How do I use a REGO to reduce my Carbon Emissions reporting?

How do I use a REGO to reduce my Carbon Emissions reporting?

A Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) verifies electricity has been produced from renewable sources. Using REGOs can help reduce your carbon emissions reporting, specifically Scope 2 emissions under the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol

Understand the Role of REGOs in Emissions Reporting

• Scope 2 emissions: These are indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity.
• Under the GHG Protocol’s market-based method, organisations can report lower Scope 2 emissions if they purchase renewable energy certificates like REGOs, and match these to their electricity consumption.

2. Purchase REGOs

• Work with your electricity supplier to get specific consumption reports.
• Ensure your purchased REGOs can be time matched to your consumption.
• REGOs can be purchased directly from your electricity supplier or through third psrties operating in the REGO market.

Claim Carbon Emission Reductions

• Use the emission factor for renewable electricity (which is zero or close to zero) for the portion of your electricity covered by REGOs.
• In your GHG reporting, apply the market-based method to reflect the reduced emissions.

Ensure Proper Documentation

• Retain purchase agreements, invoices, and certificate serial numbers as evidence of your REGO-backed electricity.
• Check your country’s or region’s regulations to ensure compliance with reporting standards.

Communicate Your Emission Reductions

• Include a note in your sustainability reports clarifying that reductions are achieved through the use of REGOs and specify the amount of REGOs purchased.

Important Considerations:

• Double Counting: Ensure the REGO has not been claimed by another entity or used in multiple schemes by working with a reputable operator.
• Transparency: Be clear about the role of REGOs in reducing emissions to avoid accusations of greenwashing.
• Residual Mix: If not all energy is covered by REGOs, the residual mix emission factor should be used for the remaining portion.