Renewable Energy and Sustainability Efforts | Downlite Blog

At DOWNLITE, sustainability and energy efficiency are at the heart of our operations. We are excited to share the latest developments in our efforts to reduce our environmental footprint and support renewable energy sources. Our recent investments in Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and strategic energy management have yielded significant savings and increased our reliance on renewable energy, demonstrating our commitment to a greener future for our bedding manufactured in the USA.

What are Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)?

Before diving into our recent achievements, it's essential to understand what Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are and how they work. RECs are tradable certificates representing the environmental benefits of generating one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity from a renewable energy source, such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power. When a company purchases RECs, it essentially supports renewable energy production by ensuring that a certain amount of its electricity usage comes from renewable sources. This helps to reduce the overall carbon footprint and promotes the development of more renewable energy projects.

How are RECs Made?

The process of creating RECs involves several key steps:

1. Generation of Renewable Energy: Electricity is produced from renewable sources like solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric dams, biomass, and geothermal energy.
2. Measurement and Certification: The amount of energy generated is measured and recorded. Each megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable electricity can be converted into one REC, which is certified by independent organizations.
3. Issuance of RECs: Once verified, RECs are issued to the generator, including specific information about the energy source, location, generation date, and a unique identification number.
4. Tracking and Registration: RECs are tracked in electronic databases to ensure transparency and prevent double-counting. Well-known tracking systems include the North American Renewables Registry (NAR), Midwest Renewable Energy Tracking System (M-RETS), and Western Renewable Energy Generation Information System (WREGIS).
5. Trading and Sales: RECs can be sold and traded separately from electricity, allowing organizations to purchase RECs to meet renewable energy goals or regulatory requirements.
6. Retirement of RECs: Once used to meet a goal or requirement, RECs are retired, ensuring they are only counted once.

Significant Savings with Renewable Energy Credits

After monitoring the REC market for several months, we identified an opportune moment to purchase certified Renewable Energy Credits. This investment allows us to cover 35% of the electricity needs for our Palace and Duke bedding facilities with renewable energy.

Enhancing Our Renewable Energy Usage

In addition to the newly acquired RECs, our Blue Ash, OH, and Mason, OH, facilities already benefit from Duke Energy's 10.5% renewable energy provision. With the recent purchase, we proudly announce that 45.5% of the electricity consumed at these two facilities comes from renewable sources. This significant increase highlights our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability.

Efficient Energy Contracts

Our commitment to energy efficiency continues with RECs. We also successfully renegotiated our overall electric contracts, lowering costs more than initially expected. This strategic move supports our sustainability goals and enhances our operational efficiency by reducing energy expenses.

Monroe Facility's Renewable Energy Success

Our Monroe, NC, facility stands out as a beacon of sustainability within our operations. According to the City of Monroe, 98.5% of the electricity used at this facility is derived from renewable and non-emission sources. This remarkable achievement underscores our ongoing efforts to integrate sustainable practices across all our operations.

Looking Ahead @ DOWNLITE

Our journey towards greater sustainability is ongoing. By leveraging renewable energy sources, optimizing energy contracts, and advocating for sustainable practices across all our facilities, DOWNLITE is making meaningful progress in reducing our environmental impact. We remain dedicated to exploring new opportunities to enhance energy efficiency and support the global transition to renewable energy.

Stay tuned for more updates as we progress in our energy management and sustainability initiatives.

Sleep Better, Live Greener with DOWNLITE Bedding!