Academy of Natural Sciences will Offset Energy Use

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The Academy of Natural Sciences will offset its expected energy use with 100 percent renewable energy over a two-year period with Green-e certified renewable energy certificates donated by GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA, the nation's oldest natural history museum announced today.

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Renewable energy certificates represent the environmental attributes of electricity generated from wind, solar or other Green-e certified renewable power facilities. Organizations may use the certificates to reduce their indirect greenhouse gas emissions and help support the operation and development of domestic sources of cleaner, renewable energy.

Green-e is the nation's leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the retail market.

"The Academy historically has had a strong commitment to environmental research and protection and to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability," said Academy President and CEO George Gephart. "Our partnership with GDF SUEZ furthers our commitment to the environment, and we are delighted to have this opportunity to work together with them."

Robert Wilson, president and CEO of GDF SUEZ Energy Resources, said, "Like the Academy of Natural Sciences, we have a longstanding commitment to sustainability. We are proud of this new relationship and grateful for the opportunity to help support the Academy's environmental initiatives, mission, and programming."

In addition to the mutual focus on environmental responsibility, Academy officials also cited pricing confidence and the willingness of GDF SUEZ, the retail energy business of GDF SUEZ Energy North America, to understand environmental issues of particular interest to the institution as other drivers in the contract decision.

Founded in 1812, the Academy is the oldest natural science research institution and museum in the Americas and a world leader in biodiversity and environmental research. Its museum is a major tourist attraction in Philadelphia. Its Center for Environmental Policy informs and engages constituents, promotes solutions, and builds awareness on important environmental topics.

GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA is the second largest non-residential retail energy supplier in the U.S. and serves commercial and industrial customers in Delaware, Texas, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C.

About the Academy: The Academy of Natural Sciences, founded in 1812, is the oldest natural science research institution and museum in the Americas and a world leader in biodiversity and environmental research. The mission of the Academy is the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences.

About GDF SUEZ Energy North America, Inc.: GDF SUEZ Energy North America, Inc. manages a range of energy businesses in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, including electricity generation and cogeneration, natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution and sales, asset-based trading and origination, and retail energy sales and related services to commercial and industrial customers.

GDF SUEZ Energy North America owns and/or operates cogeneration, steam, and chilled water facilities, including those in construction, representing a capacity of more than 8,000 MW of electricity generation, 6.0 million pounds per hour of steam, and 42,000 tons per hour of chilled water. Renewable fuels—wind, hydro, and biomass—power 23 of the facilities in the portfolio, two of which are among the largest wind farms in eastern Canada. The company's natural gas assets include an LNG receiving terminal in Everett, Massachusetts, which currently meets approximately 20 percent of New England's annual gas demand; an offshore LNG import facility off the coast of Massachusetts; and natural gas distribution networks and pipelines in Mexico that serve nearly 400,000 customers.

GDF SUEZ Energy North America is part of the international energy group, GDF SUEZ.

SOURCE Academy of Natural Sciences; GDF SUEZ Energy Resources NA