White Certificates – What Are They and How Do They Support Sustainable Development in Industry?

What Are White Certificates?

White certificates, formally known as energy efficiency certificates, are documents that confirm achieving specific energy savings through the implementation of energy efficiency improvement measures. They are issued by the President of the Energy Regulatory Office (URE) and serve as a financial incentive for companies investing in energy-efficient solutions.

Why Should You Consider White Certificates?

• Additional Funding Source – Selling white certificates on the Power Exchange can provide significant funds, which can be used for further investments.
• Reduced Operational Costs – Investments in energy efficiency lead to lower energy consumption, which reduces utility bills.
• Enhanced Company Image – Active efforts towards sustainable development strengthen your company’s position as a responsible and modern organization.
• Unlimited Support Potential – The greater the energy savings you achieve, the higher the financial benefits from white certificates.

Who Can Apply for White Certificates?

Any company planning and implementing measures to improve energy efficiency can apply for white certificates. The condition is achieving energy savings of at least 10 toe (ton of oil equivalent), which corresponds to approximately 116.3 MWh of final energy.

What Activities Qualify for White Certificates?

• Thermal Modernization of Buildings – Insulating walls, roofs, replacing windows and doors.
• Lighting Modernization – Replacing traditional light sources with energy-efficient LEDs.
• Industrial Insulation – Reducing heat losses in production processes.
• Replacing Industrial Equipment – Upgrading old machines with newer, energy-efficient models.
• Energy Recovery – Utilizing waste heat from production processes.

How to Obtain a White Certificate: Step by Step

1. Identify Potential Savings – Analyze areas in your company that consume the most energy and identify possible improvements.
2. Conduct an Energy Efficiency Audit – Hire a certified auditor to assess the current state and propose specific solutions.
3. Submit an Application to URE – Before starting the project, submit an application for a white certificate, including required documents such as the energy efficiency audit.
4. Implement the Project – After obtaining a preliminary certificate from URE, proceed with the planned activities.
5. Post-Implementation Audit – Upon project completion (if savings exceed 100 toe annually), conduct a follow-up audit to confirm achieved savings.
6. Notify URE – Inform the President of URE about project completion and present the audit results.
7. Sell the Certificate – The obtained energy efficiency certificate can be sold on the Power Exchange.

Important Notes and Limitations

• When White Certificates Cannot Be Granted:
  
  • If a thermal modernization premium has been granted for the project.
  • If issuing the certificate would exceed the permissible level of state aid.
  • If the planned energy savings are less than 10 toe annually.
• White Certificates and VAT – Selling white certificates is not subject to VAT, meaning all obtained funds can be reinvested in your business.

How Do White Certificates Support Sustainable Development?

• Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Lower energy consumption results in reduced CO2 emissions.
• Conservation of Natural Resources – Efficient energy use helps preserve raw materials.
• Improved Business Competitiveness – Lower operational costs and a better market image.

Summary

White certificates are an excellent tool for companies striving for sustainable development and cost optimization. By investing in energy efficiency, you not only reduce energy expenses but also gain additional funding through certificate sales. If you’re considering modernizing your company, it’s worth exploring this support mechanism.