SSV Partnership with "Cool-It" Simplifies Green Tags Purchasing for Companies and Individuals

Cool-It, a web based tool developed by Acterra and the Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter, both of which are SSV partners, was recently launched to help employers and employees estimate and off-set their carbon emissions.  SSV has partnered with the Cool-It plan to enable partners to distribute the tool for use within their organizations.

The Cool-It campaign http://www.cool-it.us/ , which was announced in the January 25 Palo Alto Daily News and the January 27 San Jose Mercury News http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/13725144.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp , will calculate a person's or company's carbon emissions based on vehicle miles traveled, air travel, electricity and natural gas usage.  Cool-It will compare the results with the California average so the person can see how their lifestyle choices measure up to the average California consumer.  The person or organization can then purchase renewable energy credits or "green" tags on-line through 3-Phases Energy to off-set all or some of the calculated emissions. 

According to Michael Closson, Acterra Executive Director, "If you get hundreds of thousands of people doing this, you'll need fewer coal-fired plants."  Stan Van Velsor, global warming program coordinator for the Loma Prieta chapter of the Sierra Club, said part of the program will focus on helping people change behavior that creates significant emissions, such as commuting.

Sun Microsystems, a recent SSV pledging partner, has signed on to the campaign and will distribute information to its employees.  The Cool-It campaign is intended to help SSV reach its regional goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions 20% by 2010 based on 1990 levels.