RECs are Renewable Energy Certificates. In North America, one REC commonly represents the renewable attributes of one megawatt-hour of electricity generation. Companies use RECs to support renewable electricity sourcing, disclosure, and market-based Scope 2 reporting where the certificates fit the claim.
REC can mean a specific system or a broad certificate shorthand.
In a strict market sense, REC usually refers to renewable energy certificates used in North America. In everyday language, some people also use REC as shorthand for renewable electricity certificates more broadly.
RECs are part of the wider energy attribute certificate category, alongside Guarantees of Origin, I-RECs, REGOs, and other systems. They should not be treated as interchangeable without checking the market and claim.
GreenPowerHub helps teams clarify the relevant certificate system, then move into coverage, sourcing, RFQ, marketplace, and documentation workflows.
What to check next
- Use REC carefully: it may refer to North American certificates or a broader shorthand.
- Check the country, certificate system, volume, vintage, and reporting period.
- Do not assume RECs, GOs, I-RECs, and REGOs can be swapped for the same claim.
- Use structured sourcing when comparing certificate offers.