Half Price Books Goes All-In on 100% Green Power Nationwide
In a bold step toward corporate sustainability, Half Price Books (HPB), one of the largest independent bookstores in the United States, announced it had switched to 100% green power across all its retail stores, warehouses, and corporate offices. This decision made HPB a national leader in clean energy adoption within the retail sector.
Turning the Page on Fossil Fuels
To power its operations, Half Price Books began purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) that support electricity generated by wind and other renewable sources. By doing so, the company ensures that every kilowatt-hour of electricity used is matched with clean, emissions-free energy fed back into the grid.
This shift is more than symbolic. By using renewable energy across all 120+ stores in 17 states, HPB is offsetting nearly 17 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. According to the U.S. EPA, that’s equivalent to preventing over 25 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year—or taking more than 2,300 cars off the road.
A Commitment Rooted in Values
HPB’s move to 100% renewable energy aligns with the company’s long-standing environmental values. For decades, HPB has championed reuse by buying and selling used books, music, and movies—diverting millions of items from landfills. The transition to green power takes that mission a step further by reducing the environmental impact of the company’s daily operations.
In a statement at the time, the company said its decision “reflects our core values and the responsibility we feel toward the communities we serve and the planet we share.”
Half Price Books: EPA Green Power Partnership Recognition
This commitment earned HPB a spot on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership list, which recognizes organizations voluntarily using renewable electricity at a significant scale. HPB ranked among the top 30 retail partners nationwide—joining brands like Whole Foods and Staples.
Why It Matters
Retail chains are massive energy consumers. HPB’s example shows that switching to 100% renewable energy isn’t just possible—it’s practical. With growing consumer demand for sustainable business practices, companies that lead on green energy are building both environmental and brand value.
Half Price Books proved that going green isn’t just for tech giants or startups. Legacy businesses can—and should—lead the way toward a cleaner energy future.
Sources:
- Half Price Books Official Press Release (Archived)
Originally published in March 2011
https://www.hpb.com (Archived or search via Wayback Machine for historical press statements)
2.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Green Power Partnership
“Green Power Partnership National Top 100”
https://www.epa.gov/greenpower/green-power-partnership-top-100
(Lists top companies using renewable power, including Half Price Books at the time.)
3.Sustainable Brands
“Half Price Books Powers Stores with 100% Wind Energy”
Published March 2011
https://sustainablebrands.com (Use internal search for “Half Price Books wind energy 2011”)
