Using renewable energy purchases to achieve institutional carbon goals
Subtitle: a review of current practices and considerations
By: Lori Bird and Jenny Sumner
Contributors: Sumner, Jennifery; National Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)
Series: NREL/TP -- 6A20-49938; NREL/TP -- 6 A 20-49938.
Publisher: National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Published: 2011
Place of publication: Golden, Colo
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] :
Number of pages: 35
Subjects: Energy policy; Greenhouse gas mitigation; Carbon dioxide mitigation
Description: With organizations and individuals increasingly interested in accounting for their carbon emissions, greater attention is being placed on how to account for the benefits of various carbon mitigation actions available to consumers and businesses. Generally, organizations can address their own carbon emissions through energy efficiency, fuel switching, on-site renewable energy systems, renewable energy purchased from utilities or in the form of renewable energy certificates (RECs), and carbon offsets. This paper explores the role of green power and carbon offsets in carbon footprinting and the distinctions between the two products. It reviews how leading greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting programs treat green power purchases and discusses key issues regarding how to account for the carbon benefits of renewable energy. It also discusses potential double counting if renewable energy generation is used in multiple markets.
Notes: Title from title screen (viewed February 14, 2011).

"January 2011."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 26-29).

Technical report.

DE-AC36-08GO28308 SA09.3102

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