EKOenergy is a globally active nonprofitecolabel forrenewable energy (electricity, gas, and heat and cold).[1] It is owned by the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation[2][3] and managed in cooperation with other environmentalNGOs.
EKOenergy started in 2013 in Europe. Nowadays, EKOenergy-labelled energy is available worldwide. In 2022, the label was used in more than 70 countries.[4] Its materials are available in more than 20 languages.[5][6]
Other language version of the label can be found in various countries. E.g. EKOénergie in France,[13] EKOenergie in Germany or EKOenergia in Finland.[14]
Reliable tracking and avoidance of double counting.[4][15]
Sustainability: EKOenergy takes into account the impacts of electricity production onecosystem services,habitats and thebiodiversity of species.[16]
Additional impact: Consumers of EKOenergy contribute to the additional promotion of renewable energy in various ways. For everyMWh sold, 0.10€ goes to EKOenergy's Climate Fund. These resources are used to finance renewable energy projects in developing countries.[17][18] Consumers also pay 0.08€ per MWh to support EKOenergy's work to promote renewable energy worldwide and set up renewable energy campaigns.[19] EKOenergy's work to promote renewable energy is recognised as an Energy Compact under the UN-Energy Programme.[20]
The EKOenergy logo depicts a green plug sprouting from a plant flanked by two leaves. The logo can only be used by authorised sellers, when they are selling EKOenergy-labelled energy, and by consumers of EKOenergy-labelled energy. The conditions are explained in EKOenergy's brand book.[21]
The logo can be found on products made using EKOenergy-labelled electricity/energy.
Well-known users of EKOenergy-ecolabelled electricity include the European telecom operator Iliad Group,[22] Microsoft,[23] the German glass manufacturer SCHOTT,[24] SAP[25] and Pampers[26] (Procter & Gamble).
For each MWh of EKOenergy sold, a contribution of 0.10€ goes to EKOenergy's Climate Fund. This money is used to finance renewable energy projects that would not have happened without the contributions. These projects are managed by experienced organisations. All projects are selected in an open process, with sellers, buyers and independent experts actively involved.[5][8]
Wheneverhydropower is sold with the EKOenergy label, €0.10/ MWh go to the Environmental Fund, to finance river restoration projects.[5] Examples of earlier funded projects:
TheLEED Standard explicitly recommends the use of EKOenergy labelled electricity.[32] Buildings aiming at LEED certification can get extra points if the electricity used in that building is EKOenergy certified. The text “LEED 2009 BD+C Supplemental Reference Guide with Alternative Compliance Paths for Europe”[33] gives EKOenergy the same status as Green-e certifiedRECs in the US. They write: "The EKOenergy electricity certification scheme represents the best available pan-European option for the sustainable and additional consumption of renewable electricity within Europe. EKOenergy certifies renewable electricity that goes beyond the regulations of European directives and national governments of Europe."
TheNordic swan covers 59 product groups, including more than 200 product types.
Several of criteria give extra points for the use of EKOenergy-labelled electricity, such as the criteria for Printing Companies and Printed Matter[36] and the criteria for Food Services and Conference Facilities.[37]
The EKOenergy brand is mentioned in theUnited Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) , where the importance of concrete tools, such as environmental certifications, is emphasised to ensure that the expansion of renewable energy takes place without compromising natural ecosystems or exacerbating social inequalities.[38]
EKOenergy's work is considered in line with international standards for sustainability, contributing in particular to the achievement of the targets on clean and affordable energy (SDG 7) and climate action (SDG 13).[39]
