Denver, CO - Thursday, September 11, 2025 - Members of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership and their partners nationwide are taking bold climate action by kicking off a joint procurement for a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA)—a long-term investment in renewable energy that demonstrates leadership in sustainability while delivering tangible benefits to communities. 

A VPPA is a ~15-year agreement that drives new renewable electricity generation and enables organizations to procure Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) at scale from large off-site solar and wind projects. Together, nine participating buyers representing nearly 150,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy load will drive down carbon emissions, accelerate the transition to clean energy, and help achieve ambitious climate goals.

SSA Group, a leading hospitality partner to zoos, aquariums, and museums nationwide, and the Aquarium Conservation Partnership’s first corporate member, was the first to join this initiative, helping set the pace for sustainability leadership across the cultural attractions sector. With deep expertise in hospitality and guest services, SSA Group is proving how mission-driven partners can expand the reach and impact of clean energy adoption. 

By pooling their efforts, these institutions are unlocking major sustainability advances. VPPAs not only deliver measurable Scope 2 emissions reductions but also provide critical financial support for renewable energy projects, creating a model for scaling climate solutions across diverse industries. With expert guidance from Verdis Group and ERM Coho, who are leading the management, education, and project assessments, this effort is built on strong technical expertise and collaborative strategy.

This project, once procured, will support members in meeting the Aquarium Conservation Partnership’s (ACP) climate commitment, first launched in 2022. Currently, 28 ACP member institutions are on the pathway to net-zero, with targets ranging from 2025 to 2050. The VPPA will represent a powerful next step in this journey, underscoring how collective action can drive scalable impact and accelerate the clean energy transition.

“At a moment when national climate action is stalling, science itself is being questioned, and the threats of climate change only grow more severe, ACP members and partners remain unwavering in our commitment,” said Kim McIntyre, Executive Director of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership. “By investing in real, scalable solutions, we’re showing that science-driven institutions can lead where others are retreating—demonstrating what it looks like to put communities and our shared future first.”

Learn how you can be part of the movement to protect climate science and create a healthier future!

About the Aquarium Conservation Partnership

The Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) is a coalition of AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos committed to advancing ocean and freshwater conservation. ACP focuses on equity and environmental justice, combating climate change, reducing plastic pollution, protecting ocean and freshwater ecosystems and wildlife, advancing the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture, and promoting sustainable business practices. Through partnerships with leading businesses and organizations, ACP inspires action and drives solutions to the most pressing issues facing our ocean planet today. To learn more, visit: https://www.aquariumconservation.org/ 

About SSA Group 

SSA Group partners with cultural attractions across the United States to advance their missions, connecting admissions, culinary, and retail services with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey.  SSA makes visits to cultural attractions unique and memorable for more than 100 million guests annually. With a focus on sustainability, technology, and people, SSA Group brings products you can feel good about, smart technology to create efficiencies, and friendly staff to each guest's visit. Built by families, for families, SSA Group is a family-owned business headquartered in Denver, CO. To learn more, visit: https://thessagroup.com/

About ERM Coho

ERM Coho is a global climate adviser dedicated to helping clients navigate complexity and take ambitious steps on their climate journey. We provide deep market insight, analytical problem-solving, and change management expertise so that clients can switch to renewable energy and make other large-scale climate and water resiliency investments with confidence and internal alignment. To learn more about how Coho can help you get ahead of your climate goals, visit www.cohoclimate.com. 

About Verdis Group

Verdis Group is a certified B Corporation that provides sustainability and climate action planning. Founded in 2009, Verdis Group is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, with staff in Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Maryland. Verdis Group is a facilitator of transformational climate strategies, dedicated to helping organizations realize and achieve their sustainability visions. Our resilience-focused approach is people-forward and driven by data, allowing our clients to create climate action that counts. As a certified B Corp, Verdis Group meets highly verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Learn more at verdisgroup.com

ACP Media contact:

Bianca Santos

bsantos@mbayaq.org

732-832-1021

SSA Media Contact: 

Carrie Newton 

carrienewton@thessagroup.com

608-886-5859