About BEF
A foundation of trust.
Each of the programs BEF develops is created with one goal in mind: apply entrepreneurial thinking and innovation to solve the world’s most pressing environmental issues. Through our Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), Carbon Offsets and Water Restoration Certificates (WRCs), we’re helping businesses take action to reduce their impact on the environment. Here’s why BEF is the safe, trusted choice in a complex and evolving marketplace:
We’re a Nonprofit
Being a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, BEF reinvests all net revenues from your purchases in environmental programs.
We’re Certified by Independent, Third-Parties
We believe having high standards and a code of conduct not only protects BEF, but also safeguards the good intentions of our partners, customers and communities. Both our energy and water solutions are evaluated and certified by independent third parties to insure that everyone is getting what they pay for.
We’re Honored
BEF is proud to have been recognized as the 2009 Green Power Supplier of the Year by the U.S. Department of Energy.
BEF Carbon Offsets represent the capture or reduction of harmful greenhouse gases emitted from sources such as fossil fuels, animal waste, landfills or refrigerants. A carbon offset represents the reduction of greenhouse gases equivalent to 1 metric ton of carbon dioxide. Some of BEF’s carbon offsets are sold in increments less than 1 metric ton and in units of lbs CO2e.
Use BEF Carbon Offsets to offset the carbon emissions from activities such as air travel, employee commuting and product shipping. Visit our Carbon Offsets page for more information, including a list of supply projects.
BEF Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) represent renewable energy from sources such as wind, solar or biogas projects where clean energy has been delivered into the power grid to reduce carbon emissions from existing fossil fueled power plants. A REC represents the environmental benefits of 1-megawatt hour (MWh) of renewable electricity generated and delivered to the power grid.
Use BEF RECs to offset the carbon emissions from your business’ electricity use. Visit our Renewable Energy Certificates page for more information, including a list of supply projects.
BEF works with utilities and other funding partners to bring renewable energy education into the classroom – at no cost to schools. BEF’s Solar 4R Schools program provides schools and community buildings across the country with hands-on renewable energy teaching tools such as science kits, lesson plans and photovoltaic solar arrays.
Visit our Solar 4R Schools website for a map of participating schools and more information on how your business can get involved.
BEF’s Model Watershed Program is an innovative program involving long-term commitments that focus efforts across an entire watershed landscape, rather than on small pieces of streams and rivers. We not only commit 10 years of financial support to each Model Watershed Partner, we also work with the local communities to conduct restoration and evaluation activities and provide scientific and technical assistance.
Visit our Watersheds website for more information, including detailed descriptions and photos of each project.
BEF WRCs restore water to a stream at a location and time of year where low flows are a limiting factor for fish and wildlife, biodiversity or ecosystem function. One BEF Water Restoration Certificate represents 1,000 gallons of water restored to a critically dewatered river or stream.
Use BEF WRCs to balance direct or indirect water consumption, including water used in office space, operations or embedded in the supply chain. Visit our BEF Water Restoration Certificates page for more information, including a list of supply projects.