Everything You Need to Know About RE100

The demand for renewable energy is crucial in driving the energy transition, especially as energy demand rises with the growth of data centers, electric vehicles, and other electricity-intensive technologies. Businesses are recognizing this shift and joining initiatives like RE100 to increase the demand for renewables. Over 400 of the world’s most influential businesses have committed to a cleaner future by joining RE100, setting a blueprint for others to follow.

What is RE100?

RE100 (Renewable 100) is a global initiative that unites some of the world's most influential companies committed to 100% renewable electricity. Launched by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project), this initiative aims to accelerate the shift towards zero-carbon grids on a global scale. Members of RE100 commit to transitioning their operations to 100% renewable energy by a specified year, demonstrating their dedication to sustainability and leadership in the fight against climate change.

Who is RE100 for?

RE100 is designed for companies of all sizes and sectors committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. It’s for organizations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and drive market changes toward 100% clean energy usage. Whether you're a small business or a multinational corporation, you can join RE100 if you are dedicated to achieving 100% renewable energy consumption. Membership includes influential global brands from various sectors, enhancing their appeal among environmentally conscious investors and customers.

RE100: Mission and Objectives

The mission of RE100 is to make '100% renewable' the new normal for businesses and accelerate change towards zero-carbon grids globally. Objectives include:

  1. Boosting Corporate Demand: Increasing the demand for—and investment in—renewable energy to enhance availability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  2. Influencing Energy Policy: Advocating for policies that facilitate an easier switch to renewable energy for businesses worldwide.
  3. Sharing Best Practices: Providing a platform for companies to share strategies, challenges, and successes in renewable energy sourcing.

Requirements for Joining RE100

To join the RE100 campaign, companies must:

  • Make a public commitment to sourcing 100% of their global electricity consumption from renewable sources.
  • Commit to a target year to achieve the 100% renewable goal (by 2050 at the latest).
  • Disclose their electricity data annually through CDP to ensure transparency and accountability.
  • Report progress annually to RE100.

This commitment must cover all electricity used across global operations.

Common Challenges with Reporting to RE100

As the RE100 framework becomes stricter about disclosure, companies face several challenges. The verification process for renewable energy purchases is more cumbersome, and inconsistencies exist between companies’ understanding of renewable energy and RE100’s criteria, leading to incorrect reporting. New criteria introduced in January 2024 impose stricter European market boundaries and revised rules for the commissioning date of power plants. Starting next year, it will be mandatory for businesses to disclose the commissioning year of their assets, which cannot be more than 15 years old to be verified.

The Importance of Electricity Data Management

Effective electricity data management is vital for ensuring accurate clean electricity billing and providing the right proof to back up claims to disclosure schemes like RE100 and CDP. Companies like BH Grid Solutions provide essential tools and services that streamline this process, making it easier for businesses to manage their energy portfolios and achieve their RE100 commitments.

Conclusion

Explore RE100 membership and join the community leading the way to a sustainable energy future. Companies like Google and Microsoft have shown how effective and impactful transitioning to 100% renewable energy can be. They have reduced their carbon footprints and influenced global renewable energy policies and practices.

For businesses, the transition to 100% renewable energy often starts with understanding energy consumption patterns and sourcing renewable energy certificates (RECs) or engaging in power purchase agreements (PPAs). Interested in taking control of your clean energy future? Reach out to learn how BH Grid Solutions can assist you in streamlining your energy data management and reporting. Remember, transitioning to renewable energy also enhances your brand's value and customer appeal.

Get Precise About Your Decarbonization Goals

Optimize carbon emissions and energy costs with AI-powered monitoring, prediction, and strategic planning for sustainable operations.

By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.