Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs)

How EACs work

When green power plants generate a unit of electricity – typically 1 MWh – and inject it into the grid, an EAC is issued. The certificate contains information like the production date, location, and technology. Consumers can then buy the certificate to claim unique ownership of the environmental benefits of renewable electricity, reducing their carbon footprint.

Why should companies buy EACs?

EACs document that your business consumes electricity from renewable sources. They allow you to reduce your environmental impact in a way that fits your business strategy and to support clean energy without the need to change your physical power provider.

Moreover, EACs are the primary tool to comply with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and improve corporate sustainability ratings in line with the Science Based Targetsinitiative and RE100 goals.

Types of EACs

Based on geographic location, there are several kinds of EACs. Each category is bound by a combination of national borders, trade agreements, or grid connections.

Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) by geographic region

Guarantees of Origin (GOs) International RECs (I-RECs) Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

National Systems

The Guarantees of Origin (GOs) system is purely voluntary and is used by businesses, public institutions, and households. The EU Renewable Energy Directive(REDII) requires electricity suppliers and consumers to use Guarantees of Origin to document and report renewable electricity claims in Europe.

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are issued in the United States and Canada. In the US, RECs are used both for compliance reporting and voluntary consumption.

I-REC is a newer global standard introduced in countries where no market mechanism was in place, building on best practices from the North American and European systems. Currently, I-RECs are available in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

P-RECs are International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) with an impact label that guarantees additional social benefits. They are developed to channel investments in renewable energy to climate-vulnerable areas affected by political instability and conflict risk. P-RECs allow companies to prove clean energy consumption, while creating a much wider positive social impact.

Countries such as the UK, Poland, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand have national EAC systems. In some cases, national certificates can be used to document consumption across borders.

Step 01

Based on your country and volume of consumption, we discuss how we can help you reach your renewable energy ambitions.

Step 02

Based on your country and volume of consumption, we discuss how we can help you reach your renewable energy ambitions.

Step 03

Based on your country and volume of consumption, we discuss how we can help you reach your renewable energy ambitions.

Step 04

Based on your country and volume of consumption, we discuss how we can help you reach your renewable energy ambitions.

Webinar: Changes in the global renewable energy market

In November 2022 we held a 30 minutes webinar discussing what has been driving the market last months, and how can companies be prepared for future shifts.

Request recording

Consume renewable energy meeting requirements of specific standards or ecolabels. Buy Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) from power plants that meet stricter environmental standards and are verified by an external auditor. Choose between national or international ecolabels and standards, document the age and type of the power plant, technology and unique operational focus, and raise funds for renewable energy projects.

Ecohz provides access to a comprehensive portfolio of more than 400 power plants, located across five continents. This enables you to choose specific power plants with distinct characteristics, including choice of technology, location, age, size, and owner profile.