Introduction
The CarbonNeutral Protocol Purpose Principles Structure of The CarbonNeutral Protocol Development of The CarbonNeutral Protocol Relationship to other initiatives Acknowledgements Definition and scope Use Disclaimer Trademark and copyright About Climate Impact Partners Awards
Core Requirements
Application of a grace period Allowances for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
Foundation: Governance Step 1: Define Step 2: Measure Step 3: Target Step 4: Reduce Step 5: Inform
Technical Specifications and Guidance
Step 1: Define
1.1 Required GHG Emissions Sources 1.2 Certification specific requirements 1.3 Corporate value chain (Scope 3) accounting and reporting 1.4 Product-type certifications 1.5 Treatment of assets rented or leased to customers of CarbonNeutral® entities
Step 2: Measure
2.1 GHG emission quantification requirements for the defined subject 2.2 GHG Emissions Assessments 2.3 Requirements for measurement of the organizational carbon footprint 2.4 Quality assurance and verification 2.5 Energy use (gas and electricity) 2.6 Aviation 2.7 How to report GHG emissions from carbon neutral services within a corporate GHG inventory 2.8 Using environmental product declarations (EPDs) for CarbonNeutral® products
Step 3: Target
3.1 Requirements for emissions reduction targets 3.2 Near-term targets 3.3 Long-term targets 3.4 Net zero targets
Step 4: Reduce
4.1 Internal abatement requirements 4.2 External compensation requirements 4.3 Recognized non-carbon accounting standards 4.4 Evaluating internal GHG reduction projects 4.5 Elaboration on additionality and baselines 4.6 The use of carbon credits generated by projects which avoid, reduce and remove GHGs 4.7 Insetting 4.8 Corresponding Adjustments (CAs)
Step 5: Inform
5.1 Required disclosures 5.2 Use of the CarbonNeutral® Certification logo 5.3 Regulations around environmental claims 5.4 Communicating CarbonNeutral® certification 5.5 Communicating 100% Renewable Electricity
Glossary of Terms
Reference Material
Attestation forms Cross-compliance Tables
Download PDF

The CarbonNeutral Protocol Index

5.5 Communicating 100% Renewable Electricity

This guidance aims to clarify how CarbonNeutral certification relates to claims of 100% renewable electricity.

Claims of 100% renewable electricity are not within the scope of The CarbonNeutral Protocol and CarbonNeutral certifications.

However, as set out in Technical Specification 4.2.1.2, entities can purchase and retire EACs to zero-rate their market-based Scope 2 emissions under the provisions of GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance. This approach to linking energy consumed to renewable sources may support claims of 100% renewable electricity. Clients seeking to make such claims are encouraged to consult RE100 and RECS International guidance.

We anticipate that definitions of 100% renewable electricity will be refined with time and application, and this guidance will be updated in subsequent revisions to the Protocol.

Further information can be found at:

RE100, 2020, 2020 Target Year Communications – Making Transparent Claims, link

RECS International, 2020, Maximising the reliability and impact of buying renewables: guidance for market participants, link

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Find out more about cookies