UW Credit Union of Madison, WI has announced that they achieved the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) Green Power Leadership Club designation for 2013, making them the first credit union in the nation to receive the distinction.
"Were proud to be selected for this elite honor," said Brad McClain, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of UW Credit Union. "Being a good environmental steward is a core value for our company and were committed to minimizing the impact of our operations on the environment."
To achieve the Leadership Club designation, businesses must voluntarily purchase a significant portion of their electricity from renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and hydro resources.
"Switching all our branches to green power was an easy choice for us," said McClain, noting that 100 percent of the electricity purchased for UW Credit Union community branches is now generated from renewable resources. "We wanted to be environmentally and financially responsible as we continue to grow our branch network."
In addition to purchasing green power, UW Credit Union has taken additional steps to positively impact the environment. All new branch buildings and newly remodeled branches follow LEED guidelines. And since 2007, UW Credit Union has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 75 percent and water usage by 16 percent.
UW Credit Union has been an EPA Green Power Partner since 2011; it is the 8
th Wisconsin business to achieve the Green Power Leadership Club designation.
"Were committed to doing what is right for our members and our environment," said Paul Kundert, UW Credit Union President & CEO. "As an organization that continues to grow, we are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint just as we are dedicated to our members best interest."
