WindMade label for wind-powered companies debuts in U.S.
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Add another certification system to the growing pile of green laurels, eco-friendly standards and sustainability seals that wannabe environmentalist companies can strive for.
This fall, businesses can apply for certification from the new WindMade standard, designed for companies that get at least a quarter of their electricity from wind power. The program will join similar ratings and labeling systems such as the LEED code for green buildings and the recently revealed plant symbol for bio-plastics products.
WindMade, created in the same vein as the famed trio of arrows in the universal recycling symbol, debuted in the U.S. at a ceremony in New York on Wednesday. It was first introduced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January.
WindMade was developed by experts from the American Wind Energy Assn. trade group, the World Wildlife Fund, major turbine maker Vestas Wind Systems and toy manufacturer The LEGO Group. The certification system has also been reviewed by retailers such as Wal-Mart.
Starting Wednesday, the standard will undergo two months of public consultation before the final version -– to be managed by a nonprofit organization created by the founders -- is presented in September. Specific details about labeling and the certification process are to come later.
‘Market-driven solutions like WindMade will increase voluntary purchasing of renewable energy, and complement the national and state standards that create the market,’ said Elizabeth Salerno, chief economist for the American Wind Energy Assn.
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-- Tiffany Hsu
