Green-e

For over ten years CRS has developed and implemented consumer-protection standards for the voluntary renewable energy market through the Green-e program. These standards mandate a rigorous accountability on retail products sold to consumers, bringing needed transparency to the industry that can bolster consumer confidence. Green-e has three programs.

Green-e Energy
Green-e Energy is the nation's leading voluntary certification program for renewable energy. For over a decade, Green-e Energy has been certifying renewable energy that meets environmental and consumer protection standards that it developed in conjunction with leading environmental, energy and policy organizations. Green-e Energy also requires that sellers of certified renewable energy disclose clear and useful information to potential customers, allowing consumers to make informed choices. For more information, see www.green-e.org/energy.

Green-e Climate
Green-e Climate is the nation's first certification program for carbon offsets sold to consumers on the retail market. This consumer-protection program strengthens the voluntary market by providing credible oversight and transparency to retail greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction products (offsets), from beginning to end. Consumers purchasing Green-e Climate Certified offsets have clear information about the projects their GHG reductions are sourced from, and are guaranteed that no one else can claim their offset. The program verifies that a seller's supply of offsets equals their sales, that GHG reductions are independently certified, and that consumer disclosures are accurate. For more information, see www.green-e.org/climate.

Green-e Marketplace
Organizations that buy Green-e Certified renewable energy (or generate their own electricity) can apply for Green-e logo use through Green-e Marketplace. The Green-e logo is the national symbol for renewable energy excellence. For more information, see www.green-e.org/marketplace.