EACs as a Key Driver for Net Zero Goals

‍As businesses race to achieve net zero targets, one major challenge persists—how to eliminate emissions from purchased electricity. Addressing Scope 2 emissions, which arise from the electricity used to power operations, is a critical element of any credible net zero strategy.

Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) offer a verifiable means for organisations to ensure their electricity consumption is backed by renewable sources. By purchasing EACs, companies can claim 100% renewable energy usage, even in regions where clean energy infrastructure is still developing. As such, EACs have become an essential tool for decarbonising energy use and accelerating the journey to net zero.

Global adoption of EACs is rising at an unprecedented pace, reflecting growing urgency for corporate climate action. Businesses across sectors are now using EACs not only to comply with regulations, but to actively shape their strategies for transitioning to a low-carbon future.

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How the Global Growth of EACs Is Fueling Corporate Net Zero Strategies

‍The rapid expansion of EAC markets is being driven by corporate sustainability goals, evolving regulatory frameworks, and investor pressure to move away from fossil fuels. As companies set increasingly ambitious carbon reduction targets, EACs offer a practical way to bridge the gap between ambition and action.

In 2024, the global market for renewable energy certificates was valued at approximately $16.19 billion and is projected to reach $158.71 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.64%. This surge in demand demonstrates the prioritisation of clean energy procurement within long-term sustainability plans.

Major corporations such as Amazon, Meta, and Unilever have already committed to powering 100% of their operations with renewable electricity, using EACs to make transparent and credible claims regarding their energy consumption. As more businesses commit to net zero, EACs are becoming the international standard for sourcing renewable energy.

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Regional Adoption of EACs: A Global Push Towards Net Zero

‍While EAC adoption is increasing globally, different regions are pursuing distinct approaches based on local energy policies and sustainability agendas:

• North America: Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are a cornerstone of corporate clean energy strategies. In the United States, a mature REC market supports both voluntary and compliance-based procurement, with many companies securing long-term contracts aligned with science-based net zero targets.
• Europe: Guarantees of Origin (GOs) are central to the continent’s clean energy transition, supporting EU-wide initiatives such as the Green Deal and Fit for 55, which aims to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030. The European market is forecast to grow rapidly as businesses integrate GOs into their climate strategies.
• Asia-Pacific: International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) are enabling companies to source renewables in markets where green energy infrastructure is still developing. Countries like China and India are scaling their I-REC systems, allowing multinationals to verify renewable energy usage across diverse global operations.

As net zero moves from a voluntary commitment to a regulatory requirement, these regional trends underscore that EACs are no longer optional—they are an operational necessity for businesses serious about decarbonisation.

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How EACs Enable Real Carbon Reduction and Strengthen Net Zero Commitments

‍A core challenge in the net zero journey is ensuring emissions reductions are both legitimate and measurable. EACs address this by offering verified documentation of renewable energy use, allowing businesses to credibly report lower Scope 2 emissions in their sustainability disclosures.

By integrating EACs into their energy strategies, organisations benefit in three key ways:

1. Achieving 100% Renewable Energy Sourcing
   Not all businesses can generate their own renewable electricity. EACs offer a flexible and scalable solution, enabling organisations to account for all their energy consumption as renewable and reinforce their climate targets.
2. Enhancing ESG Performance and Investor Confidence
   Investors and stakeholders are increasingly demanding greater transparency in decarbonisation efforts. EACs support measurable claims that improve ESG ratings and attract sustainability-oriented investment.
3. Staying Ahead of Carbon Regulations
   Governments are introducing stricter carbon pricing mechanisms and net zero mandates. EACs help businesses align their energy procurement with these evolving policies in a cost-effective manner, while also contributing to the development of new renewable projects.

While some critics argue that EACs on their own may not guarantee additional renewable generation, they remain a crucial part of the net zero toolkit. Forward-thinking companies are combining EACs with direct investments in new wind and solar developments to boost the credibility of their decarbonisation strategies.

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The Future of EACs: Strengthening the Net Zero Ecosystem

‍The future of EACs is inextricably linked to corporate net zero commitments, with technological innovation making renewable energy procurement increasingly transparent and impactful.

Businesses are now adopting blockchain-based tracking to reduce double counting and fraud in EAC markets. Furthermore, the emergence of bundled EAC contracts—where companies commit to both certificate purchases and direct renewable investment—is making net zero claims more robust.

As demand for transparency in clean energy sourcing grows, EACs will continue to evolve, equipping companies with the tools they need to demonstrate genuine climate progress.

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EACs Are Essential for Achieving Net Zero

‍The rapid growth of Energy Attribute Certificates marks a global shift towards credible and transparent renewable energy sourcing. As businesses face mounting pressure to meet net zero targets, EACs provide a proven, scalable means of eliminating Scope 2 emissions while maintaining integrity in sustainability reporting.

However, EACs are not a silver bullet. To drive lasting impact, companies must incorporate EACs within broader net zero strategies, including:

• Investing in on-site renewable generation
• Securing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
• Supporting the development of new renewable energy infrastructure

By adopting a comprehensive approach and using EACs as part of a wider decarbonisation framework, businesses can accelerate progress towards net zero, demonstrate sustainability leadership, and deliver meaningful climate action.

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Ready to align your energy strategy with net zero?

‍AFS Energy supports businesses in integrating EACs, PPAs, and other renewable solutions to achieve verifiable and lasting emissions reductions. Let’s discuss your decarbonisation roadmap today.