# Half Price Books Went 100% Green Power

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/half-price-books-went-100-green-power/
- Published: 2011-03-28T00:20:56-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## 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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/arkansas-energy-efficiency-investments-would-create-thousands-of-local-jobs-and-save-customers-billions/),
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.

![Exterior of a half price books retail store with signage promoting its transition
to 100 renewable energy](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2011/03/B32C7C58-4EF4-45FB-A13C-6864E224A8BE.png?resize=267%2C400&quality=50&ssl
=1 "B32C7C58-4EF4-45FB-A13C-6864E224A8BE - The Green Living Guy")

Half Price Books made headlines by switching all of its US locations to 100 green
power

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:

 1. Half Price Books Official Press Release (Archived)

Originally published in March 2011

[https://www.hpb.com](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](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](https://sustainablebrands.com) (Use internal search
for “Half Price Books wind energy 2011”)

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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