Sol Systems announced a new partnership with Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) to expand access to clean energy solutions for the outdoor industry. Through this collaboration, OIA members can now subscribe to Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) via Sol’s Sustainable Choice platform — an easy-to-use clean energy “subscription” offering designed for mission-driven brands and retailers, Sol Systems said in a release.
This partnership builds on Sol’s deep experience working with outdoor leaders such as REI and Patagonia, and marks the first enterprise launch of Sustainable Choice, Sol’s simplified, digital purchasing platform for clean energy and community impact.
“Sol Systems has been a trusted clean energy partner to some of the most respected brands in the outdoor industry,” said Susanne Fratzscher, VP of strategic solutions at Sol Systems. “Now, through our work with OIA, we’re proud to offer project-specific RECs + Impact to any brand, large or small, through a seamless, transparent platform.”
A New Pathway to Clean Energy for Outdoor Brands
The outdoor industry has long led the way in climate action, Sol said. But for smaller retailers or regional brands, clean energy options and impact investments have not always been accessible. Project RECs + Impact offered through Sustainable Choice changes that.
Through Sol’s partnership with OIA, member companies now have a trusted, vetted channel to purchase RECs tied to wind and solar projects across the country, the company said — either from Sol’s national REC pool or project-specific offerings. Participating companies can also contribute to a shared Community Investment Fund, designed to aggregate impact and deliver measurable benefits to frontline communities.
This partnership also offers OIA members a new way to demonstrate collective environmental leadership, and to tell a story about clean energy that extends beyond individual transactions.
“We often hear from members that accessing clean energy can feel out of reach, especially for smaller member brands. Collaborating with Sol Systems makes renewable energy solutions more accessible for OIA members. Through this partnership, we’ve created a path for outdoor companies, regardless of size, to invest in renewable energy and reduce emissions,” said Julie Brown, director of sustainable business innovation at OIA.
Sol Systems currently manages REC transactions for more than 30,000 individual and organizational customers, bringing deep experience, responsive support and a strong track record of impact-driven procurement. With Project RECs + Impact through Sustainable Choice, Sol Systems said it is lowering the barriers to entry for meaningful environmental action.
To see this approach in action, check out the video of Sol System’s recent collaboration with REI and Nester Hosiery, which highlights how REC purchasing can be both simple and meaningful.
