What is Green label?
Green labels (short of green electricity quality labels, but also known as Eco labels, Eco standards, RES labels, etc.) are quality labels or standards developed and promoted by different associations, non-profit organisations or private companies or institutions, which are there to provide final consumers with more information about their electricity consumption (meaning more transparency).
All Green labels are issued to products that meet a certain subjective criteria set by the responsible labelling authority. Such criteria may qualify certain type of eligible renewable energy sources and not allow other sources.
Which are the most tradable Green labels today?
Some of the most popular green electricity labels in Europe are:
• OK-power standard
• TÜV SÜD EE standards
• Naturmade label
• EKOenergy
• 100% Energia Verde
• Bra Miljöval
• WindMade
What is the difference between Guarantees of Origin and Green labels?
Guarantees of Origin should not be confused with the various labelling scheme for renewable power existing within Europe.
To a broader extent the Guarantee of Origin and the eco label are having some similar characteristics – both are working toward more transparent consumption; both are subject to voluntary demand and both are there to promote the use of renewable sources in a sustainable way. However, in order to avoid double counting it is essential that all green electricity labels utilise the Guarantees of Origin as a basis, because if they do not do so, the same GO may be used by others and so a double counting to appear.
