The ESG in Action video discusses Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in the context of renewable energy use and environmental reporting. This article adds definitions from the I-REC(E) standard and cautions published by Thailand’s Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO). It does not assume that one certificate automatically reduces an organization’s emissions.
RECs record attributes of generated energy
The I-TRACK Foundation describes I-REC(E) as a tradable energy attribute certificate that records information about electricity generation, such as the production facility, capacity, and energy source. The standard sets out processes for registering, issuing, transferring, and redeeming certificates. Anyone holding or buying a certificate should check the relevant registry and evidence of redemption under the system being used.
Claims should match the reporting framework
Organizations should check that their use of RECs follows the requirements of the reporting framework they have chosen and keep documents showing ownership and redemption for later review. The same unit or time period should not be claimed more than once.
For Thailand, TGO states that renewable electricity generation used to claim RECs cannot also receive T-VER carbon credits for the same crediting period. This rule helps prevent double counting of attributes or benefits. Details should be checked against the current requirements and the specific project type.
Checklist before buying or reporting RECs
- Check the standard and whether the certificate issuer is authorized in the relevant country.
- Check the generation source, production period, and transfer or redemption status in the registry.
- Read the rules of the reporting framework the organization plans to use for its claim.
- Check for overlap with other RECs, T-VER credits, or carbon mechanisms before publishing results.
References: I-TRACK Foundation FAQ about I-REC(E), International Attribute Tracking Standard, and TGO guidance on preventing double counting.