Greener energy and renewable energy solutions for businesses

What is renewable energy, how is it generated and why is important to my business?

Renewable energy comes from natural sources or processes that constantly replenish such as the sun, wind, waves, biomass and geothermal heat. Unlike energy produced from fossil fuels, renewable energy is a cleaner, more sustainable alternative that won't run out, and it helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Choosing green energy for business can help organisations reduce their carbon footprint, support ESG objectives and demonstrate environmental responsibility to customers, investors and stakeholders. Renewable energy also improves energy security by reducing reliance on finite fuel sources and imported energy supplies. As more businesses transition to business renewable energy, they can play an active role in supporting the UK's journey to net zero.

Why choose British Gas for renewable energy solutions?

As the UK's largest business energy supplier, British Gas for Business supports more than 350,000 organisations with energy solutions designed to reduce emissions and support sustainability goals. We offer renewable electricity, renewable gas and carbon reporting support to help businesses make meaningful progress on their sustainability journey.

Our British Gas renewable energy solutions are backed by recognised certification schemes and supported by smart tools that help organisations understand and manage their energy use more effectively. We are also committed to helping businesses work towards British Gas Net Zero ambitions through practical, scalable energy solutions.

How does a renewable or low-carbon energy contract work?

When renewable energy for businesses is distributed through the national grid, it mixes with electricity and gas generated from other sources. This means we cannot physically send only renewable electricity or gas directly to your site.

Instead, renewable and low-carbon contracts are backed by Guarantees of Origin certificates. Through our renewable products, we match your energy consumption with equivalent renewable generation and retire the appropriate certificates on your behalf. This provides assurance that renewable energy has been generated to match the amount you consume.

What are Guarantee of Origin Certificates and how are they regulated?

There are various types of Guarantee of Origin certificates, depending on the energy type:

Guarantees of Origin (GoO)

GoOs demonstrate that electricity has been produced from EU renewable sources. One GoO is issued for each megawatt hour (MWh) of renewable electricity that's produced. These are the European equivalents of the UK's Renewable Electricity Guarantees of Origin (REGOs).

Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO)

REGOs demonstrate that electricity has been produced from renewable sources in the UK. One REGO is issued for each megawatt hour (MWh) of renewable electricity that's produced.

Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin (RGGOs)

Are unique identifiers issued by the Green Gas Certification Scheme(GGCS) for each kilowatt hour (kWh) of biomethane (or green gas) injected into the grid and registered with the Scheme. RGGOs provide information about where, when and how the green gas was produced it's your guarantee that the gas is authentic and has not been sold to anyone else.

Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) scheme

The Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) scheme provides transparency to consumers about the proportion of electricity that suppliers source from renewable generation. The scheme is overseen by Ofgem who act on behalf of the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). One REGO certificate is issued by Ofgem per megawatt hour (MWh) of qualifying renewable electricity generated.

Find out more about the REGO scheme

Green Gas Certification Scheme (GGCS)

The GGCS is a simple and reliable means of tracking the commercial transactions of biomethane (or green gas) through the supply chain to the end consumer, eliminating double counting or double selling of registered green gas. It provides assurance for consumers who buy the gas, confidence in the energy sector and an incentive for gas producers to inject green gas into the grid instead of using it to generate electricity.

The Green Gas Certification Scheme is run by the Renewable Energy Association's subsidiary company, Renewable Energy Assurance Ltd.

What is Carbon Neutral Gas?

A carbon offset is a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for emissions made elsewhere.

Offsets are measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e).

Carbon Offsetting is accredited through VERS (Verified emission reductions) obtained from certified carbon offsetting projects.

Carbon offset projects help counteract the release of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, whilst simultaneously improving the livelihood of people around the world.

We match 10% of the gas you use with Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin Certificates (RGGOs) which certify that this amount of gas is from renewable generation. Naturally occurring biogas, produced from matter such as leftover food, sewage and agricultural waste, is treated in order for it to be of high enough quality to be used in the gas grid. It is processed to remove impurities and upgraded to a higher methane content which is more comparable to natural gas.

Whenever possible, for the remaining 90% we buy carbon offsets to help neutralise the emissions from the gas our customers use from a Gold Standard Foundation projects from around the world, helping to fund carbon emission savings in other parts of the world.

How can I use the British Gas Renewable products for my corporate carbon reporting?

The British Gas Renewable Electricity for Business product enables you to report zero grams CO2 per kilowatt hour Scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity when reporting using the market-based method, in accordance with the GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance.

To report carbon emissions according to the GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance, you don't need the actual certificates themselves, although you need evidence that we have correctly allocated enough certificates to your supply and that this has been verified, which is achieved through the Carbon Trust assurance process. For large business customers we can provide a list of the certificate serial numbers and will do so annually in September/October. For small business customers a copy of our product-specific Fuel Mix and associated emissions factors can be found on our website.

Emission factors are calculated for each British Gas product by multiplying the megawatt hours of power generated by each type of generation technology for a 12-month period up to 31st March each year (to align with the Fuel Mix Disclosure reporting year) by a corresponding emission factor for each technology type. Emission factors for each technology type are taken from Ofgem, using the published values corresponding to the relevant Fuel Mix Disclosure reporting year. The Ofgem emission factors cover carbon dioxide only, and do not include other Kyoto greenhouse gases [GHGs] such as methane which may be emitted by some forms of electricity generation. Ofgem allocates a zero g CO2/kWh emission factor to all electricity generation classed as renewable, which includes energy from waste and biofuel. For wholesale electricity purchased by British Gas, the UK residual mix emission factor for the corresponding Fuel Mix Disclosure reporting year is used.

For gas, developed by The World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the GHG protocol sets the global standard for how to measure, manage and report greenhouse gas emissions.

What is carbon offsetting and why does it matter?

Carbon offsetting enables businesses to compensate for unavoidable emissions by supporting projects that either remove carbon from the atmosphere or prevent emissions from occurring.

Offsets are measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) and are sourced from independently verified projects. These projects can help reduce emissions globally while delivering broader environmental and social benefits.

As part of our green energy business solutions, we carefully select and govern offset projects to ensure they deliver meaningful environmental outcomes and support effective emissions management.

Are renewable energy contracts suitable for small businesses and online retailers?

Yes. Renewable energy contracts for small businesses and online retailers are simple, cost-effective, and help cut carbon while boosting green credentials. With smart meters and flexible energy plans, you’ll track usage, manage costs, and show customers your commitment to sustainability - powering growth and net zero goals.

Can renewable energy help my business reach net zero?

Yes. Switching to business renewable energy is one of the most effective ways to reduce your organisation's carbon footprint.

By combining renewable electricity, renewable gas options, smart energy management and carbon reporting support, businesses can make measurable progress towards their sustainability objectives. Our approach supports organisations on their path towards British Gas Net Zero ambitions while helping to reduce emissions and demonstrate environmental leadership.

What is involved in switching my business to a renewable energy contract?

Get a quote online, choose the renewable plan that suits your business, and we’ll take care of the rest – including contacting your current supplier. Just share a meter reading and start enjoying greener energy with zero hassle.

How do smart meters support renewable energy for businesses?

Smart meters provide real-time visibility of energy consumption, helping businesses make more informed decisions about energy use.

By understanding when and how energy is consumed, businesses can reduce waste, manage costs more effectively and support sustainability initiatives. Smart meter data can also help organisations participate in flexible energy programmes and optimise consumption when renewable generation is highest.

For businesses investing in renewable energy for business, smart meters are an important tool for improving efficiency and tracking progress towards carbon reduction goals.