estimated 1,250,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year,
nearly double the current energy requirements of all OWC operations, including its internet operations datacenter for OWC.net and FasterMac.net. Excess energy produced by the OWC wind turbine is sold back to the local power provider, thus making OWC
a net supplier of sustainable energy to the McHenry County, IL region in addition to being a provider of award winning technology products and services to over one million Mac, PC, and iPod users around the world.
"The EPA commends Other World Computing for their commitment to protecting the environment by using green power," said Susan Wickwire, Chief of the Energy Supply and Industry Branch at U.S. EPA.
"By generating power with an on-site wind turbine, Other World Computing is reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, supporting clean energy technologies, and contributing to a clean energy future."
Clean, Renewable Wind Power Part of Green Corporate Philosophy
The 100% self-funded on-site wind turbine is one component of the overall green initiatives that OWC employed in designing and building its corporate headquarters. The OWC building and campus, completed in 2008, are in the final approval stages for the highest
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program rating of Platinum. LEED is a voluntary program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to provide building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions.
Good for the Environment & the Bottom Line
The cost to install a wind turbine of OWC's caliber is typically $1.25 million with a Return On Investment (ROI) of 100% within 10-14 years based upon a 25% front-end investment and current energy costs. The actual ROI recovery period can be reduced significantly as energy costs increase.
"OWC has always planned for the future, and going to 100 percent wind energy delivers both conservational as well as energy cost benefits," said Larry O'Connor, CEO, Other World Computing.
"We're very pleased that our efforts have been recognized by the EPA as exhibiting environmental leadership," said O'Connor.
For complete details and a pictorial presentation on OWC's wind turbine project, as well as a virtual tour of its LEED inspired corporate campus, visit: www.macsales.com/windpower
About Other World Computing (OWC)
Other World Computing (OWC) has been providing quality hardware products and support to the computer industry since 1988 and features one of the largest online catalogs of computer, iPod, and iPhone enhancement products through its e-commerce portal www.macsales.com. As a Premiere Level Apple Developer Connection member, OWC also provides extensive US based technical support for Macintosh users around the world as well as Internet access via www.fastermac.net and www.owc.net
OWC's industry awards and recognition include:
Crain's Chicago Business 2009 "Fast 50" List of 50 Fastest Growing Companies in the Chicago Area;
Computerworld Magazine Top Green-IT Companies for 2008;
Inc. 5,000 Top 100 Computers & Electronics Companies 2007 to 2009;
Reseller Ratings Elite Member 2009; and
McHenry County Economic Development Corporation 2008 Business Champion Award.
OWC corporate headquarters in Woodstock, IL, completed in 2008, is built to LEED "Platinum" requirements, the highest level given by the United States Green Building Council's LEED program, for compliance with environmentally sound building methods which incorporate innovative use of "green" systems and materials. OWC continued its leadership role in environmental stewardship in October 2009 by activating an on-site wind turbine that cleanly generates more net energy than is consumed by OWC's operations and datacenter. For more information, visit www.macsales.com
About EPA's Green Power Partnership
The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with purchased electricity use. The Partnership currently has more than 1,200 Partner organizations voluntarily purchasing billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually. Partners include a wide variety of leading organizations such as Fortune 500 companies, small and medium sized businesses, local, state, and federal governments, and colleges and universities. For additional information, please visit http://www.epa.gov/greenpower.
Company Contact:
Bill Herring
512-412-4009
bherring@macsales.com
Agency Contact:
Andy Marken
408-986-0100
andy@markencom.com