Energy attribute certificates (EACs) are tradable certificates that represent the verified environmental attributes of 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from a specific source, most commonly renewable energy. Organizations use EACs to substantiate renewable electricity claims, support market-based emissions accounting, and document progress toward sustainability targets when electricity is consumed from the shared grid mix.
What Are Energy Attribute Certificates?
EACs “unbundle” the environmental attributes of electricity from the physical electricity delivered through the grid.
– Each certificate typically equals 1 MWh of generated electricity
– Certificates include details such as generation technology (wind, solar, hydro), plant location, and production period
– EACs can be sold bundled with electricity or unbundled as separate instruments
Common EAC systems include:
– Guarantees of Origin (GOs) in Europe
– Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in the United States and some other markets
– I-REC in many countries without national certificate schemes
– REGOs in the UK (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin)
Why Energy Attribute Certificates Matter in EV Charging
EV charging operators, fleets, and commercial site owners increasingly want to demonstrate that charging is powered by renewable electricity.
– Enables credible “renewable electricity” claims for charging sites and corporate operations
– Supports sustainability requirements in tenders and corporate procurement
– Helps calculate and report Scope 2 electricity emissions using market-based methods
– Improves transparency when combined with charging session data (kWh delivered per site or per charger)
For charging networks, EACs are often paired with metering and CPMS reporting to match renewable attributes to electricity consumption.
How Energy Attribute Certificates Work
EAC schemes rely on registries and retirement to prevent double counting.
– A generator produces electricity and receives certificates in a registry
– Each certificate has a unique ID tied to the generation attributes
– An organization buys certificates matching its electricity consumption (in MWh)
– Certificates are retired in the registry to claim the renewable attribute
– Retirement documentation is used as evidence in reporting and audits
Using EACs for EV Charging Claims
Responsible use of EACs requires clear matching and governance.
– Define the boundary (which chargers, sites, or operations are covered)
– Match the reporting period (monthly or annual, depending on policy)
– Align geography and grid considerations where required by your reporting framework
– Ensure claims are accurate: renewable electricity use vs “carbon neutral” wording
Charging operators often combine EACs with:
– MID metering or other accurate energy measurement
– CPMS exports (OCPP transactions) to quantify delivered kWh
– Sustainability reporting to translate kWh into emissions impact
Key Benefits of Energy Attribute Certificates
– Scalable method to support renewable electricity claims across many sites
– Widely recognized approach using standardized registries
– Useful for organizations without onsite generation
– Supports market-based emissions reporting when properly retired
– Can complement onsite PV, PPAs, and energy optimization
Limitations to Consider
– EACs do not change the physical electricity delivered at the point of use
– Certificate quality varies (age, location, technology, additionality considerations)
– Claims must be carefully worded to avoid misleading statements
– Prices and availability vary by market and time period
– Requires robust documentation and retirement evidence for audit readiness
Related Glossary Terms
Guarantees of Origin (GO)
Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)
Scope 2 Emissions
Carbon Accounting
Carbon Intensity
MID Metering
Charging Session Reporting