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What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is "the total set of GHG (greenhouse gas)
emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event
or product" (UK Carbon Trust 2008). A footprint is measured by undertaking a
GHG emissions assessment. Once the size of a carbon footprint is known, a
strategy can be devised to reduce it.
What Actions Can I Take to Lower My Carbon Footprint?
There are a number of actions end users can take to lower their
carbon footprint, but it all starts with benchmarking your current GHG profile.
From there a strategy can be developed and implemented. However, most states
are considering a requirement that an independent third party to verify actual
emissions reductions.
How Can I Learn More About Carbon Management?
There are three easy ways to contact GDF SUEZ Energy Resources:
 Online - click here
 Call Us - contact us at 1-866-999-8374
 Email - demandresponse@gdfsuezna.com
What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable Energy is energy generated from natural sources such
as wind, sun, tides that are naturally replenished and produce very little or
no harmful Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions as they are consumed. Examples of
renewable energy technologies include windmills, solar panels, landfill
biomass, geothermal, and low impact hydropower.
What is a Renewable Energy Certificate?
A Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) represents the
environmental attributes of one megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity generated
from renewable sources delivered somewhere on the power grid. The environmental
attributes may be sold separately from the electricity produced from the
renewable energy source. GDF SUEZ Energy Resources sells certified and uncertified RECs.
What are the Benefits of RECs?
A REC allows attributes of renewable power to be "stored,"
unlike electrons which are used immediately. Renewable Energy Credits make it
easy for a buyer to purchase green power because they are sold separately from
electricity. Buying RECs provides support to renewable resources, and in
certain cases, the buyer may adjust its emissions from the purchase of
electricity.
What is a
Certified REC?
Certified RECs are certified by a third party to ensure the
purchaser that the environmental attributes are indeed real and verifiable.
Certified RECs must have an audit trial to prove their validity. GDF SUEZ Energy Resources
markets certified RECs that are verified by the Center for Resource Solutions
(CRS) (www.resource-solutions.org/index.php)
and are sold under the name Green-e® name and logo. Costs vary according to
source, market conditions, and location. Many companies may require that only
certified RECs be purchased.
What is an
Uncertified REC?
Uncertified RECs do not have the rigor, or the audit trail,
associated with certified RECs. Costs vary according to source, market
conditions, and location.
How can I find more information about RECs and Renewable
Energy?
There are a variety of sources one can refer to, including the
Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leaders Program
(www.epa.gov/climateleaders/) ; Department of Energy's Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy Lab (EERE) (www.eere.energy.gov/)
; Center for Resource Solutions (www.resource-solutions.org);
and many others.
If you are considering a REC purchase the questions below
will help you determine what type of REC you should seek:
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What are you trying to accomplish with the purchase of REC's? (i.e. reduced
carbon emissions, meet EPA/Green-e® program requirements, public relations,
LEED certification, etc.)
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Do you require certified (i.e. Green-e®) RECs?
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In what calendar years do you want to purchase the REC's? (Vintage REC's would
be needed to reduce carbon emissions and Green-e® Year rules qualify to meet
EPA programs.)
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Do the REC's need to be location-specific (i.e. Texas) or national?
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Is there a type of renewable energy product you prefer? (hydro, solar, wind,
etc.)
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How many REC's do you want? (based on MWH's, MW, % of load)
If you need help answering these questions or making a REC
purchase GDF SUEZ Energy Resrouces experts will be happy to assist you.
Online - click here
Call Us - contact us at 1-866-999-8374
Email - demandresponse@gdfsuezna.com
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