San Francisco, CA: San Francisco–based nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) announced March 7 the development of a Green-e Energy International Standard for renewable electricity.
With strong demand from companies and organizations with global renewable energy targets, CRS says the Green-e Energy International Standard will address the existing need for consistent, credible, and impactful purchasing options globally as well as spur market development of new infrastructure, including tradable renewable certificates and tracking systems. The new standard will provide country-specific requirements for renewable energy transactions that occur through utility green power programs, tradable certificate products, direct power purchase agreements (PPAs), and onsite generation.
CRS expects to release the final International Standard late in 2016 and to begin certification of renewable electricity transactions outside of North America shortly after launch, adding additional country-specific requirements over time. The Green-e Energy International Standard will seek to define impactful renewable energy sourcing and allow for access to trusted, independent, third party certification of renewable energy commitments. The standard will allow purchasers to harmonize their global procurement efforts and reduce risk, ensure unique ownership claims, and drive forward the global market for high-quality and impact-focused renewable energy.
"As the price of renewable energy drops and sustainability initiatives increase, it's important to have clear purchasing protocols—for companies, developers, investors and all parties in between," said David Hughes, Commercial Development Lead for Schneider Electric Energy and Sustainability Services. "We've helped organizations procure gigawatts of wind and solar power, and see great value in CRS's efforts to develop the Green-e Energy International Standard."
Information about the draft Green-e Energy International Standard and development process is available on the Green-e website at www.green-e.org/international, where interested parties can also sign up to receive updates and announcements.