Bonn/Menden, October 23, 2018. With its green electricity-certified green electricity tariff naturliebeStrom, Stadtwerke Menden combines investments in energy transition projects as well as nature conservation and biodiversity. With the new offer, naturliebeStrom customers receive certified green electricity from renewable sources. In addition, for every kilowatt hour of green electricity consumed, 1.0 cent is invested, half in energy transition projects such as photovoltaic systems or e-mobility, and half in regional nature conservation projects.
For the first time, the eco-electricity label of the environmental associations - including BUND, NABU and Deutscher Naturschutzring - not only realizes energy transition projects, but also concrete nature conservation measures. The projects are audited and monitored by Grüner Strom Label e.V.
"The Green Electricity Label is the only green electricity label that guarantees substantial investment in the expansion of renewable energies for every certified kilowatt hour. Now we are broadening our focus. In this way, there is a double benefit for environmental protection and nature conservation: firstly, through new investments in a sustainable, nature-compatible energy future based on renewable energies, and secondly, through combination with direct measures for the conservation of local flora and fauna," comments Marcus Bollmann, board member of Grüner Strom Label e.V. and deputy spokesman of the energy working group at BUND. By promoting regional nature conservation projects, biodiversity is strengthened by creating local habitats for bees and bumblebees, butterflies, birds, small mammals and reptiles.
"Starting in October 2018, we will plant a meadow orchard with 53 high fruit trees on a green strip of 8,500 square meters," is how project manager Tina Haberle and co-initiator Xenia Kehnen from the Menden municipal utility explain the first nature conservation project. Increasing land sealing and fewer flowering plants in front yards and on private property are increasingly restricting the habitats and food supply for insects and birds. The initiative of Stadtwerke Menden will help to relieve the pressure on flora and fauna. The first measure will create new habitat for 3,000 animal and plant species.
Further green areas of the municipal utility are gradually being transformed into insect-friendly flowering areas. The flowering areas provide nectar for butterflies and bees, and the seeds are food for numerous birds. Stadtwerke Menden pays particular attention to bees: Some of the company's properties are given to the Menden Beekeepers' Association so that bee colonies can be established on the sites. In this way, naturliebeStrom customers support the energy transition and local nature conservation through their electricity purchases, tested according to the demanding criteria of the Green Electricity Label.
