Wind, Water, Biomass: Gimme is Powered by Renewable Energy

Published Nov 5, 2008

Starting this fall, we're buying clean energy for 100% of the electricity used in our espresso bars and roastery.

Flipping the Switch

For the past few months, we've been working on the switch to renewable energy sources. Now we're buying clean, renewable energy — wind, water, and biomass — for all our espresso bars and our roastery.

How Does It Work?

For every kilowatt-hour we use, we buy a kilowatt-hour of clean energy that flows into the power grid. Our Purchasing Manager, Janet Murray, explains the details:

We have six espresso bars and a roastery, so not all of our locations share the same delivery and supply company. First, we worked on switching our upstate locations to green electric and chose Energy Cooperative of New York. We are enrolled in their Renewable Electricity program, which is a combination of 44% hydro, 29% biomass, and 27% wind power.

Our NYC stores are now getting their electric supply from ConEd Solutions. We are enrolled in their GREEN Power program, which is a combination of 65% run-of-the-river low impact hydro and 35% wind power. This electricity is Green-e certified, meaning the clean, renewable product we're buying meets strict independent consumer-protection and environmental standards.

Along with the many other consumers switching to renewable energy sources, we hope to raise demand and fund development of renewable energy options in New York state. Learn more about some of the sustainable actions we're taking that we hope will make a difference.