Mortenson Construction to Power U.S. Offices With Wind Energy

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ — Today Mortenson Construction announced it will purchase renewable energy credits (RECs) from clean, emission-free wind farms to power its U.S. offices. The RECs, purchased through Community Energy, Inc. correspond to 100 percent of its electricity usage for its national headquarters in Minneapolis and all six of its regional offices around the country. The purchase demonstrates Mortenson’s long-term commitment to the preservation of our environment.

Mortenson acts on its commitment to environmental stewardship by emphasizing the use of renewable energy and sustainable practices in the design and construction of its projects. In the past 14 years the company has completed 42 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) compliant projects and was recently named Engineering News-Record 17th Top Green Contractor in the U.S.

As the leading wind energy contractor in North America, Mortenson directly services customers who are dedicated to making wind energy a viable, global energy source. Since 1995, its Energy Group has been involved in the construction of 60 wind energy projects in 27 states and provinces. These projects are capable of producing nearly 5,000 megawatts; the equivalent to providing power to 1.4 million average households. In 2007, Mortenson will construct 34 percent of the new wind energy capacity coming on-line in the U.S.

Mortenson is leading corporate responsibility by example. “We are committed to stewardship of our environment,” said Tom Gunkel, president and chief operating officer. “We reflect that commitment by serving customers who share that same interest, many of whom are directly responsible for bringing new renewable energy projects to life. Now, through our agreement with Community Energy, we are becoming customers of our own customers. It’s the right thing to do– we hope others in our industry follow suit.”

Mortenson’s agreement to purchase wind energy credits will have an estimated environmental impact equal to saving nearly eight million driving miles or offsetting seven million pounds of carbon dioxide production per year.

By taking the lead in renewable energy and making this investment in the future, Mortenson hopes to inspire other businesses to consider alternative sources of energy. “With a little exposure and education, it’s a relatively simple, affordable and available option,” says Brent Bergland, director of project development for Mortenson’s Energy Group. “It’s not enough to have a recycling program, clearly businesses need to look at other ways to make a positive impact.”

About Mortenson Construction

Founded in 1954, Mortenson Construction is a U.S.-based, family-owned construction company. As one of the nation’s top builders, Mortenson provides a complete range of services, including planning, program management, preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, design-build, and turn-key development.

Mortenson has offices in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Seattle with international operations in Canada and China. Engineering News-Record ranked Mortenson 38 in the 2007 Top 400 Contractors listing and recently named the company the 17th Top Green Contractor.

Mortenson’s innovative approach to building structures and facilities for the advancement of modern society is eloquently delivered through its commitment to environmental and social stewardship.

   For more information, please visit mortenson.com.    About Community Energy, Inc.  

Community Energy Inc. (CEI) is a marketer and developer of wind energy generation founded in 1999 and headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania. CEI is a wholly owned subsidiary of IBERDROLA — one of the largest owners and operators of renewable energy facilities in the world. CEI cites its utility partners and customers as the reason for its success in bringing wind energy to market in new regions of the country. CEI developed and jointly owns wind farms in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and has wind projects under development in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern and Rocky Mountain states.

For more information, visit newwindenergy.com.

Mortenson Construction

CONTACT: Brent Bergland, Director Project Development – Energy Group,+1-763-287-5644, brent.bergland@mortenson.com, or Jessica Brennan, PublicRelations Specialist, +1-763-287-5151, jessica.brennan@mortenson.com, both ofMortenson Construction

Web site: http://www.mortenson.com/http://www.newwindenergy.com/