From Laundromat to Green Trailblazer with Onyx Consulting

The story of how green energy proponent business Half Price Books transformed their stores and offices by adopting Green Energy with Onyx Power & Gas Consulting’s support.

Throughout the history of American entrepreneurship, the story of Half Price Books is a testament to constant evolution, progress, and staying true to one’s values. Founded in 1972 by Ken Gjemre and Pat Anderson, the venture had a modest beginning—a second-hand book shop located in an upcycled laundromat in Dallas, Texas. Their catch? “We Buy Books.” It resonated so well that they have expanded to over 120 brick-and-mortar stores nationwide to date. However, their proposal goes beyond a catchphrase, it is part of their sustainable message that “books should fill our lives, not our land.” Their environmental philosophy has been the driving force behind their corporate practices and what drew them to Onyx Consulting.

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The (Going) Green Book

In 2014, within the context of aligning the company’s practices with their environmental compass, the partnership began with the idea of adopting 100% Green Energy for Half Price Books’s Texas locations. After a thorough needs and objectives assessment that included natural gas and electricity basis and cash point analysis, and implementing Onyx’s Energy Market Intelligence program, the plan moved forward.

During the execution phase, Onyx Consulting facilitated basis contract terms and pricing, developed a competitive supplier analysis and prepared the winning bid. Following being awarded the contract, HPB relied on Onyx to execute it and monitor progress. The endeavor resulted in not only a reduced carbon footprint, but a 50% reduction in the company’s energy budget.

Subsequently, Half Price Books furthered their 100% Green Energy transition for all their locations in 2017.  Through EMI and Onyx’s structures bid process, Onyx has continued to reduce HPB’s energy budget across all of their stores in the country by 50%.

In parallel with the strategy applied to the stores, Onyx structures and manages an Employee Residential program which allows employees to leverage 100% Green Energy for their homes at a discount. The implementation of this scheme translated into higher levels of employee loyalty and satisfaction, as well as extending the company’s commitment to sustainability to its workforce and reinforcing the organization’s green credentials.

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Impacts beyond Company Level

HPB’s commitment to renewable energy sets an example for other businesses and individuals in the communities around the stores. As a result, this encourages a broader adoption of sustainable practices.

An added benefit for the community is that lower energy bills free up resources for the bookstore to invest in community initiatives, such as the non-profit Literacy Program.

At the same time, HPB’s continuous eco-friendly internal operations enhance the company’s reputation as a forward-thinking and responsible business, which in turn attracts more focused customers and fosters loyalty.

With a core mission to keep books in circulation and be at the forefront of environmental protection, Onyx and HPB continuously implement and review green practices in stores and corporate offices to ensure that the founders’ legacy lives on.

Onyx Consulting’s Book on Green Initiatives

Half Price Books’ journey—from a small Dallas bookstore to a national retail leader—has been marked by a steadfast commitment to its founding principles. With Onyx Consulting as a strategic partner, the company was able to align their energy procurement with its values. This collaboration serves as a model for other businesses aiming to balance growth with environmental stewardship. Through thoughtful energy management and innovative programs, Onyx Consulting has helped Half Price Books turn the page to a new chapter of sustainable success.

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