Updates to the Green-e Energy Code of Conduct, and New Participant Handbook Released

Green-e Energy Participants,

We would like to let you know about a few program updates. First, we have updated the Green-e Energy Code of Conduct to make it simpler and easier to use. We have released a new guidance document called the Green-e Energy Participant Handbook, which is intended to help participants navigate program reqirements. We have also updated the Certification Fee Structure for Green-e Climate and Green-e Energy.

Code of Conduct Update
The Green-e Energy Code of Conduct was updated on May 19, 2016 to Version 2.1 based on participant feedback. Since the July 24, 2015 update of the Code of Conduct to Version 2.0, participants and Green-e Energy staff identified the need to further clarify requirements and make the document more user-friendly. The Code of Conduct Version 2.1 is designed to be easier to use and is accompanied with a new Participant Handbook.

The requirements contained in the Code of Conduct Version 2.1 published on May 19, 2016 go into effect January 1, 2017 for all existing certified products. To find which version your certified products must comply with, see the "Compliance Timeline" below. We invite all participants to begin using Version 2.1 of the Code of Conduct immediately, and your Green-e representative is available to answer any questions.

The overall goal of this update is to clarify requirements and improve the usability of the Code of Conduct. The changes include:

• reorganization of sections and streamlined language for enhanced usability
• adjusted REC seller language requirements to prevent customer confusion
• updated greenhouse gas emissions guidance
• clarification of requirements applicable to products sold to commercial buyers
• streamlined disclosure requirements
• links to downloadable Product Content Label templates at www.green-e.org/pcl
• introduction of a new Participant Handbook containing additional support materials, including marketing language examples, call center guidelines, and Price, Terms, and Conditions templates. Available at Green-e Energy Code of Conduct

Please review the Compliance Timeline to identify which Code of Conduct version applies to your certified product(s). At minimum, certified products must use the version of the Code of Conduct identified in the Compliance Timeline, and may opt to comply with Version 2.1 immediately. Each version of the Code of Conduct (Version 1: Updated November 6, 2013, Version 2: Published July 24, 2015, and Version 2.1: Published May 19, 2016) can be found at Green-e Energy National Standard and Governing Documents.

Compliance Timeline

Notification of Fee Structure Update
We have made several changes to the Certification Fee Structure for Green-e Climate and Green-e Energy, which is referenced in contracts for Green-e Energy certification of renewable energy products, Green-e Climate certification of carbon offset products, and Green-e Direct certification.

The updated Fee Structure now includes the fee structure for all certifications available to energy sellers in one document. The respective programs' annual certification fees have not changed. The updates include:

• the fee structure for participants offering a product under the Green-e Energy Federal Option
• the existing fee structure for the Green-e Direct certification program
• minor clarifications to verification late fees

The updated Certification Fee Structure for Green-e Climate and Green-e Energy is available at Green-e Energy Certification Fees.

If you have any questions about the updates, please contact your Green-e representative. Thank you for your participation in Green-e Energy and supporting high quality renewable energy!

Contact Us

Green-e can be reached at 415-561-2100 or info@green-e.org. To contact your Green-e Representative, visit Green-e Staff.