Additionality methodology for High-Impact RECs

What additionality is, how Ever.green tests for it, and why it matters for Scope 2 reporting.

The challenge is clear:

Current REC procurement solutions create the illusion of progress while clean energy development lags far behind climate targets. While many corporate buyers claim “100% renewable energy” based on their spot market REC purchases, research shows these transactions rarely accelerate new clean energy projects.

Ever.green has developed a methodology that maintains REC accessibility while requiring demonstrable additionality - ensuring renewable energy investments drive real climate impact, not just compliance checkboxes.

This white paper details our point of view and an alternative, scalable way to procure High-Impact RECs.

This white paper was reviewed by more than 30 experts across the renewable energy industry, including representatives from Greenhouse Gas Management Institute, The University of Edinburgh, WattTime, and McKinsey.

What You’ll Learn

Market Analysis

Current REC dynamics and why traditional approaches fall short of climate goals.

24/7 CFE reality check

Why this potential fix for the spot market may actually slow renewable adoption at our current market adoption stage by increasing complexity for buyers.

Actionable additionality methodology

Introduction of additionality principles and a step-by-step framework for evaluating REC additionality in your procurement decisions.

Ever.green’s Additionality Framework

We evaluate three critical factors to ensure RECs support meaningful climate action:

Financial impact

Does REC revenue improve key project financial metrics (IRR, DSCR) by at least 10%?

Project viability

Would this project struggle to move forward without additional funding?

Market expansion

Does this project meaningfully increase clean energy supply beyond baseline market activity?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is additionality, and why does it matter for REC procurement?

Additionality is the condition that contracted REC revenue played a meaningful role in enabling a renewable energy project to reach financial close. It matters for procurement because it is the only standard that connects your purchase to a real-world outcome. A project that exists, in part, because you committed to buying its RECs.

What is the difference between spot RECs and High-Impact RECs?

Spot RECs and High-Impact RECs both represent one megawatt-hour of renewable electricity generation, and both can be used for Scope 2 market-based reporting. The difference is whether your purchase actually contributes to adding new clean energy to the grid.

High-Impact RECs are contracted before a project reaches financial close, structured to materially improve the project's economics.

The practical difference: a spot REC purchase documents that clean energy was generated somewhere on the grid. A High-Impact REC purchase is part of what caused that clean energy to exist.

High-Impact REC Insights

Ever.green’s high-impact RECs play a critical role in supporting new clean energy projects by bolstering their initial financing prospects and long-term viability.