EMD Chemicals buys 100% green power for its Madison location

EMD purchases energy produced from wind and solar power to offset 100% of its carbon dioxide emissions from electricity use.

EMD Chemicals Inc. cares about the environment. The company continually looks for new ways to incorporate green practices into daily operations at its 35,000-square-foot life science technology facility in Madison.

Purchasing renewable energy is one way EMD makes a positive impact on the environment. EMD joined MGE's expanded Green Power Tomorrow program in 2008, signing up at the 100% level. That means EMD purchases the equivalent of 100% of its energy use in Madison as renewable energy.

"We chose to offset 100% of our electricity-generated emissions because we are 100% committed to the environment," said Michael Gehrmann, facility manager at EMD. "Being a good environmental steward is a core part of our business culture. We are ready to be a leader in our industry and a role model for our other locations."

Energy is one of EMD's larger operating expenses, and full participation in Green Power Tomorrow will likely add more than 10% to the company's annual electric costs.

"But, to put that in perspective, it will cost less than 0.1% of our annual sales to have electricity that's entirely green," said Tim Moser, site manager at EMD. "It is a good deal we cannot pass up. Buying green power from MGE is one of the most cost-effective ways we can benefit the environment."

Besides helping the environment, purchasing green power has other business benefits. "Our customers notice and appreciate our environmentally friendly efforts," said Karren Jeske, marketing communications manager at EMD.

Each year, EMD's participation in Green Power Tomorrow eliminates:
• 1,460 tons of carbon dioxide.
• 7,500 pounds of nitrogen oxides.
• 16,000 pounds of sulfur oxides.
• 490 tons of coal.

EMD Chemicals Inc.

Number of employees in Madison: 80 Business description: The Novagen business unit of EMD produces laboratory chemicals and research tools that scientists use to investigate the function of proteins, genes and cells. This research is commonly done to help understand: • Human disease. • Genetics. • Growth and development of humans, plants and microbes. EMD is an affiliate of MerckKGaA, a global pharmaceutical and chemical company.

Learn more
To learn more, visit mge.com/greenpower or call the MGE Business Energy Line at (608) 252-7007.

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