Press

Other World Computing (OWC®) http://www.macsales.com, a leading zero emissions PC and Mac® technology company, announced today that it has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Green Power Partnership program for its leadership role in becoming an on-site producer of more than 100% of OWC’s power needs through clean, green wind power. The EPA Green Power Partnership program is a voluntary program that provides recognition to organizations demonstrating environmental leadership by using clean renewable power, either by producing power, as OWC does, or by purchasing green credits.

First 100% On-Site Wind Powered U.S. Technology Manufacturer
OWC became the first 100% on-site wind powered U.S. technology manufacturer on October 19, 2009, when it activated its Vestas V39-500kW wind turbine. The turbine is projected to generate an estimated 1,250,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year, nearly double the current energy requirements of all OWC operations, including its internet operations datacenter for OWC.net and FasterMac.net. Excess energy produced by the OWC wind turbine is sold back to the local power provider, thus making OWC a net supplier of sustainable energy to the McHenry County, IL region in addition to being a provider of award winning technology products and services to over one million Mac, PC, and iPod users around the world.

"The EPA commends Other World Computing for their commitment to protecting the environment by using green power," said Susan Wickwire, Chief of the Energy Supply and Industry Branch at U.S. EPA. "By generating power with an on-site wind turbine, Other World Computing is reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, supporting clean energy technologies, and contributing to a clean energy future."

Clean, Renewable Wind Power Part of Green Corporate Philosophy
The 100% self-funded on-site wind turbine is one component of the overall green initiatives that OWC employed in designing and building its corporate headquarters. The OWC building and campus, completed in 2008, are in the final approval stages for the highest LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program rating of Platinum. LEED is a voluntary program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to provide building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions.

Good for the Environment & the Bottom Line
The cost to install a wind turbine of OWC's caliber is typically $1.25 million with a Return On Investment (ROI) of 100% within 10-14 years based upon a 25% front-end investment and current energy costs. The actual ROI recovery period can be reduced significantly as energy costs increase.

"OWC has always planned for the future, and going to 100 percent wind energy delivers both conservational as well as energy cost benefits," said Larry O'Connor, CEO, Other World Computing. "We're very pleased that our efforts have been recognized by the EPA as exhibiting environmental leadership," said O'Connor.

For complete details and a pictorial presentation on OWC's wind turbine project, as well as a virtual tour of its LEED inspired corporate campus, visit: www.macsales.com/windpower