Top Defense Contractor Accelerates Renewable Energy Strategy with Mantis Innovation
Client Background
One of the world’s top ten defense contractors, operating 102 locations across the United States and consuming over 500 million kilowatt-hours annually, set an ambitious target: transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2030. Despite the urgency of this commitment, the company lacked a defined strategy and relied solely on purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs), which offered limited long-term impact and left compliance risks unresolved.
Challenge
The organization faced a critical gap between its sustainability vision and its operational reality. Without a structured plan, the company risked falling short of its renewable energy goals and incurring costly building performance policy fines. Previous efforts had been reactive rather than strategic, creating pressure to find a solution that aligned with both environmental objectives and financial considerations.
Solution
Mantis Innovation stepped in to design a comprehensive roadmap for renewable energy adoption. Our team identified five viable options: renewable energy credits, virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs), tax equity investing, green tariff programs, and retail-plus-renewable contracts. We analyzed the renewable electricity potential of each option and modeled multiple purchasing scenarios to demonstrate net value. This data-driven approach empowered stakeholders to make informed decisions and build consensus around the most impactful strategy.
Results & Impact
With Mantis’ guidance, the defense contractor shifted from short-term REC purchases to a forward-thinking VPPA strategy. This transition united key stakeholders and financial teams under a shared vision for sustainability, ensuring progress toward the 2030 renewable energy goal while mitigating compliance risks. Today, Mantis continues to support stakeholder education and engagement to ensure successful implementation.