Renewable Energy Sources
Which Energy Suppliers are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Energy Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
What are the ethical issues with energy suppliers?
The energy sector is by far the largest contributor to worldwide carbon emissions. According to Climate Watch, heating and electricity is responsible for 76% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, energy suppliers are now turning to renewable energy sources. Green energy suppliers power our homes and offices sustainably. Green electricity suppliers and renewable energy sources are undoubtedly the best way forward for ethical shoppers. They keep the atmosphere clean and will don’t diminish finite resources. Our Ethical Energy Ratings Table shows how energy providers in the UK perform on these environmental concerns, as well as on issues affecting animals and people. Look for companies in the green section of our table to see who has scored well in our research.
Fossil fuel energy suppliers and non renewable energy sources
Much of the UK’s energy supply is still sourced from fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are still the main cause of carbon emissions in the energy sector. Therefore, when choosing an ethical energy supplier, one of the most important things to consider is the kind of electricity being sourced.
At The GOOD Shopping Guide, we recommend you choose a supplier that generates its electricity through renewable or non-fossil fuel energy sources, so you can ensure your tariff is not contributing to rising greenhouse gas emissions.
Our research: The use of non renewable energy sources by UK energy suppliers
Our research into the energy sector reveals that many energy suppliers in the UK continue to use fossil fuels to generate electricity.
We assess an energy supplier’s environmental impact using the Pollution criteria. This standard penalises companies that have been criticised for environmental pollution. If pollution is a particular concern for you, avoid companies who have received a bottom rating under this category.
Renewable Energy Sources: The sustainable alternative
Renewable energy sources and green electricity suppliers are the best way of providing sustainable electricity. Luckily, renewable energy sources are on the rise in the UK, which produces the greatest share of wind electricity than any other country in the G20.
This also means that there are more green electricity suppliers offering tariffs generated from renewable energy sources than ever before.
Our Energy Mix criteria assesses companies on how much of their electricity supply comes from renewable and non-fossil fuel energy sources. To see other companies that generate their electricity entirely from non-fossil fuel energy sources, look for brands that score highly for Energy Mix in our Ethical Energy Ratings Table.
Our high-scoring Ethical Accreditation member, Octopus Energy, offers 100% non-fossil fuel energy tariffs and is supporting renewable energy generation through operating its own wind farms and investing in clean energy research.
Find out up-to-date information on Octopus’s ethical achievements, as well as how the company has been assessed in The GOOD Shopping Guide, on the Octopus brand page.
Our Ethical Accreditation member, 100Green, offers a 100% renewable gas and electricity tariff.
Ecotricity, another Energy Supplier with Ethical Accreditation, also offers 100% renewable energy thanks to its innovative investments into wind and solar farms, as well as green gas generation. Read more about Ecotricity’s sustainability credentials on the Ecotricity brand page.
Due to their outstanding environmental practices and commitment to renewable energy, 100Green, Octopus and Ecotricity also feature in our list of the Top 200 Ethical Businesses.
If you’re thinking about renewable generation, then why not consider our Ethically Accredited JellyWatt Renewables which caters for home and business solar panel installation, EV charging and other renewable energy services.
What is a Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO)?
It should be noted however, that many of these companies are not necessarily generating power from renewable energy sources themselves or buying directly from those that do. Some companies instead purchase Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates, which you can find out more about on the Ofgem website.
The Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) scheme gives consumers information about how much of their electricity comes from renewable sources.
See our Ethical Energy Ratings Table to compare brands
The GOOD Shopping Guide has extensively researched the biggest energy suppliers to make switching your energy provider an easy and ethical process. Click on any brand name to find out more details about individual providers.
Octopus Energy, 100Green, Good Energy, So Energy, Budget Energy (NI), Ecotricity, Power NI, SSE Airtricity (NI), E.On, Utilita, Ovo Energy, Boost, ScottishPower, British Gas, and EDF Energy.
What are the main ethical concerns when choosing an energy supplier?
The energy sector is the world’s single largest contributor to carbon emissions, with heating and electricity accounting for the vast majority of global greenhouse gas output. Choosing a supplier that sources its energy from renewable or non-fossil fuel sources is therefore one of the most impactful decisions a consumer can make. The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Ethical Energy Ratings Table helps identify which suppliers meet the benchmark for responsible energy provision.
Why does renewable energy matter when selecting a supplier?
Renewable energy sources — such as wind and solar — do not deplete finite natural resources and produce far lower carbon emissions than fossil fuels. The UK now generates more wind electricity than any other G20 nation, meaning there are more green energy suppliers than ever offering renewable tariffs. Ethical consumers are encouraged to seek out suppliers that generate or directly source their electricity from renewables rather than fossil fuel alternatives.
What is a Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificate?
A REGO certificate confirms that a portion of a supplier’s electricity has come from renewable sources. However, holding REGOs does not necessarily mean a supplier generates or directly purchases renewable electricity itself. Consumers should therefore look beyond marketing claims and consult trusted independent sources, such as The GOOD Shopping Guide, to properly evaluate a supplier’s true environmental credentials before switching.
Which energy suppliers are considered the most ethical?
According to The GOOD Shopping Guide’s research, 100Green, Octopus Energy, and Ecotricity are among the highest-scoring energy suppliers, all holding Ethical Accreditation and featuring on the Top 200 Ethical Businesses list. These companies offer 100% renewable or non-fossil fuel energy tariffs and actively invest in sustainable energy generation, demonstrating a genuine and independently verified commitment to ethical energy provision.
How can I tell whether an energy supplier is genuinely green?
With many suppliers marketing their products as “clean energy”, distinguishing genuine commitment from greenwashing can be difficult. The most reliable approach is to consult The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table, which assesses suppliers across key criteria including energy mix, pollution record, and environmental reporting. Brands sitting above the benchmark have been independently verified as meeting robust ethical and environmental standards.
How do I find the most ethical energy supplier for my home?
The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table provides a straightforward way to compare UK providers across environmental, animal welfare, and people-related criteria. Brands scoring above the benchmark — particularly those holding Ethical Accreditation — have demonstrated a verifiable commitment to responsible energy practices. Accredited suppliers have undergone additional scrutiny, giving consumers greater confidence that their chosen provider meets meaningful ethical standards.
Is Octopus Energy an ethical energy brand?
Octopus Energy sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table, achieving top marks across all assessed categories, including Environmental Report, Energy Mix, Pollution, Animal Welfare, and Political Donations. Its Ethical Accreditation demonstrates a verified commitment to sustainable business practices, and the brand has additionally earned Ethical Innovator Status alongside a place on the Top 200 Ethical Businesses list.
Is 100Green an ethical energy brand?
100Green sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table, performing strongly across all assessed categories, including Environmental Report, Energy Mix, Pollution, Animal Welfare, and Political Donations. Its Ethical Accreditation reflects a verified commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices, and 100Green has further earned Ethical Innovator Status alongside a place on the Top 200 Ethical Businesses list.
Is Ecotricity an ethical energy brand?
Ecotricity sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. It performs strongly in areas including Environmental Report, Energy Mix, Pollution, and Animal Welfare, though falls short in its Political Donations rating. Ecotricity holds Ethical Accreditation, demonstrating a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, and has earned Ethical Innovator Status alongside a place on the Top 200 Ethical Businesses list.
Is British Gas an ethical energy brand?
British Gas sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as Environmental Report, Pollution, and Animal Welfare, though falls short in Energy Mix, Political Donations, and Other Criticisms. Those seeking energy suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark can find more responsible alternatives within The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table.
Is E.On an ethical energy brand?
E.On sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as Environmental Report, Pollution, Animal Welfare, and Political Donations, though falls short in its Other Criticisms rating and receives a middling mark for Energy Mix. Consumers seeking energy suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark can find them in The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Good Energy an ethical energy brand?
Good Energy meets the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas including Environmental Report, Energy Mix, Pollution, and Animal Welfare, though falls short in its Other Criticisms rating. Were Good Energy to apply for Ethical Accreditation, this could serve to further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Budget Energy an ethical energy brand?
Budget Energy (NI) sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as Pollution, Animal Welfare, and Political Donations, although receives middling marks for Environmental Report and Energy Mix. Were Budget Energy (NI) to apply for Ethical Accreditation, this could further demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Power NI an ethical energy brand?
Power NI sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as Environmental Report, Pollution, and Animal Welfare, though falls short in its Political Donations rating, with a middling mark for Energy Mix. Those seeking energy suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark can find suitable alternatives in The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Utilita an ethical energy brand?
Utilita sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as Pollution, Animal Welfare, and Political Donations, though falls short in Energy Mix, with mixed marks for Environmental Report and Other Criticisms. Those seeking energy suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark can find alternatives within The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Ovo Energy an ethical energy brand?
Ovo Energy sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as Environmental Report, Pollution, Animal Welfare, and Political Donations, though falls short in its Energy Mix and Other Criticisms ratings. Those seeking energy suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark can find suitable alternatives in The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Scottish Power an ethical energy brand?
ScottishPower sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as Environmental Report, Pollution, and Animal Welfare, though falls short in Energy Mix and Political Donations, with a mixed mark for Other Criticisms. Consumers seeking energy suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark can find them in The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table.
Is SEE Airtricity an ethical energy brand?
SSE Airtricity (NI) sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as Environmental Report and Animal Welfare, though falls short in Pollution, with mixed marks for Energy Mix, Political Donations, and Other Criticisms. Those seeking energy suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark can find alternatives in The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table.
Is So Energy an ethical energy brand?
So Energy sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as Environmental Report, Animal Welfare, and Political Donations, though falls short in Pollution and Other Criticisms, with a middling mark for Energy Mix. Consumers seeking energy suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark can find them in The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table.
Is EDF an ethical energy brand?
EDF Energy sits below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in areas such as Environmental Report, Pollution, and Animal Welfare, though falls short in Energy Mix, Armaments, Political Donations, and Other Criticisms. Consumers seeking energy suppliers that do meet the ethical benchmark can find suitable alternatives in The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Suppliers Ethical Ratings Table.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.