The RECs purchased by Intelligent Nutrients are certified by Green-e Energy, an independent consumer protection program, making it subject to audits to ensure that it meets strict environmental and consumer protection standards.
The Minneapolis-based company purchased its energy from Xcel Energy and 3Degrees. The Intelligent Nutrients products will now bear the Green-e logo on its website and on over 20 of its products, in an effort to make customers aware of its sustainability.
“Consumers are constantly searching for third party accreditation of the claims that companies make. Using the USDA organic seal, the Leaping Bunny Seal and the Green-e logo on the front of our packaging gives consumers confidence that the positioning of the brand is authentic and transparent,” said Jeff Anshus, Product developer at Intelligent Nutrients.
Growing trend in cosmetics
Currently, renewable energy accounts for only 2% of total electricity generated in the US. However, the cosmetics industry has been notably active of late in purchasing RECs.
Burts bees switched to sustainable manufacturing in February this year, buying 39, 54 000 KW hours of renewable energy.
Natural cosmetics company Aveda, which, like Intelligent Nutrients, was founded by Rechelbacher, was the first company to manufacture with 100 percent certified wind power.
However, Intelligent Nutrients says it differentiates itself from these companies by not only buying into renewable energy, but by also seeking third party accreditation.
Jennifer Giles, director of sustainable energy initiatives at the Centre for Resource Solutions said: “We are pleased that Intelligent Nutrients has taken this voluntary step to use green-e certified renewable energy. By purchasing and qualifying the amount of renewable energy and displaying the Green-e logo on their products, Intelligent Nutrients is demonstrating their environmental commitment and helping to educate consumers about renewable energy use in business”.
Intelligent Nutrients has been upfront about its environmental and ethical policies, seeking to establish itself as a “lifestyle concept with a range of products made with organic, food grade and non toxic ingredients”. This move into renewable energy will therefore be in fitting with its responsible image.
The company’s founder, Horst Rechelbacher, is a known environmentalist and some of the natural ingredients found in Intelligent Ingredients products are sourced from his farm in Wisconsin.