ESTS Accredited as Verification Body for Zero Carbon Energy Certification (ZCEC)
We are glad to announce that Extensive Standard Technical Services Co., Ltd. (ESTS), part of the Cotecna Group, has recently been accredited as a verification body on the Voluntary Verification Platform for Zero-Cabon Energy Certification.
What is Zero Carbon Energy Certification (ZCEC)?
The Zero Carbon Energy Certification (ZCEC) is a verification program designed specifically for non-electric renewable energy. It aims to realize the green value of non-electric renewable energy applications and supports end-to-end certification across the entire energy value chain, from production and distribution to trading and consumption.
Key Categories of Non-Electric Renewable Energy Covered by ZCEC:
Green Thermal Energy: biomass, solar thermal, geothermal
Green Gas: biomethane/biogas, green hydrogen
Green Liquid Fuels: bioethanol, biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel, green methanol, bio-synthetic fuels, e-fuels
Each ZCEC certificate represents 10 gigajoules (GJ) of verified zero carbon energy and embodies corresponding environmental benefits. Every certificate carries a unique QR code, enabling instant traceability of its full lifecycle, from application and verification to purchase and retirement.
Benefits of Obtaining ZCEC Certificate
Based on a series of verification rules and real-time project monitoring data, the ZCEC platform issues uniquely identified electronic certificates to eligible applicants. These certificates serve as valid instruments representing the environmental benefits of non-electric renewable energy.
ZCEC certificates can be used to:
- Offset fossil fuel consumption emissions on a 1:1 basis
- Support China Certified Emission Reduction (CCER) applications, simplifying processes for certificate holders
- Enable standardized management of non-electric renewable energy usage
In the longer term, ZCEC certificates are expected to function as:
- Foundational credentials within broader green certification or emission reduction schemes
- Tradable carbon credit assets in green finance activities, such as green credit, carbon pledge, carbon futures, and other carbon financial derivatives.
ZCEC Verification Process
1. Monitoring Setup: Project owners are required to install real-time online monitoring devices in accordance with the platform requirements.
2. Application Submission: After a period of data collection, project owners may submit a verification application on the platform.
3. Third-Party Verification: Upon acceptance, the platform assigns an accredited third-party verification body (such as ESTS) to conduct the project verification and compile a verification report.
4. Expert Review: The platform then convenes experts to review the verification report.
5. Certificate Issuance: Once approved, a ZCEC certificate will be issued.
ZCEC serves as an effective complement to the Green Electricity Certificate (GEC), together forming China’s green certification framework for renewable energy consumption. With this newly obtained accreditation, ESTS reinforces its role as a trusted partner in China’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.
About Cotecna
For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.
About ESTS
ESTS (Extensive Standard Technical Services Co., Ltd.) is a global certification body and audit firm with professional services covering social compliance, sustainability, green and low carbon, food safety, quality system, etc. We are committed to enhancing the ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) competitiveness for brands and retailers supply chains, as well as to creating a transparent and reliable supply chain for our clients.