How to Buy I-RECs from Different Countries: A Complete Guide

The global push for clean energy is rapidly accelerating, and organizations across industries are turning to renewable energy certificates (RECs) to demonstrate climate responsibility. Among the most recognized instruments for companies operating internationally are International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs). These certificates allow organizations to prove that the electricity they consume has been generated from renewable sources, regardless of where they operate.

If you are looking to buy I-RECs across different countries, here’s a step-by-step guide.

1. Understanding What I-RECs Are

I-RECs are internationally recognized tracking instruments that certify 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable electricity generation. The I-REC Standard Foundation oversees the framework, ensuring traceability, transparency, and credibility. They are widely used by multinational corporations to meet Scope 2 emissions reporting requirements under standards such as the GHG Protocol and CDP.

Key benefits include:

• Global applicability in over 50 countries.

• Alignment with leading sustainability reporting frameworks.

• Flexibility for companies with operations in multiple markets.

2. Choosing the Right Market and Country

I-RECs are not issued in every country. Before buying, you should check:

• Availability: Whether the country is covered by the I-REC Standard (examples include Brazil, China, India, Vietnam, and South Africa).

• Market maturity: Some countries have competitive markets with transparent pricing, while others may have limited availability.

• Regulatory environment: Local renewable energy policies can affect both price and supply.

👉 With platforms like Hestiya, buyers can simplify this process. Hestiya gives access to a wide portfolio of international credits — from India and Sri Lanka to Japan and Indonesia — making cross-border sourcing seamless.

3. Selecting a Procurement Method

There are different ways to purchase I-RECs:

• Through Authorized Issuers & Registrants
  Each country has authorized registrants who can facilitate I-REC issuance and sales.

• Via Market Platforms
  Global marketplaces such as Hestiya Marketplace allow you to source I-RECs from multiple countries in one place. With Hestiya’s network, companies can compare projects, technologies, and prices, ensuring both transparency and choice.

• From Renewable Energy Developers
  In some cases, you can purchase directly from renewable project developers.

4. Verifying Certificate Authenticity

Since I-RECs represent an environmental claim, due diligence is essential:

• Confirm that the seller is a registered I-REC participant.

• Ensure certificates are tracked on the I-REC Registry to avoid double-counting.

• Match purchases with the reporting year of your sustainability disclosures.

Hestiya ensures every I-REC in its marketplace is fully verified and registry-tracked, giving buyers confidence and peace of mind.

5. Managing Costs and Prices

I-REC prices vary by country, technology, and demand:

• Low-cost markets: Countries with abundant renewable energy (e.g., Brazil, India) often have lower prices.

• High-demand markets: Countries with limited renewable energy supply but strong corporate demand can command higher premiums.

• Technology-specific premiums: Some buyers prefer solar or wind over hydro, affecting price levels.

Hestiya’s platform helps you explore multiple markets and compare cost options — whether you are seeking the affordability of Indian wind energy or the premium value of Japanese solar.

6. Aligning with Corporate Sustainability Goals

To maximize impact, companies should integrate I-REC purchases into their sustainability strategy:

• Match I-RECs with the locations of operations (market-based reporting).

• Prioritize projects with additional benefits, such as community impact or innovative technologies.

• Disclose procurement transparently in ESG reports.

By sourcing through Hestiya, companies can also highlight projects with social and environmental co-benefits, adding stronger impact narratives to ESG disclosures.

7. Practical Steps to Get Started

1. Assess your electricity footprint in each country.

2. Identify I-REC eligible markets where you operate.

3. Choose a buying channel — Hestiya’s marketplace makes this step easier.

4. Register or work with an accredited participant in the I-REC system.

5. Purchase and retire certificates in alignment with your reporting cycle.