Advance Polybag Signs Renewable Energy Contract with TXU Energy

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Houston-based Advance Polybag, a leading manufacturer of plastic retail bags, moved closer to having its facility recognized as a “green” building by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today, thanks to its recently inked renewable energy contract with TXU Energy.

Advance Polybag, one of the largest plastic bag manufacturers in the industry, relocated to the Lone Star state in the wake of hurricane Katrina. It began construction of its state-of-the-art facility more than a year ago, and it hopes that this 100 percent renewable energy contract with TXU Energy will not only help the environment, but also bring it one step closer to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a building certification process that looks at various aspects of “green building” and awards recognition to buildings that meet certain standards.

“As one of the country’s leading providers of plastic bags, it was important for us to do our part to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Kevin McCarthy, vice president for Advance Polybag. “TXU Energy was the only electricity provider that could supply the volume of our needs and we are happy to partner with them in doing something good for the environment.”

“Our primary focus at TXU Energy is providing our business customers with customized renewable plans that will not only help their bottom line, but also will help them meet their environmental business objectives,” said Nancy Perry, vice president of business markets for TXU Energy. “We help our customers not only in providing a commodity, but it’s most important to us that we demonstrate our commitment to being good environmental stewards.”

Advance Polybag’s renewable power contract is projected at a load of more than 17 million kilowatt hours over the life of the contract. Under the contract, TXU Energy will secure and retire renewable energy credits from renewable resources that comply with both LEED and “Green-e” standards in an amount equal to 100% of the 17 million kilowatt hours of energy consumption under the term of this agreement. Renewable energy resources rely on fuel sources that restore themselves, such as wind, solar, hydro, biomass and/or landfills.

According to the EPA, users of the LEED process earn credits in several categories associated with green buildings. These differ by the type of LEED certification, but generally include: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation.

The deal is the most recent in a string of renewable wins for TXU Energy, who also signed Dell, Hillwood and ABC Radio Networks last year.