Press

Other World Computing (OWC®), the world's leading destination for cutting-edge Mac and PC upgrades and accessories, was named Green Tech Company of the Year by Business Intelligence Group, after being evaluated by industry experts using a multiple variable process. OWC was recognized for a wide range of environmental efforts that included: the company's Vestas V39-500 kW Wind Turbine that is able to generate more energy than the main headquarters uses; the use of packaging materials and building materials that have a low environmental impact; and the installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system that delivers three times the energy efficiency rating of conventional natural-gas-based systems.

"It's an honor to receive this recognition for our environmental efforts," said Larry O'Connor, founder and CEO of Other World Computing. "Just as our corporate mission is to provide our customers the resources they need to maximize their technology investment, we see our environmental mission as maximizing available technology to conserve natural resources while providing the highest level of operational efficiency. It's a win for everybody."

From its first day of operation in 1988, Other World Computing has worked to reduce its impact on the environment, consistently going above industry standards to keep waste out of landfills. In 2008, the company moved to its new state-of-the-art, low environmental impact headquarters; in 2009, the campus became 100 percent on-site wind powered; and in 2010, the Green Building Certification Institute awarded OWC LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Certification - the highest level achievable.

Environmental efforts cross all areas of operations
Other World Computing's efforts to reduce waste, recycle materials and use less energy include:

• On-site Vestas V39-500 kW Wind Turbine
• Geothermal underground system for heating and air conditioning
• High energy value materials in roofing and walls
• Pyrolytic glass to reduce UV rays and cooling costs
• Interior lighting enhanced with daylight harvesting technology
• Interior wall and floor coverings that reduce emissions of VOC (volatile organic compounds)
• Groundwater protected by a bio-aquifer storm system
• High-efficiency, water-saving plumbing fixtures
• "Smart room" technology to reduce energy use in unused spaces
• In-house water filtration to reduce plastic bottled water use
• High-end air filtering for staff health benefits
• Continual recycling programs with "Zero Waste" goal
• Office and warehouse layouts optimized for efficient heating/cooling.

"It's great to see a company with such big environmental achievements," said David Amsallem, Big Awards judge and CEO of HeyBubble.com. For a full list of BIG winners, visit: http://bigawards.org/

About Business Intelligence Group
The Business Intelligence Group, creators of the BIG Awards, was founded with a mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in the business world. Unlike other award programs, real business people, those with experience and knowledge, judge the BIG Awards. The organization's proprietary and unique scoring system selectively measures performance across multiple business domains and then rewards those companies whose achievements stand above their peers.