San Francisco played host to the Renewable Energy Markets (REM) 2011 Conference in mid-November. The event was organized by the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS), a non-profit organization that runs the Green-e^® Energy program, and was the largest REM conference to date. Nearly 400 attendees gathered to network, attend sessions, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing voluntary renewable energy markets.

The conference featured informative sessions on topics ranging from overviews of voluntary and compliance-based renewable energy markets to utility green pricing programs to the use of renewable energy credits (RECs) in greenhouse gas accounting systems. Presenters included industry experts such as Lori Bird with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Blaine Collison with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kathy Loftus with Whole Foods Market, Mary Sotos with the World Resources Institute (WRI), and Ryan Wiser with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Networking events, such as the Green Power Leadership Awards Reception sponsored by the Renewable Energy Markets Association, provided opportunities for industry professionals to meet face-to-face, talk about their experiences in the market, and lay the groundwork for future partnerships.

Voluntary renewable energy market demand has continued to grow despite a sputtering recovery from the 2008 financial crisis. Residential customers have more choices to support renewables through utility programs, REC marketers, and competitive electricity suppliers. Many commercial clients are purchasing renewable energy in order to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, often in the context of a voluntary reporting system such as the Carbon Disclosure Product (CDP), and connect with their client base. Finding a way to drive more value to and increase participation by both of these customer segments were important themes throughout the event.

CRS also used the occasion to release the 2010 Green-e® Verification Report. I will address some of the highlights from the report in an upcoming blog post.

A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the 2011 Green Power Leadership Awards, sponsored by the U.S. EPA, the U.S Department of Energy, and CRS. The awards, which recognized both suppliers and purchasers, were given to organizations demonstrating innovation, commitment, and leadership in renewable energy markets. Details of the awards can be found by clicking on the above link, or check out our blog. Renewable Choice would especially like to recognize and congratulate MetLife, who won an award for Green Power Purchasing from the U.S. EPA for their long-term commitment and their 2011 purchase of more than 65 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy.

Overall, the conference was very successful. The sessions provided a great overview of the state of the market and highlighted the opportunities and challenges for future growth. And meeting with all the dedicated, intelligent, and passionate attendees reminded me why this is such an inspiring industry to be a part of. I am looking forward to next year’s event!