Among the companies jumping on the RE100 bandwagon is Nike, which two years ago made a pledge to run 100 percent on renewables by 2025. Recently the footwear and athletic apparel company has announced the completion of a huge step in coming closer to that goal since it joined the RE100 coalition in 2015.

The global initiative, a partnership between CDP and The Climate Group is built on the premise that as the private sector consumes half of the world’s electricity generated worldwide, and more cooperation is needed to remove barriers to harnessing clean energy technologies in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and decrease climate change risks.

Nike’s latest agreement is yet another wind power contract with Portland-based Avangrid Renewables. This partnership will provide the equivalent of more than 400,000 average-sized American homes with safe and secure clean power. Nike also claims that the contract will result in carbon emission reductions equal to approximately 800,000 vehicles taken off the road during the life of the contract with Avangrid.

Nike claims it is the first company in this space to make such a large commitment to purchase renewables. “This matters to us because it’s a path critical to our business, the planet, and the future of sport and all athletes,” said Cyrus Wadia, Vice President, Sustainable Business & Innovation of Nike, during an interview last week with TriplePundit.

For years, Nike has been a trendsetter when it comes to sustainability within the apparel sector, notably with its constant experimentation with recycled materials such as leather. Now, the focus has been shifting to renewables and energy efficiency.

Read the full article about Nike's renewable energy plan by Leon Kaye at Triple Pundit.