Green Power Purchasing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Is purchasing RECs or GOs from a local generator better than from a far-off generator for GHG accounting purposes?

No, because voluntary market RECs or GOs do not influence renewable energy generation or investment, nor are they appropriate instruments for attributional environmental accounting (see Should I use RECs or GOs to calculate my organization’s carbon footprint?). The proximity of the generator does not alter this fact. Certificate labeling rules vary, but in general, the practice of non-local purchasing of certificates is allowed, including by Green-e® and the GHG Protocol’s Scope 2 guidance.[1]


[1] For example, a REC purchase associated with a wind farm in Texas may be claimed by a company in Canada or Alaska.