REGO vs Other Renewable Energy Certificates

Overview of Renewable Energy Certificates

Renewable energy certificates (RECs) are tradable documents that verify electricity has been generated from renewable sources. In the UK, the primary scheme is REGO (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin). Other options exist, both domestically and in Europe, which can sometimes create confusion for businesses seeking to demonstrate credible renewable energy usage.

Plant 4 the Planet ensures your business chooses certificates that are verified, credible, and integrated with proportional tree planting for measurable environmental impact.

REGO Certificates

REGO certificates are issued by Ofgem to UK renewable generators. Key features include:

• Each certificate represents 1 MWh of renewable electricity.
• Certificates can be purchased by suppliers and retired to match business energy consumption.
• Provides verified proof of renewable electricity use in the UK.
• Supports sustainability reporting, ESG disclosures, and stakeholder communication.

REGO ensures transparency and credibility, making it the standard choice for UK businesses committed to renewable energy.

Other UK Certificates

Other UK renewable certificates may exist under voluntary schemes or internal supplier programs. These can include green tariffs or bespoke renewable options. Key considerations include:

• May not be government-verified like REGO.
• Could lack transparency on the source of electricity.
• Not always suitable for official sustainability reporting.
• Often cannot be paired with credible tree planting claims without third-party validation.

Plant 4 The Planet ensures any alternative certificates meet rigorous standards and are verified before recommending them for your business, but REGO remains the most widely recognized and credible option.

European Certificates

In Europe, countries have similar renewable certification schemes, such as GO (Guarantees of Origin) certificates. While these can demonstrate renewable energy usage internationally, there are challenges for UK businesses:

• Certificates may not align with UK sustainability reporting standards.
• Verification and retirement processes may differ.
• Currency conversion and contract complexities can arise.
• Integration with UK-specific initiatives, like proportional tree planting, may require additional steps.

Plant 4 The Planet simplifies the process, ensuring that any imported certificates meet verification standards and are paired with tree planting for measurable impact.

REGO vs Other Certificates: Key Comparisons

• Credibility: REGO is government-backed; others may be voluntary or supplier-driven.
• Transparency: REGO certificates are publicly verifiable; alternative certificates may lack disclosure.
• Reporting: REGO aligns with UK sustainability reporting; others may require extra validation.
• Integration: REGO easily combines with proportional tree planting for tangible environmental claims.

Choosing REGO ensures your business can confidently communicate renewable energy use while maximizing environmental impact.

Communicating Certificate Choice to Stakeholders

Transparency is critical when reporting renewable energy. Businesses should:

• Highlight REGO-backed electricity in sustainability and ESG reports.
• Pair renewable energy usage with proportional tree planting metrics.
• Communicate clearly in marketing materials and client presentations.
• Maintain records for verification and audit purposes.

Plant 4 The Planet guides businesses to communicate verified renewable energy use clearly and credibly.