Green energy

The informed choice?

According to a survey by the Environmental Change Institute in Oxford, 80% of European consumers are concerned enough to want to know about the source and environmental impacts of the electricity they buy. 

More than half of the world's electricity is produced by burning coal, oil and gas. This releases millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂), the main gas responsible for climate change every year.  But there is an alternative, environmentally-friendly way to generate power: green energy.

What is green energy?

'Green energy' or 'green electricity' is a sustainable solution to combat global warming. It is generated by transforming the natural energy flows of the Earth such as the sun, water, wind and biomass. These are usually known as renewable energy sources, because they will never run out. Technologies which result in a more efficient use of energy sources, such as cogeneration, are also considered green as they contribute to reduce climate polluting emissions.

What can you do?

Already a growing number of residential consumers are signing up to green electricity tariffs. WWF calls on businesses and governmental bodies to take the lead on this trend by making voluntary commitments to ensure their energy needs are met by renewable energies. By doing so, businesses can demonstrate to their customers and stakeholders they are serious about the environment, whilst public bodies can show consistency within their own governmental climate protection goals.

How can you be sure that your green electricity is a real improvement?

To make a difference, green electricity products must lead to the generation of more renewable energies, or reduce the environmental impacts of hydropower plants. To ensure this, EUGENE Standard - an independent group of experts from environmental and consumer organisations, and from research institutes has developed a quality label for green electricity.

Seven reasons why you should switch to labelled green electricity

1. Meet environmental targets for the reduction of CO₂ emissions and the requirements for EMAS and ISO 14000 environmental certification.
2. Publicly demonstrate your commitment to the environment while meeting the demands of your customers and stakeholders.
3. Put Local Agenda 21 (LA21) and sustainable development objectives into practice.
4. Aid job creation by promoting the renewable and energy efficient industries.
5. Provide secure and less volatile energy contracts.
6. Improve local air quality.
7. Avoid financial penalties for polluting energy use, such as climate change levies and other carbon taxes.

What is the role of WWF?
 
WWF promotes green electricity as a way to reduce carbon pollution from the power sector. WWF does not carry out certification itself but supports the EUGENE Standard and its independent labelling scheme.