Farnek Pioneers Renewable Energy Transparency in the UAE with I-REC Certification
In a significant advancement within the renewable energy sector of the United Arab Emirates, Farnek, a leading smart and sustainable facilities management company, has been officially recognized as a provider of International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) by the Evident Registry. This milestone not only underscores Farnek’s commitment to promoting credible renewable electricity sourcing but also aligns with the broader objectives of the UAE’s ambitious environmental initiatives.
The establishment of I-RECs represents a modern approach to certifying the generation of renewable energy, specifically validating the production of one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity from renewable sources. These market-based instruments empower organizations to transparently track their renewable energy consumption, thereby supporting local and global initiatives aimed at clean energy propagation.
Farnek’s I-REC certification is complemented by a strategic partnership with EKOenergy, an international renewable energy ecolabel dedicated to enhancing the integrity of renewable energy sourcing. The EKOenergy label qualifies for eligible I-RECs and is designed to meet elevated environmental and sustainability benchmarks. Its adoption is particularly crucial for organizations striving to achieve LEED Zero certification, which necessitates adherence to the highest standards of green building and clean energy.
The initiative has been further bolstered by the launch of ‘Emirates Carbon’, Farnek’s pioneering digital platform. This open-access tool provides users with an array of sustainability solutions, including carbon footprint calculations, certified carbon credits, high-quality offset programs, and I-RECs. By democratizing access to these essential resources, Emirates Carbon aims to facilitate effective decarbonization efforts for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that both small enterprises and large corporations can participate in the shift toward sustainable practices.
Muna Al Nahdi, Farnek’s Director of Sustainability and Consultancy, articulated the significance of the I-REC provider recognition. She noted, “Becoming an approved I-REC provider directly supports corporate decarbonization pathways in alignment with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy. This certification offers a credible, internationally recognized mechanism to mitigate Scope 2 emissions, allowing organizations to meet net-zero targets even where renewable energy adoption is hindered by existing infrastructure or regulatory frameworks. Additionally, I-RECs enhance transparency and traceability while providing audit-ready ESG reporting, which is essential to minimizing risks associated with greenwashing.”
Farnek’s registration with the Evident Registry authorizes the company to issue and supply certified I-RECs and EKOenergy-labelled certificates. Through Emirates Carbon, organizations gain access to comprehensive certificate traceability and automated calculations for reducing Scope 2 emissions. Furthermore, this platform seamlessly integrates with CarbonTek, Farnek’s advanced software designed to track emissions across various scopes—including Scope 1, 2, and 3—throughout operations and supply chains.
In line with best practices recommended by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the Emirates Carbon platform prioritizes renewable energy sources based in the UAE, while also providing clients access to high-quality international I-RECs in the event that local resources are insufficient. This multifaceted approach ensures compliance with both international carbon accounting standards and local Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) frameworks.
The Emirates Carbon initiative is designed to accommodate renewable electricity sourcing across diverse scales, catering to needs ranging from small annual requirements to extensive portfolios encompassing thousands of megawatt-hours. This flexibility enables organizations to engage in genuine climate action by adopting clean energy solutions rather than relying solely on compensation mechanisms. The I-REC framework verifies that reported electricity consumption derives from certified renewable sources, meeting the criteria set forth by both the SBTi and the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.
Farnek’s pioneering efforts in securing I-REC certification position the company as a key player in the renewable energy landscape of the UAE. As organizations navigate the complexities of their sustainability mandates, the adoption of transparent and verifiable renewable energy practices will become an increasingly vital component of responsible business operations. The strategic alignment of Farnek’s initiatives with the UAE’s overarching environmental goals exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development, inspiring both local and international stakeholders to contribute positively to a greener future.
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