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Sustainability

3 minutes

25 June 2025

A North American office powered 100% by renewable electricity

Today, switching to 100% renewable electricity is no longer just a symbolic gesture for companies. It’s a concrete, measurable strategy—and one that’s increasingly expected. No matter the size of the business — small, large, local, or international — powering operations with renewable energy not only reduces the company’s carbon footprint, but also helps achieve CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) objectives and meet the growing expectations of customers and partners.

In Canada, for example, several solutions now make it possible to consume certified renewable electricity: contracts with renewable energy providers, green certificates (RECs), direct power purchase agreements (PPAs), or even on-site production via solar or wind power. And at Boralex, we don’t just produce renewable energy — we use it too. In Ontario, our Milton office is now fully powered by 100% renewable electricity.

Milton: a north american first for Boralex

In North America, Milton marks a first for Boralex. But across the Atlantic, our French colleagues are already well ahead: all offices and production sites in France run on 100% renewable electricity, thanks to Guarantees of Origin (GO)—the European equivalent of RECs.

This North American milestone is an important one. It brings us closer to our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets.

  • To certify our electricity use, we partnered with Bullfrog Power, a well-known renewable energy provider in Canada.
  • Through them, we purchased Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of our Milton office.

What exactly are RECs ?

RECs are the global standard for tracking the amount of renewable electricity added to the grid. When renewable electricity is injected into the grid, it gets mixed with other energy sources.

RECs make it possible to certify that the same amount of renewable electricity as your consumption has been added to the grid. The result: your electricity use is offset by renewable energy production.

Limekiln Wind Farm turbine close-up, Scotland

Why more and more companies choose renewable electricity ?

This shift isn’t limited to Boralex. Across Canada, more and more companies—big and small—are turning to certified renewable electricity. Why? Because the advantages are numerous:

  • Reduce CO₂ emissions
  • Be coherent with values and mission
  • Meet ESG expectations
  • Attract talent aligned with sustainable values
  • Prepare for the energy future with existing solutions

And above all, because it aligns with energy transition and the fight against climate change. They’re easily accessible—regardless of company size.

The energy transition is within reach 

At Boralex, our energy markets team is also leading the charge. Not only do they manage our own REC purchases, but they also sell the environmental attributes of the renewable electricity we generate to other businesses.

The Milton example shows that the energy transition isn’t a luxury or a far-off dream. It’s an achievable, replicable approach. Are you a business wondering how to take the first step? 

Our teams can guide you

Because the more of us who get involved, the more decarbonized the grid becomes.

  • A REC proves that one megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable electricity has been generated and injected into the grid. By purchasing a REC, a company can claim an equivalent electricity consumption—even if the green electrons don’t directly power its operations.

  • Yes. Canadian RECs are comparable to Guarantees of Origin (GO) in Europe and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in the United States.