EPA Recognizes Harris as a Top Ten National Green Power Leader

Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass and low-impact hydro. These resources generate electricity with a net zero increase in carbon dioxide emissions, while offering a superior environmental profile compared to traditional power generation sources. Green power purchases also support the development of new renewable energy generation sources nationwide.

According to the EPA, Harris' current green power purchase of more than 91 million kWh is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of nearly 13,000 passenger vehicles per year, or is the equivalent amount of electricity needed to power nearly 8,000 average American homes annually.

Harris was one of only ten organizations nationwide to receive a Green Power Purchase Award from EPA. 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. Harris is currently purchasing more than 91 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power annually -- enough green power to meet 100 percent of the organization's purchased electricity use. Harris is buying RECs from NextEra Energy Resources.

"We share the EPA's passion for environmental sustainability, which makes this prestigious award an honor for Harris," said Ellen Costello, president and CEO, Harris Financial Corp. "It's a point of pride that reminds us that our purchase of green power is not only the right thing to do -- it's good business, too."

Harris currently ranks No.42 on EPA's National Top 50 list. Each list highlights EPA Green Power Partners that have completed the largest annual voluntary purchases through July 6, 2010. EPA updates its Top Partner Lists quarterly at http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists/.

SOURCE: Harris Bank