Our Story

In the 1990s, as consumer renewable energy options were first entering the U.S. marketplace, buyers wanted to know that these options were real and as advertised. The Green-e^® certification program was born from that need—to bring clarity, credibility, and consumer protection to a rapidly growing clean energy market.

Building Confidence in a New Market

In the mid-1990s, as several U.S. states opened their electricity markets to competition, new opportunities emerged for individuals and businesses to choose renewable power. But there was a problem: without consistent standards, it was nearly impossible to tell which products genuinely supported new renewable generation and which were simply empty marketing claims.

That’s where Center for Resource Solutions (CRS) stepped in. Bringing together utilities, regulators, environmental organizations, and market innovators, CRS developed standards that established clear rules for renewable energy generators and marketers, to address how these new commodities should be tracked, verified, and retired on behalf of the buyer.

In 1997, this collaborative effort led to the creation of Green-e^® certification, the first independent certification program for renewable electricity in North America. From then until now, the Green-e^® certification program set the benchmark for transparency and trust in retail renewable energy markets.

Expanding the Reach of Certification

Over time, Green-e^® certification grew beyond its roots in renewable electricity. As climate awareness and corporate responsibility evolved, so did the need for credible standards across new market areas.

2000s: Green-e^® Energy certification became the most recognized certification mark for voluntary renewable energy and renewable energy certificates (RECs) in North America.
2008: The launch of Green-e^® Climate certification brought trusted certification to carbon offset products.
2012: Green-e^® Marketplace certification helped companies demonstrate leadership by purchasing renewable energy products for their products, operations, and branding.
2020: Green-e^® Renewable Fuels certification expanded the program’s reach to renewable natural gas and other low-carbon fuel products.
2023: Green-e^® certification expanded its scope with the creation of the Green-e^® International Standard—a unified set of requirements designed to bring the program’s hallmark rigor, transparency, and consumer protection to international markets.

Since its inception, the Green-e^® certification program has remained at the forefront of environmental market development—adapting to new technologies while staying rooted in its mission of integrity and transparency.

A Legacy of Impact

Today, Green-e^® certification is recognized across leading environmental and sustainability standards—including LEED, B Corporation, RE100, CDP and GHG Protocol—as the trusted source for verified renewable energy and carbon offset certification.

By ensuring that every certified product meets rigorous, transparent standards, Green-e^® certification empowers buyers to make meaningful choices that drive real-world change.

Looking Ahead

Our story is still being written. As global energy systems transform, the Green-e^® certification program continues to evolve—supporting new technologies, global markets, and pathways toward decarbonization.

Through the leadership of the Center for Resource Solutions (CRS), and the participation of thousands of organizations and individuals, we remain committed in the knowledge that by working together, we can power a renewable future.