Alpine Bank

EnvironmentalReport2014

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Resource EFFICIENCY This past winter, Alpine Bank worked with Clean Energy Collective (CEC) to purchase solar panels in the community solar garden systems for Holy Cross Energy and San Miguel Power Association service areas, and now has plans to purchase panels in both the Denver Lowry Community Solar Array and the Yampa Valley Electric Association service area once their array is complete. The panels will generate 394,000 kilowatt hours of electricity combined in the rst year alone, eliminating 272 metric tons of CO 2 . This is equivalent to 291,000 pounds of coal burned, or more than 30,000 gallons of gas consumed. At a total investment of roughly $766,000, the bank's purchase included the nal 534 panels of the second community-owned solar array in Holy Cross Energy's service territory, the Rie Community Solar Farm, as well as 175 panels in the San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) service territory. Holy Cross Energy is now planning for development of a third facility with CEC to satisfy continued demand for community solar in Western Colorado. In addition to being good for the environment and local jobs, this worthy initiative was also a smart nancial decision! Energy produced from the 932 solar panels included in the purchases and future commitments will oset 34% to 100% of power use across 21 of Alpine Bank's Colorado locations, including branches and service sites. The Internal Rate of Return over the rst 20 years of ownership is projected to be 12.2% from the Rie Community Solar Farm and 8% from the San Miguel Community Solar Farm. Purchasing panels in local, community solar array systems coincides with the Bank's longstanding environmental practices. In 2006, the bank earned ISO 14001 certication – the universally recognized standard of excellence for environmental management – and has maintained the accreditation since. For more information on Alpine Bank's green initiative, visit alpinebank.com. The Rie Community Solar Farm serving Holy Cross Energy customers. About Clean Energy Collective Clean Energy Collective, the nation's leading developer of community solar solutions, pioneered the model of delivering clean power-generation through large-scale facilities that are collectively owned by participating utility customers. Based in Carbondale, Colorado, CEC's focus is to provide optimal clean energy solutions and supporting technology that serve its communities, businesses, and utilities in creating a sensible and aordable clean energy nation. To learn more about community-owned solar arrays and other forms of clean energy, visit www.easycleanenergy.com. 3

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