The NYSE Euronext is a supporter of wind energy. The exchange purchased renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Green Mountain Energy Company for its 2011 electricity use. The RECs purposed were generated from 100 percent wind energy sources.

“We are making commitments across the board to operate sustainably, and our decision to choose 100% wind renewable energy certificates for our electricity usage is one more proof point of those efforts” said NYSE Euronext Chief Executive Officer Duncan L. Niederauer. “By working with Green Mountain we were not only able to deliver on our commitment but also partner with a company that was built on a mission to provide what we were after – a cleaner source of power.”

Over the course of 2011, NYSE Euronext used nearly 80 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of wind energy and so it purchased a like amount to cover its energy usage. The exchange’s electricity needs are fueled by trading floor activities and operational needs and by purchasing wind energy credits, avoided over 82 million pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted. This is equivalent to the CO2 generated in one year by people taking over 33 million taxi rides in New York city.

Scott Hart, president of Commercial Services for Green Mountain added, “Our partnership with NYSE Euronext to choose clean energy sources makes a great fit for the environmental practices in place at both our companies. NYSE Euronext may do a lot of trading, but doesn’t make trade-offs when it comes to bettering the environment.”