Pasta Prima Joins Green-e Marketplace With 100% Renewable Energy Purchase

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) San Francisco, CA - May 4, 2011 - Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) announced today that Pasta Prima, a refrigerated pasta brand of Valley Fine Foods in Benicia, CA, has joined Green-e® Marketplace by generating an estimated 70 percent of its electricity from a rooftop photovoltaic system installed in 2010, and purchasing the remaining 682 MWh from Green-e Energy Certified renewable energy certificates—enough to meet 100 percent of the annual electricity needs for its entire operations. The company's purchase of certified renewable energy certificates sourced from domestic wind generation, matched with its onsite generation, qualifies it for the program. By participating in Green-e Marketplace, Pasta Prima can now display the Green-e logo to inform its customers of its commitment to clean, renewable energy.

"Valley Fine Foods has taken a tremendous step towards lowering the environmental footprint of the Pasta Prima product," said Orrin Cook, manager of Green-e Marketplace. "Their installation of solar power and purchase of off-site renewable energy has made them a clear industry leader. We congratulate them on their initiative."

"Investing in renewable energy is part of our commitment to sustainable manufacturing," said Pasta Prima President Ryan Tu. "Just as consumers trust us for great flavor and 100 percent natural ingredients, we want them to have confidence in our green energy commitment as the first and only pasta company to produce all of its products from 100 percent renewable energy."

Valley Fine Foods joins a growing list of companies and organizations taking real action to reduce the impact of their energy use. Electricity generated from renewable sources results in less environmental waste and pollution and displaces other non-renewable sources from the electric grid. Pasta Prima's generation and purchase of electricity created from nearly emissions-free renewable sources avoids carbon dioxide and other pollutants and serves to build the market for renewable energy nationwide, increasing incentives for developing new facilities. Currently, renewable energy accounts for only about four percent of total electricity generation nationwide.

Renewable energy certificates purchased by Pasta Prima were certified by Green-e Energy, the leading renewable energy certification program in the nation. Green-e Energy provides independent, third-party certification to ensure renewable energy products meet strict environmental and consumer protection standards, including being sourced from verified, new facilities; not being double-counted towards any state's renewable energy goal; and being retired on behalf of the purchaser. Every Green-e Marketplace participant undergoes an annual verification audit to document that it has purchased enough certified renewable energy to meet its commitment.

About Pasta Prima

Pasta Prima is an independent, family-owned company located near the renowned Napa Valley, CA, with a mission to produce healthy, 100 percent natural foods rich with gourmet flavor. Founded in 1984, the company manufactures premium, high-quality filled pastas, selling dozens of varieties at club and grocery stores nationwide and producing private label brands for fine grocers and restaurants. The Pasta Prima brand of premium quality, hand-crafted filled pasta introduced in 1993 has grown into a complete line of 100 percent natural ravioli and tortellini still made in small batches with only the finest ingredients. For more information, visit www.pastaprima.com.

About Green-e Marketplace and Center for Resource Solutions

Green-e Marketplace provides forward-thinking organizations with a simple, nationally recognized logo they can use to communicate their commitment to renewable energy to their customers and shareholders. The Green-e logo is the nation's leading symbol of renewable energy excellence and distinguishes Green-e Marketplace participants as environmental leaders. Green-e is a program of Center for Resource Solutions, a nonprofit that creates policy and market solutions to advance sustainable energy. To learn more, visit Center for Resource Solutions and Green-e Marketplace.

CRS13588