Traceability: An evolving consideration on your net zero journey

In our May 2025 article, we explored the growing necessity for traceability and how our Traceable Renewable Supply product responds to this need. Three months on, we're pleased to present important updates detailing the latest developments and impending timelines that will definitively benchmark credible renewable energy claims.

A vote on greater granularity: GHG Protocol

In our previous article, we outlined how GHG Protocol Scope 2 reporting requirements are moving towards time-based, and likely location-based, matching of renewable generation. We’ve now received clearer direction on this, following a recent vote where 70% of the GHG Technical Working Group has supported hourly and regional matching of renewable generation to consumption. With the Phase 1 review well underway, a revised GHG Protocol is confirmed for 2027, following the receipt of public comments in 2026.

With the GHG Technical Working Group's timeline confirming a 2027 release, discussions are ongoing regarding the age of assets (akin to RE100's 15-year vintage), application levels (potentially above 5GWhs consumption), and the continuation of long-term agreements like CPPAs.

As Killian Daly of Energy Tag, from the GHG Technical Working Group (TWG), articulates: "There is a clear direction of travel towards hourly and local matching, supported by a majority of the Scope 2 TWG members. This is essential for higher integrity and is feasible with the right transition conditions. That said, there are no final decisions yet, and it’s essential to get involved in the public comment to support these changes"

Corporate action groups: setting new standards for traceability

Beyond formal protocols, corporate action groups are continuing to push the boundaries of renewable energy procurement, translating the broad goals of net zero into tangible, auditable requirements for businesses.

Following the launch of the 24/7 Carbon Free Coalition, the Climate Group, which has long driven corporate renewable energy adoption through its RE100 initiative, released its technical criteria for the coalition in May 2025. 

This 2025 criteria states that CFE claims must go beyond annual matching to hourly granularity, pairing certificates with hourly meter data from the same generator. It specifies the accepted generation sources and, to drive new projects, maintains the 15-year limit on generator commission and re-powering.

It also requires all CFE claims to be exclusive, with no double-counting, and recognises diverse procurement types, from self-generation to various PPAs and retail contracts. This framework sets a high bar for verifying CFE claims, influencing procurement strategies for its 226 UK members and beyond. Explore our perspective on the Climate Group’s Technical Criteria. 

Changes are also apparent across the built environment, with the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) continuing to develop its August 2023 Renewable Energy Procurement Guidance. The updated guidance highlights the rising demand for high-quality, traceable renewable energy, including CFE scoring and emphasising bundled REGO requirements. This proactive stance is pushing the UK's built environment sector towards more robust and transparent renewable energy procurement practices, directly aligning with real-world decarbonisation.

These granular, time-matched approaches are also gaining traction within broader decarbonisation frameworks. The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), which provides companies with a clearly defined pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals, is deeply intertwined with GHG Protocol standards. 

As the GHG Protocol continues to demand increased granularity, so too will the SBTi's expectations for how Scope 2 emissions are accounted for within a company's targets. This pushes companies towards more precise, time and location-matched data to underpin credible emission reduction claims. 

Your proactive step with SmartestEnergy

To get ahead of these changing requirements, SmartestEnergy has proactively developed, trialled, and delivered Traceable Renewable Supply, a 24/7 matching product, with Climate Group, GHG Protocol, and UKGBC requirements in mind. 

Powered by Granular Energy's cutting-edge technology and platform, Traceable Renewable Supply offers your business the tools to achieve true traceability of its renewable power, moving beyond annual reconciliation into half-hourly energy reporting:

• Pinpoint renewable power source: Securing REGOs from named generators for credible procurement.
• Match consumption with generation at HH granularity: Gaining unprecedented insight into energy production and consumption timing.
• Access digitalised, validated reporting: Delivering robust data integrity via an intuitive portal for on-demand and year-end reporting.
• Improve your Carbon Free Energy (CFE) score: Demonstrating the percentage of consumption met by renewables and identifying improvement areas for enhanced environmental credentials.
• Integrate seamlessly with existing contracts: Our solution suits HH-metered customers on any supply contract type, simplifying industry-leading reporting.

Futureproofing your net zero strategy 

The evolving landscape of renewable energy procurement demands immediate action. With new timelines and stringent criteria from key industry bodies, businesses must adapt their net zero strategies to maintain credible, impactful claims. 

SmartestEnergy's Traceable Renewable Supply is your essential tool to confidently navigate these complexities, enabling you to meet evolving reporting standards and solidify your leadership in the low-carbon transition. Go beyond compliance; achieve verifiable decarbonisation that stands up to rigorous scrutiny.