ClimateSmart™
Become part of the ClimateSmart™ Program
Use the tabs below to learn about how you can help the environment with PG&E's ClimateSmart™ program. Join today to make a difference!
What is the ClimateSmart™ Program?
The energy that powers our businesses every day emits greenhouse gases (GHG) into the atmosphere, fueling climate change and global warming. The ClimateSmart program is a simple, voluntary and tax–deductible way to balance out these greenhouse gas emissions through environmental conservation, restoration and protection projects.
How it Works
When you join the ClimateSmart program, your monthly energy bill shows the cost of reducing or absorbing the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) associated with your business' actual energy use. Through 2009, the monthly cost for ClimateSmart participation is $0.00254 per kilowatt-hour (for electricity) and $0.06528 per therm (for natural gas).
The ClimateSmart program is being funded by PG&E customers in accordance with the California Public Utilities Commission. To make participating customers carbon neutral, PG&E may enter into greenhouse gas emission reduction contracts where the reductions occur over time into the future.
PG&E Participation
All PG&E–owned office and maintenance buildings are enrolled in the program, committing more than $1.5 million in shareholder funding to ClimateSmart projects. Since PG&E became the first participant, tens of thousands of organizations and residential customers have joined us in taking action against global climate change with the ClimateSmart program.
Resources
Benefits of the ClimateSmart™ Program
According to a 2007 PG&E/Kelton Research study, 71% of consumers believe it should be a priority for companies across America to do what they can to address climate change.
The ClimateSmart program can benefit your company
- Customers are increasingly aware of climate change; actions taken by companies can have significant value for customers.
- Environmental responsibility can help boost workplace morale. Employees can tell their families and friends that their company does the right thing when it comes to climate change—and they can join in by becoming a ClimateSmart participant at home.
- 100% of all contributions are invested in independently verified GHG—emission reduction projects.
- Strict program requirements mean ClimateSmart contributions are recognized as tax deductible by the IRS.
- LEED credit may be available for ClimateSmart participants—for more details, contact PG&E.
- By signing up, you can receive ClimateSmart merchandising so your business can display its commitment to fighting climate change.
Current Projects
All contributions to the ClimateSmart™ program are invested in high–quality greenhouse gas emission reduction and capture projects that are independently verified and registered with the nonprofit Climate Action Reserve. By supporting these projects, which include forest conservation and the capture of methane gas from dairy farms and landfills, you are helping absorb or reduce an amount of greenhouse gas equal to your home's energy use, balancing out your carbon footprint over time. To date, the ClimateSmart program has contracted for projects which will balance out more than 980,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions–equal to removing 163,000 cars off the road for a year. See current projects.
ClimateSmart™ in the News
Arcata Forest signs on to new carbon program
October 25, 2009 Source: The Times-Standard
PG&E Takes a Step with the City of Arcata to Protect the Climate
October 22, 2009 Source: News Channel 3 (KIEM)
PG&E Project Aims to Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions
October 22, 2009 Source: The Daily Californian
Rodney Strong Vineyards Goes Carbon Neutral
October 16, 2009 Source: Environmental Leader
Breaking Green Ground (PDF, 160 KB)
September 7, 2008 Source: The San Francisco Chronicle
Salinas Joins PG&E Plan to Limit Emissions (PDF, 124 KB)
July 30, 2008 Source: The Montery County Herald
Los Gatos Going Green
Source: www.kliv.co
45 Local Ways to Make a Difference–and Save Your Money
March 31, 2009 Source: 7x7
The Thin Green Line – Time to Move Beyond Planting Trees
June 4, 2009 Source: www.sfgate.com
Green Business: Businesses join PG&E's 'climate-neutral' program
February 2, 2009 Source: North Bay Business Journal
Demonstrate your organization's leadership in the fight against climate change. Enroll in ClimateSmart today and join the growing list of participating ClimateSmart organizations and businesses.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States.
