REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.)
What began as a group of 23 mountain climbing buddies is now the nation's largest consumer cooperative, with more than 3 million active members.
Since 1938, its commitment remains the same: to inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure.
REI is also committed to the environment. "We are continuously looking for ways to make the design, construction and operation of our buildings more sustainable," said Brian Unmacht, REI's executive vice president of sales, service, store development and logistics. In alignment with the co-op's environmental priorities, REI plans to retrofit more than 10 percent of its stores with solar electric technology — a commitment that represents one of the largest solar investments for a specialty retailer in the country.
The co-op has selected 11 stores to be retrofitted with solar electric systems. The seven locations in California include Arcadia, Folsom, Sacramento, San Carlos, San Diego, San Francisco and Santa Rosa. Additional stores include three in Oregon — in Clackamas, Hillsboro and Tualatin — and the co-op's second prototype store in Round Rock, Texas.
The co-op has committed to utilizing renewable power sources wherever possible. REI currently purchases approximately 20 percent of its electricity from green sources, including wind and biomass, and continues to collaborate with utility companies in developing additional options available in the market.
REI first announced formal strategies to reduce the company's carbon footprint in its 2006 stewardship report. For additional information on the co-op's social and environmental practices, including its inventory of greenhouse gas emissions, visit the 2007 stewardship report, available online at www.rei.com/stewardship.
Learn more about REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) at www.rei.com.