CONSERVATION INITIATIVES

HELPING A GREENER TOMORROW TAKE ROOT

Employees of both Reliant Energy and NRG Energy consistently demonstrate their commitment to the local community through grassroots efforts designed to positively impact the environment. 

Here are just a few of the things we’re doing:

• Planting trees in the communities we serve at Arbor Day celebrations and throughout the year as part of company-driven initiatives to expand forestation and improve air quality
• Partnering with local non-profit organizations such as the Galveston Bay Foundation and Artist Boat, which increase environmental awareness of students in area schools through educational projects that emphasize both science and the arts
• Spearheading educational initiatives designed to teach youth about smart energy choices, leveraging interactive resources such as the Smart House

The examples above represent only a small part of what Reliant Energy and NRG Energy are doing every day to make our communities a better place to live.

This deep level of community involvement promotes accountability in doing our part as individuals, as well as a heightened sense of corporate responsibility throughout our organization.

It’s a win-win situation for employees, our company, the communities in which we live—and the environment as a whole. 

USING RECYCLED PAPER PRODUCTS

Throughout 2010, Reliant Energy is converting bills, deposit notices and other billing documents to recycled paper products that contain 10% post-consumer-waste (PCW). Converting to 10% PCW paper products avoids consuming about three tons of forest products per month, which saves about 72 trees. Use of PCW products also:

• Produces less pollution
• Reduces use of toxic chemicals
• Reduces fresh water usage
• Saves 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space

AWARD-WINNING RESTORATION EFFORTS

NRG Energy recently announced it is a recipient of the White House Coastal America Partnership Award, for its contribution to the restoration of North Deer Island in West Galveston Bay. The 144-acre island is the most important colonial waterbird rookery on the upper Texas coast and had suffered sever erosion over nearly two miles of its shoreline.

NRG Energy collaborated with federal, state and local governments, as well as nongovernmental organizations, donating 17,000 cord grass plants and the sweat equity of employees who helped plant it. The cord grass will not only slow coastal erosion but also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the area. The project has already had a profound impact on local wildlife, with the removal of the brown pelican from the endangered species list. In addition, nesting and foraging sites for 19 species of waterbirds will be sustained for years to come.

The success of the North Deer Island restoration project serves as an example of how our individual efforts collectively add up to big changes in the environment when we work together. The White House Coastal America Partnership Award is the only one of its kind given by the President of the United States, and NRG Energy was the only private sector company to receive it.

OXBOW REFORESTATION PROJECT

We are involved in the creation and operation of the Oxbow Reforestation Project in Shreveport, Louisiana. The project features one of the largest single reforestation efforts on private land in the southeastern United States and is supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

After five years, 5,000 pounds of seed, 419,850 seedlings, 16 species of native trees, four water control structures, two low dykes and 40 wood duck nests, this hardwood forest along Bayou Pierre has been returned to its natural state.

The site includes 60 acres of shallow water wetlands and nearly 2,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forest. Migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, deer, raccoons and many small game species now live and thrive within the Oxbow site.

WETLAND CONSERVATION

We have participated in 45 large-scale wetland restoration projects in Galveston Bay, Texas. Through NRG’s ecocenter, we donate wetland plants for soil stabilization, water purification and wildlife habitat in estuarine and freshwater ecosystems. Pierce Marsh, a 400-acre marsh restoration project, is among the benefactors.

In 2006 and 2007, NRG Energy received separate awards as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Gulf Guardian Award. Both awards recognized partnerships in the Brays Bayou and the East Bay restoration projects.

The Brays Bayou Wetland is a pilot freshwater/tidal marsh created to naturally capture sediments and treat storm water runoff. The wetland also provides important native habitats for fish and wildlife and offers recreational and educational opportunities to Houston's underserved Eastside community. The East Bay project focused on protection and enhancement of land masses at a National Wildlife Refuge.

ENERGY CONSERVATION -- REDUCING AUXILIARY LOAD

Several of NRG Energy’s facilities have pursued extensive efforts to improve their efficiency, thereby reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. Additionally, we launched an extensive energy-saving program in 2007 that resulted in a significant reduction of auxiliary load at many of our sites, which also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

RECYCLING FLY ASH

Our parent company, NRG Energy, is pursuing opportunities to reduce waste through the beneficial reuse of fly ash (residue generated through the combustion of fossil fuels). At several locations, such as Norwalk Harbor in Connecticut, Indian River in Delaware and WA Parish in Texas, we provide fly ash for use as structural fill in road construction. This process helps us significantly reduce waste that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills.

HABITAT ENHANCEMENT

At NRG Energy's Huntley and Oswego plants in New York, we built and donated blue bird, tree swallow and barn owl houses, as well as wood duck nesting boxes. We installed the bird houses at plant sites and distributed them throughout the community, including to Boy Scouts troops. The troops used the installed houses to earn merit badges for conservation.

At NRG Energy’s Saguaro facility in Nevada, we worked with a local Boy Scouts troop and funded the construction and installation of bat boxes to help protect bat populations. Working with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, we funded signs to educate the public about protecting nesting birds at our Devon plant in Connecticut.