Communications Support
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Communicating the Benefits of Your Actions
The following tips and guidance can help you effectively communicate the environmental benefits of your green power purchase and participation in the Green Power Partnership.
- Explain Green Power
Many people have a limited understanding of environmental issues and benefits of buying green power. Take the time to explain these issues in detail and provide simple information about how your green power purchase will make a difference.
Also, the more specific a statement is about green power, the more convincing it is likely to be. Explain exactly what you are doing to help the environment, how your purchase reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and any potential economic benefits (for example, supporting the construction of a new green power project).
- Make Your Message Tangible
Help internal and external audiences better understand the environmental impact of your green power purchase by translating it into tangible real-world terms. For example, it might be easier for an audience to understand the extent of the avoided carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions attributable to a green power purchase if the avoided CO2 emissions are translated to an equivalent number of passenger cars. EPA is available to help you in calculating the CO2 emissions associated with an equivalent number of:- Passenger cars
- Gallons of gasoline
- Barrels of oil
- American households
- Home barbeque propane cylinders
To receive help, please contact Allison Bellins (bellins.allison@epa.gov).
EPA has also developed other tools and services that Partners can use to promote their green power commitments.
Partner Certificate. Once an organization signs on as a Partner, that organization receives a welcome kit with program information as well as a certificate that acknowledges its green power commitment. Partners can display the certificate at a key location to demonstrate EPA’s recognition of the value of their Partnership.
EPA Green Power Partner Mark. Partners can include the Green Power Partner mark in outreach and communications materials. The Green Power Partner mark will reinforce your organization’s voluntary partnership with EPA and your use of renewable energy. Learn more about the EPA Green Power Partner Mark and the Guidelines for Use (PDF) (2 pp, 184K, About PDF).
The Green Power Partnership Web site lists current Partners) and provides a profile with information about their green power purchase as well as links to their Web sites and their environmentally related Web pages (if applicable).
Posters, Banners, and Other Signage. For significant green power purchases, EPA can create artwork for customized event banners and other types of signage. Partners should let their account managers know about any special events where EPA can highlight their commitment to EPA’s Green Power Partnership.
Green Power Leadership Awards. To recognize the actions of individuals and organizations that are significantly advancing the development of renewable energy, EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy annually recognize outstanding actions by Partners with the Green Power Leadership Awards. Our Award Winners Web page provides award criteria, nomination forms, and profiles of past winners.
Green Power Leadership Club. All Partners that exceed the minimum purchase requirements for the Green Power Leadership Club are recognized each year at the Renewable Energy Markets Conference with a plaque and are designated as a member on EPA’s Partner List Web page.