EPA Honors Philadelphia Insurance Companies With Green Power Leadership Award

PHLY is one of only nine companies recognized nationally as a leader in green power purchasing.

Bala Cynwyd, PA (PRWEB) - Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) announced today that it has received a 2014 Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The annual awards recognize the country’s leading green power purchasers for their commitment and contribution to helping advance the development of the nation’s voluntary green power market. EPA presented PHLY with the award at an event held in conjunction with the 2014 Renewable Energy Markets Conference in Sacramento, California on December 3, 2014.

“EPA is pleased to recognize Philadelphia Insurance Companies with a Green Power Purchasing award for its exceptional commitment to buying green power and reducing carbon pollution associated with its electricity use,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. "In doing so, Philadelphia Insurance Companies is taking action to address climate change, and we encourage other organizations to do the same.”

PHLY is one of only nine organizations nationwide to receive a Leadership Award for its green power purchase. The award recognizes EPA Green Power Partners who distinguish themselves through purchases of green power from a utility green-pricing program, a competitive green marketer, or a renewable energy certificate (REC) supplier. PHLY is currently purchasing nearly 5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually, which is enough green power to meet 100 percent of the organization’s electricity use. According to the EPA, PHLY's annual green power use of nearly 5 million kWh is equivalent to eliminating the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of nearly 700 passenger vehicles per year or the amount of electricity needed to power nearly 500 average American homes annually.

“The increase in severe weather events worldwide has demonstrated a need for greater environmental responsibility by governments, businesses, and communities,” said PHLY Chief Executive Officer Bob O’Leary. “Purchasing renewable energy certificates is an effective and meaningful way for PHLY to support green power as we work to reduce our environmental footprint. We truly appreciate being recognized by the EPA for this effort."

PHLY is a member of the Tokio Marine Group, which achieved carbon neutrality in both its domestic and overseas business operations in fiscal 2013. PHLY’s green power goals are part of the company’s broader environmental strategic plan—the GREENPHLY Priority Action Plan, which has three focus areas: carbon footprint reduction, environmental education and awareness, and community outreach.

PHLY encourages its stakeholders to use green power and serves as a knowledge resource for industry partners about green power options. PHLY recently consulted with one of its largest environmental insurance brokers to advise the broker on how to launch its own grass roots sustainability program. PHLY also works with local and national environmental non-profit partners, such as the Clean Air Council of Philadelphia, to achieve shared sustainability goals.

PHLY is buying renewable energy certificates from TerraPass. Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, eligible biomass, and low-impact hydro. Using green power accelerates the development of new renewable energy capacity nationwide and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector.

About Philadelphia Insurance 
Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY) designs, markets, and underwrites commercial property/casualty and professional liability insurance products incorporating value added coverages and services for select industries. In operation since 1962, the Company, whose commercial lines insurance subsidiaries are rated “A++” (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and “AA-” for counterparty credit and financial strength by Standard & Poor’s, is nationally recognized as a member of Ward's Top 50, National Underwriter’s Top 100, and one of the Top 150 Workplaces in America. Policies are underwritten by Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Company. The organization has 49 offices strategically located across the United States to provide superior service. For more information, please visithttp://www.PHLY.com.

About EPA’s Green Power Partnership 
The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that encourages organizations to buy green power as a way to reduce the environmental impacts associated with purchased electricity use. The Partnership currently has more than 1,300 Partner organizations collectively purchasing billions of kilowatt-hours of green power annually. Partners include a wide variety of leading organizations such as Fortune 500® companies, small and medium sized businesses, local, state, and federal governments, and colleges and universities. For additional information, please visit http://www.epa.gov/greenpower.

About the Green Power Leadership Awards 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) co-sponsors the annual Green Power Leadership Awards in conjunction with the Center for Resource Solutions. EPA recognizes winners in the following awards categories: Green Power Partner of the Year; Sustained Excellence in Green Power; On-site Generation; Green Power Purchasing; Green Power Community of the Year; and Green Power Supplier of the Year. EPA’s Green Power Partner awards recognize the exceptional achievement among EPA Green Power Partners who distinguish themselves through green power procurement, market leadership, overall green power strategy, and overall impact on the green power market. EPA’s Green Power Supplier awards recognize green power suppliers for outstanding efforts, initiatives and programs that significantly advance the development of green power sources serving the voluntary market. The Awards are held in conjunction with the Renewable Energy Markets Conference. For additional information please visit http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/awards/.