EDF Energy granted ‘Green Tariff’ certification

EDF Energy has announced its Green Tariff – which is backed by renewable energy and contributes to a fund that assists renewable projects - has been officially certified by the Green Energy Scheme.

The certification, which was formally announced at the Green Energy Scheme launch event in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 9 February, was granted by an independent panel made up of representatives from various energy-focused organisations

The Green Supply Guidelines – on which the Scheme was based – were finalised by Ofgem last year to help customers identify ‘green’ products offered by energy suppliers. EDF Energy has been working with industry regulator Ofgem and other suppliers to develop a consistent Green Energy Scheme for certifying and marketing green tariffs to ensure the verification scheme works effectively. The ‘Green Energy Certified’ label helps to assure customers that our Green Tariff meets the standards required.

Importantly, suppliers must show that the activity associated with the green tariff results in an environmental benefit over and above what they already have to do to meet existing Government targets for sourcing more renewable electricity and reducing household carbon emissions.

Customers choosing EDF Energy’s Green Tariff contribute to the company’s Green Fund which EDF Energy match pound-for-pound. The company has awarded £4.25 million to 245 community-based renewable energy projects since its launch in 2001, including nearly £1.7 million to 103 projects in not-for-profit organisations such as schools, nurseries and colleges. The fund supports renewable energy projects which produce power from the sun, wind, water and geothermal sources which reduce greenhouse gases linked to global warming.

Eva Eisenschimmel, Chief Officer for People, Organisation and Brand Performance at EDF Energy said: “We are delighted to have our Green Tariff certified. Sustainability is at the heart of EDF Energy’s strategy, as we set out in Our Climate Commitments in 2007, the biggest package of environmental initiatives announced by any UK energy company.

“EDF Energy believes that projects which bring renewable energy into local communities are essential in bringing to life the role of green technologies. This is especially important for schools and other educational facilities.”