_______________________________________________________________________________
Technical Clarification
Renewable Energy and Environmental Attributes
Technical Clarification Number
GEN-T-NET-7401
Guidance
2025-10-09
Renewable Energy Attribution in GBCSA Certifications
For any GBCSA certification (GSSA v1, v2, EBP, EWP or Net Zero), renewable electricity may only be claimed where both the physical electricity (kWh) and its associated environmental attributes (e.g. renewable energy certificates or equivalent) are retained and directly allocated to the project for the duration of the certification. This is applicable to on-site, off-site and precinct supplied renewable energy. Allocation of attributes without energy (or vice versa) is not acceptable.
Precinct Generation
Where renewable energy is generated through a shared precinct system, both the electricity and the environmental attributes must be allocated to the project when undergoing certification in a transparent and auditable manner. A motivation for this allocation is to be submitted to the GBCSA ahead of any certification for approval.
Environmental Attributes
The environmental attributes must remain with the project for the full duration of the certification period.
If the attributes are sold, transferred, or assigned elsewhere, the project cannot claim the renewable electricity benefit and must instead apply the relevant grid emissions factor.
Example: Precinct-Generated Renewable Energy Allocation
Building X is located within a precinct together with Building Y and Building Z. Renewable electricity is generated within the precinct.
If Building X is pursuing Net Zero certification and is allocated all of the precinct’s renewable electricity, then both the kWh of electricity generated and the associated environmental attributes must be fully assigned to Building X for the duration of the certification period.
As a result, Buildings Y and Z cannot claim any portion of the renewable electricity or its environmental attributes during this time, and therefore cannot demonstrate renewable energy use, kWh savings, or carbon reductions from the shared system.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Comments