SPI & ESI Unveil New Ridesharing Partnership with Lyft
Solar Power International (SPI) and Energy Storage International (ESI), the largest solar and energy storage shows in North America, are excited to announce a new sustainability partnership with Lyft, the fastest growing ridesharing company in the U.S. SPI & ESI will take place during North American Smart Energy Week this September 24-27 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Lyft is the first and only carbon-neutral ridesharing company. By offsetting more than 1 million metric tons of CO2 in their first year alone, Lyft has become one of the top 10 largest voluntary carbon offset purchasers worldwide. The impact of this multi-million dollar effort is equivalent to planting over 35 million trees. As part of the cooperation between Lyft and SPI & ESI, the ridesharing company will offer the sustainability-minded attendees of North American Smart Energy Week special rates, alongside a carbon-neutral method of transportation.
“Each year, we look to incorporate more sustainable practices into the operations and logistics of SPI & ESI,” said Gary Thuro, Chief Marketing Officer, Solar Energy Trade Shows. “We are thrilled to partner with Lyft this year and applaud their continued dedication to reducing their carbon footprint.”
It is especially fitting that Lyft is purchasing its carbon offsets to match the emissions of all its rides from 3Degrees, a member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) – one of the organizations behind SPI & ESI.
Lyft will join WGL Energy Services in the SPI & ESI Sustainability Program. WGL Energy is providing Solar Renewable Energy Certificates for every MWh of electricity consumed during the week’s events at the Anaheim Convention Center. Through this partnership, SPI/ESI will avoid approximately 571 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, which has the environmental equivalent to taking 122 cars off the road for one year.
SPI & ESI also suggests several ways attendees and exhibitors can do their part in contributing to the trade show’s sustainability efforts, including by bringing a reusable water bottle, donating five dollars towards purchasing carbon credits, re-using signage for exhibition, and donating exhibitor materials to Habitat for Humanity.
About Lyft
Lyft was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation. Lyft is the fastest growing rideshare company in the U.S. and is available to 95 percent of the U.S. population, as well as in Ontario, Canada. https://www.lyft.com/
About Solar Power International (SPI) & Energy Storage International (ESI)
Solar Power International (SPI) and Energy Storage International (ESI) generates success for energy professionals and the global solar industry. SPI sets the standard for solar events as the fastest growing and largest solar show in North America as recognized by Trade Show Executive and Trade Show News Network. SPI has also been among the Gold 100 for eight years running and named this year’s “Best Use of Technology” and the 2016 “Stickiest Show Floor” by Trade Show Executive for the innovative ways in which attendees stay engaged. Under the umbrella of North America Smart Energy Week, SPI’s expanded scope to reflects the growth of energy innovation through the addition of ESI, Hydrogen + Fuel Cells North America, and the Smart Energy Microgrid Marketplace. SPI and ESI are powered by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA). https://www.re-plus.com/
About the Solar Energy Industries Association
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA®) is the driving force behind solar energy and is building a strong solar industry to power America through advocacy and education. As the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 250,000 Americans, we represent all organizations that promote, manufacture, install and support the development of solar energy. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy.
About the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA)
The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to working with electric power stakeholders through the most pressing issues affecting the growth and utilization of smart energy. We are a trusted platform for education, research, standards, and collaboration to help utilities, customers, and other players deploy and integrate solar, storage, demand response and other distributed energy resources. Through educational activities, working groups, peer-to-peer opportunities and advisory services, SEPA engages interested parties in facilitating necessary information exchange and knowledge transfer to offer the highest amount of value for our membership and partner organizations.
Contact Person:
Gregory Brey, Manager, Digital Marketing, Solar Power Events
Tel.: +1 703-738-9484 E-Mail: gbrey@sets.solar
Web: www.solarpowerinternational.com