Manufacturers are typically large consumers of electric power. Like most industries, paper mills have relied on a combination of thermal and electric energy  generated by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.

This process releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere and is the leading cause of climate change. Mohawk believes that practicing energy conservation, purchasing emission-free energy RECs and striving to be carbon neutral are some of the most fundamental stewardship choices we can make.

We endeavor to lead our industry with innovative, strategic solutions. At Mohawk, the purchase of renewable, emission-free wind-generated electricity RECs has become an essential part of our business strategy. Tackling climate change by reducing emissions is becoming just as important to our customers as using recycled paper.

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In 2003 Mohawk became the first paper mill and one of the first large-scale production facilities in the United States to purchase renewable, emission-free windpower RECs. Mohawk currently procures windpower from two renewable energy market leaders, 3Degrees and Sterling Planet. The power from projects they represent is sold to the electric grid, displacing an equivalent amount of power that would otherwise be produced with fossil fuel. Mohawk purchases renewable energy credits (RECs) from these two companies that equal 100 million kilowatt hours. The emission reduction benefits of this power are equal to 138 million miles NOT driven by passenger cars in one year, or planting a 24,400 acre forest.

All Mohawk grades carry the “Mohawk windpower” designation which means 100% of the electricity used to manufacture these grades is matched with RECs from Green-e certified windpower projects. Green-e is the nation’s leading independent certification and verification program for renewable energy products. Green-e certifies the renewable energy projects to be sure that they meet strict environmental and consumer protection standards.

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In May 2007, Mohawk began offering products made carbon neutral within our production processes. In addition to purchasing enough Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to match 100% of the electricity used in our operations, the thermal energy used in the manufacture of several grades is offset with Verified Emissions Reduction credits (VERs) that fund renewable, emission-free energy projects. The purchased VERs meet the standards set by one of several verification organizations. These include Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS), Gold Standard, California Climate Action Registry (CCAR), and Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Through this process, Mohawk is seeking to manufacture these papers with a net zero climate impact. Beckett, Mohawk Via, Mohawk Loop, Mohawk Renewal and Strathmore Writing and Script carry the Mohawk Carbon Neutral designation are made carbon neutral within Mohawk’s production processes.

By specifying paper from mills that purchase RECs and VERs, companies are supporting the growth of renewable energy sources and deliver a message of environmental and social responsibility. To learn the potential environmental savings from using papers that carry the Mohawk Windpower and/or Carbon Neutral designation on a specific print project, please visit Mohawk’s Environmental Savings Calculator.

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In addition to supporting renewable energy, Mohawk commits significant resources to minimize harmful emissions from our mills: state-of-the-art steam plants have been installed to greatly reduce the amount of air pollutants, and air emissions have been capped at a level that will remain set regardless of production increases. We also conserve energy throughout our organization as well as participate in state-sponsored energy research and conservation programs.

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