Wolverine World Wide will become the largest participant in Consumers Energy's Green Generation program, which provides opportunities for electric customers to support the development of Michigan-based renewable energy sources. Wolverine's involvement in the program will make the Company one of the largest users of renewable energy in the state of Michigan.
As part of its participation in the Green Generation program, Wolverine will match the entire amount of electric energy used at its three-building Rockford, Mich. corporate offices with Michigan-based renewable energy. Consumers Energy purchases electricity on behalf of its customers from landfill gas and wind-generated renewable energy projects located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Participation in Green Generation provides customers of the utility the opportunity to represent a portion or all of their electric consumption from renewable generation sources.
“As an organization committed to continually doing more for a healthier, more sustainable environment, we are proud to take this leadership position in the Green Generation program,” said Timothy J. O'Donovan, Wolverine World Wide Chairman and CEO. “Wolverine has always been dedicated to strengthening the communities in which we have a presence, and this opportunity to lead by example both emphasizes and expands our commitment to ensuring the future of our environment.”
Consumers Energy president and chief operating officer John G. Russell added, “We commend Wolverine World Wide for its leadership decision to support the growth of Michigan-based renewable energy supplies.”
Wolverine's participation in the Green Generation program is an important component in the company's broader efforts to integrate environmentally conscious efforts across its operations. These efforts have been focused in a number of areas, including chemical stewardship, materials recycling and packaging, air emissions and corporate green space. In addition, Wolverine is currently in the process of developing a series of short- and longer-term Corporate and Environmental Initiatives that will continue to improve its processes and limit their environmental impact.
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. Overall customer enrollment in the company's Green Generation program currently numbers more than 7,000 volunteer participants and has continued to rise, including a 20 percent increase in enrollment in recent weeks;
“The growth of the Green Generation renewable energy program reflects an interest in a cleaner environment and less dependence on fossil fuels,” commented Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Chairman J. Peter Lark. “The MPSC is pleased that Wolverine World Wide will become the largest participant in Consumers Energy's Green Generation program. This is exactly the kind of participation we envisioned when we approved Consumers Energy's renewable energy program in 2005.”
