Green Power Purchasing Steps

As you consider whether a green power purchase will help fulfill your organization's goals, the following list will assist you in identifying some of the major steps involved in buying green power:

1. Identify your key decision-maker(s) – A key decision-maker can play an important role in buying green power. Key decision-makers can be the CEO, mayor, or someone else who has the ability to take action. This step is especially critical for larger organizations.
2. Gather your energy data – Estimate your organization's purchased electricity use by using your recent electricity bills or by using a per-square-foot estimate.
   For additional information on estimating your electricity use, please review the Green Power Partnership  Partnership Requirements (pdf).
3. Determine your purchase scope – Some organizations find that buying green power for a facility, or group of facilities, is the most logical place to start. Your purchase scope (facility vs. organization-wide) might influence the type of product you choose.
4. Evaluate product options – There are three eligible product options to choose from when meeting EPA's purchase requirements. In some cases, not all products will be available in your area. 
5. Develop purchase criteria – It is helpful to develop a list of criteria when evaluating provider and product options. Criteria can be based on such factors as budget, resource geography, resource base, carbon benefit, or contract type or length.
6. Solicit product providers – Contact multiple providers to determine the going market rate for green power products. Many providers of green power offer add-on services outside of their primary green power offering.
7. Develop a procurement or project plan – By developing a procurement or project plan, you can better assess the value of buying green power, assess potential issues, and help convince others in your organization.
8. Buy green power – When buying green power, ensure that your contract conveys the rights to make environmental claims.
   For the purpose of partnering with EPA, you should also ensure that your purchase meets EPA's Green Power Partnership Requirements (pdf).
9. Work with EPA to capture the benefits of your purchase – When you become a Green Power Partner, your organization can receive EPA support in making purchase announcements. Partners can receive press release assistance, environmental equivalency statements, and use EPA's Green Power Partner mark on websites and communications materials.

For additional information on the development of on-site projects, please visit the Resources for On-site Project web page.