STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Viridian Energy, a leading provider of affordable, renewable energy, today announced the completion of the fifth project in the company’s “7 Continents in 7 Years” global sustainability initiative. Since 2011, Viridian has completed a major corporate social responsibility project on a different continent each year, including reforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest and solar power installations on schools, homes and community centers in Ghana, Indonesia and Fiji. This year, a team of 36 Independent Associates and Viridian employees brought solar power and light to 40 families in a remote, hilltop community where 100 percent of the population previously lived without electricity.
“Our ‘7 Continents in 7 Years’ initiative was created to perpetuate and advance Viridian’s goal of creating a path to a more sustainable world,” said Michael Fallquist, founder and CEO of Viridian Energy. “As our fifth project, completed in our fifth year of operation, the work in Portrero Platanal represents our most ambitious project to date, as well as a significant milestone for Viridian. I was personally proud to be a part of this installation as it serves as further proof of Viridian’s holistic efforts to fulfill our obligation as a responsible, global, corporate citizen.”
Viridian Energy partnered with GRID Alternatives, a non-profit organization that provides off-grid solar power to rural communities in Nicaragua. The “voluntourists” went through special training to prepare for the installation of custom off-grid PV systems designed to meet the average family’s electricity needs for years to come. The systems were assembled by the volunteers at the local school, which received solar through GRID Alternatives in 2013, and then carried by hand or on horseback to homes scattered throughout the hilly landscape.
The systems provide the families with AC power outlets so home appliances such as lamps, cell phones and TVs can be used.
“It’s humbling to be reminded of the difference solar power can make in remote areas,” said Edward Kenny, a Viridian Associate from Maryland. “For the first time, these families saw a light bulb come on inside their home, plugged in their first appliance, read a book by lamplight, and we were privileged to help make that happen and experience these moments with them. We believe renewable energy needs to be the foundation for the world’s energy supply and we are proud to be part of Viridian Energy as it helps to make that change.”
In addition to its global corporate social responsibility efforts, Viridian Energy also hosts monthly sustainability events in all the company’s U.S. markets including cleanups, tree plantings and more. To date, Viridian has logged over 8,000 domestic volunteer hours and collected over 66,000 pounds of trash as part of its “Local Change” events.
About Viridian Energy
Founded with the vision of empowering consumers to be part of a significant, collective environmental impact by choosing Viridian (www.viridian.com) as their energy provider, this socially responsible company connects with customers through a vibrant network of Independent Viridian Associates. Committed to sustainability, community action and global initiatives, Viridian Energy offers affordable electricity that is more than 50% renewable, natural gas with carbon offsets to mitigate usage and residential solar power to a range of customers in 16 markets throughout the U.S. Viridian Energy is part of the Crius Energy (TSX: KWH.UN) family of best-in-class energy brands which also includes: Cincinnati Bell Energy, FairPoint Energy, Public Power, and Citra Solar. Learn more at www.criusenergy.com