Performance Bicycle has become the first national sports retailer in the U.S. to use renewable energy exclusively to power its stores, corporate headquarters, distribution centers and call center. The company will purchase over 5,087,260 kWh of renewable energy credits annually, equal to 100% of its electricity use.

Performance Bicycle’s commitment to clean and renewable power will avoid over 7 million pounds of carbon dioxide pollution each year, which is equivalent to taking 618 cars off the road or planting over 966 acres of trees, according to the EPA. To further the impact of their commitment, Performance Bicycle is offering FREE gift cards to customers who choose wind power for their homes.

“Cycling is already the most environmental friendly form of transportation and now with our purchase of 100% renewable power it just got even better,” said Garry Snook, CEO of Performance Bicycle. “By embracing renewable energy as a clean and renewable source for 100% of our electricity use, Performance Bicycle is reinforcing our commitment to reduce the environmental footprint of our business,” Snook said.

Renewable energy is the most recent step Performance Bicycle has taken to be a better environmental steward. Among other initiatives, the company has an extensive cardboard recycling program in its warehouse and has also formed an employee “Green” team to investigate other environmentally friendly steps. This team recently announced that as of December, 2006 all of the company’s catalogs and flyers will be printed with recycled content paper.

“EPA applauds Performance Bicycle for their purchase of clean, renewable energy,” said Matt Clouse, program director of EPA’s Green Power Partnership. “This purchase will help drive the development of new renewable generation facilities across the United States, further reducing the environmental impacts associated with electricity use. ”

Renewable Choice Energy is a leading national provider that is building the market for clean and renewable sources of energy through renewable energy credits (RECs). RECs support the production of electricity generation from renewable sources and make purchasing renewable energy possible. When a wind farm or biomass facility produces electricity, renewable energy credits are issued to track the exact amount of power created.

“Renewable Choice Energy is proud to be working with Performance Bicycle as a leader bringing renewable energy into the mainstream,” said Quayle Hodek, Renewable Choice Energy’s chief executive officer. “Electricity generation from fossil fuels is the leading source of industrial air pollution. By choosing renewable energy, Performance Bicycle is reducing their environmental footprint and reducing the country’s dependence on fossil fuels,” said Hodek.