Renewable energy certificates threaten the integrity of corporate science-based targets

This paper explains how the credibility of corporate science-based targets can be undermined by the use of renewable energy certificates (RECs). It outlines how the widespread use of RECs by companies have led to overestimates of mitigation impacts, and it argues that revised GHG accounting guidelines are needed to meet the 1.5 °C goal of the Paris agreement. The key findings of this paper will be most useful to sustainability practitioners, CSOs, and other executives involved in setting climate goals.