Guarantees of Origin

European Pathway to Scope 2 Emission Reductions: Guarantee of Origin

A Guarantee of Origin (GO) is a digital certification validating that one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity has been produced from a renewable source, such as wind, solar, biomass, hydro, biogas, or geothermal energy.

Proving Renewable Electricity Consumption and Reducing Scope 2 Emissions

GOs permit consumers to assert renewable electricity usage convincingly and report reduced Scope 2 emissions per the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG-P), Scope 2 Guidance. Both the GHG-P and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) recommend using robust tracking systems to demonstrate that on-site electricity consumption derives from a specified off-site source.

Retiring Certificates: The Cancellation Process

GOs are ‘used’ through cancellation, retiring the certificate and allocating the environmental attributes of the electricity to a single end-user. This ensures the certificate won’t be traded or used again, effectively redeeming its benefits.

Guarantee of Origin Availability

GOs are accessible in 28 EU countries, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and the UK (known as Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin or REGOs). Certain countries, including Bulgaria, Malta, Poland, and Romania, have their national systems. For global systems, including Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in North America and International RECs (I-RECs), visit our Renewable Energy page. However, certificates can only be cancelled for power consumption in the same region where the certificate was issued.

Boost Your Revenue and Make a Positive Environmental Impact

Understanding your company’s environmental footprint is critical in our journey towards a net-zero economy. By recognising climate change’s future business implications, you’re better positioning your company for profitability.

Benefit from a Stakeholder and Customer Perspective

Embark on your journey to carbon neutrality by reducing your carbon footprint and reporting zero emissions from supplied electricity (Scope 2). Appeal to the growing number of customers who prefer sustainable and ethically focused brands, build investor confidence through proactive climate change actions, and foster a culture of energy conservation within your organisation.

Stay with Your Current Electricity Provider

Even though all electricity enters the same grid network, its origin can get lost in the mix. As certificates are traded separately from the underlying source, they match end-user electricity with a renewable source, enabling you to “green up” your electricity mix without changing your provider.

Why Choose Redshaw Advisors?

• Independent and Trustworthy
• Transparent with Fair Margins
• Experienced with Global Solutions (GOs, REGOs, RECs, IRECs)
• High-Quality Project Portfolio
• Assistance Across All 3 Emission Scopes
• Certification and Marketing Material Support
• Support for RE 100 Initiative

Join the transition towards a low-carbon economy by adopting a renewable energy plan. RE 100 is a global initiative encouraging influential businesses to commit to 100% renewable electricity. Align with customer, shareholder, and employee expectations while positively impacting local communities.