Electricity Certification Programs
Ian RowlandsUniversity of Waterloo
CEA/NRCan Workshop25 November 2002
Purpose
to introduce electricity certification programs
generate discussion about their role in ‘diversifying the mix’
Outline
ecolabels, generallyelectricity certification programs (ECPs)
intentions some global examples similarities and differences, worldwide Canadian situation ongoing issues and prospects
summary and conclusions
Ecolabels, generally
ecolabels’ intention identify those products and services that are, based
on life cycle considerations, environmentally-preferable
Ecolabels, generally
the motivation? to get consumers to buy more environmentally-
friendly products and services
$
Electricity Certification Programs: ECPs
intentions
similar to those of ecolabelling programs more generally
unlike many products, however, it is not the product itself that is ‘different’
instead, virtually all environmental impacts occur ‘earlier in the lifecycle’
ECPs: some global examples
Switzerland
Australia
United States
GermanyUnited Kingdom
ECPs: similarities, worldwide
what is ‘green’?
what is not ‘green’?
ECPs: differences, worldwide
declared aim of the program
narrow
broad
‘reduce GHG emissions’
‘reduce air emissions’
‘reduce environmental impacts’
ECPs: differences, worldwide
inclusion of ‘light green’ resourcesparticularly hydropower and biofuels
ECPs: differences, worldwide
inclusion of ‘new’ versus ‘old’ green electricity
percentage of ‘new’ in a certified product
how is ‘new’ defined (i.e., what cut-off date is used?)
ECPs: differences, worldwide
part of ‘broader’ ecolabel program, or not
governance
executive responsibilities
day-to-day management
ECPs: differences, worldwide
‘levels’ of certification
only one, or more than one
certification of ‘blends’
role of ‘green power funds’
ECPs: Canadian situation
Discussion Draft ECP-79
‘Guideline on Renewable Low-Impact Electricity’
ECPs: ongoing debates and prospects
certification programs have had an impact to date verifying supplies and increasing consumer
confidence
however, on their own, electricity certification programs may only get us ‘so far’ ...
ECPs: ongoing debates and prospects
... thus, their relationship with other strategies needs to be considered
for example, renewable portfolio standards, systems benefits charges and so on
ECPs: ongoing debates and prospects
international interactions among different certification programs in North America, any incongruity between
continentalisation and sub-national activity to promote ‘green electricity’?
potential for trade and/or investment disputes? encourages us to ask at what scale should
certification programs be undertaken?
ECPs: ongoing debates and prospects
international interactions among different certification programs benefits of a harmonised approach benefits of a localised approach more fully describing a ‘middle ground’ lessons from Europe?
Summary and Conclusions
Presenter’s contact details:
Ian RowlandsFaculty of Environmental StudiesUniversity of Waterlootel: (519) 888-4567, ext. 2574email: [email protected]
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