Case Studies

Matthew Bisanz

MEISTER CONSULTANTS GROUP OFFSETS EMPLOYEES’ CARBON FOOTPRINT

In 2015, the Boston office of Meister Consultants Group (MCG) partnered with the Mass Energy Consumers Alliance for their Work Green, Live Green program: a green power initiative that allows employees to offset their home electricity use. Through this program, MCG committed to match 50% of employees’ home energy use with renewable energy credits (RECs) from Massachusetts wind power in Mass Energy’s portfolio.

It’s as simple as having their employees fill out an enrollment form and grant Mass Energy access to individuals’ usage information. Mass Energy then calculates wind and solar power purchase based on the established percent by the organization. Employees are then part of the green power community receiving green power usage receipts. The program brings MCG’s progressive sustainability efforts home to the organization and shows their true investment in the cause.

In 2015, MCG’s program offset approximately 54,000 kWh of electricity. Using the typical fuel mix in New England, that equates to 18.3 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided[1]—the equivalent carbon emissions of driving nearly 44,000 miles[2].

On a larger scale, the Work Green, Live Green program helps grow the clean energy economy in Massachusetts and encourages consumer awareness of clean energy options—and for a consulting firm focused on sustainability, the Work Green, Live Green program is an opportunity to bring MCG’s sustainability efforts home to the organization and demonstrate their commitment to their values.

Meister Consultants Group, Inc. is an international consulting firm focused on bringing innovative solutions and strategies to the most pressing sustainability issues.

[1] Conversion factor (kWh to MTCO₂) from: ISO New England. 2015 ISO New England Electric Generator Air Emissions Report. January 2017. Pg. 31.

[2] Environmental Protection Agency. Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.