Nature-Inspired Luxury and Environmental Education-Focused Destination Chooses Wind Power to Offset 100 Percent of Its Electricity Going Green/Corporate Social Responsibility

PINE MOUNTAIN, Ga.– Callaway Gardens, a 13,000-acre destination comprised of award-winning gardens, upscale lodge and spa, recreation and residential communities all focusing on connecting man with nature, has offset all of its electricity use with renewable energy by purchasing 21,000,000-kilowatt hours of renewable energy credits (RECs). As a leader in environmental stewardship, Callaway is the Southeast’s first resort to embrace wind energy with a 100 percent annual commitment.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that this purchase helps avoid the same amount of CO2 emissions produced by nearly 2,990 passenger vehicles annually or the electricity use of 2,162 average American homes. The renewable power being produced from off-sight energy farms is not only less polluting but helps conserve the nation’s natural resources.

“Since our inception in the 1930s, Callaway Gardens has been committed to environmental education and land stewardship,” said Edward Callaway, chairman and CEO of Callaway Gardens. “Our organization is proud to be at the forefront of enhancing awareness and educating our visitors, our region and the country on wind power and how together we can make a positive impact for future generations.”

As the 2007 recipient of the Argon Award for Success in Sustainability from Southface Institute, Callaway Gardens has provided an environmentally friendly getaway by enacting on-property recycling programs and water conservation measures such as cultivating native plantings to minimize water use, offering EarthCraft House™ homes and providing natural bath products in the guest rooms and suites. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified Lodge and Spa even goes as far as using refillable shower dispensers – saving nearly 150,000 plastic containers each year – and housekeeping chemicals that are certified as “green” by the GreenSeal Organization.

“Callaway Gardens’ choice to support renewable energy is great news for the industry and is the fifth largest commitment by a resort in the country,” said Quayle Hodek, CEO of Renewable Choice Energy. “Wind power helps supports rural communities and increases energy independence. We’re thrilled that Callaway Gardens is committed to wind energy and spreading the word about its importance.”