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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ethical issues with energy suppliers?
The energy sector is the largest contributor to global carbon emissions. The main ethical issues with energy suppliers include reliance on fossil fuels, environmental pollution, climate change impacts, and harm to people and wildlife. Ethical energy suppliers use renewable and sustainable energy sources and perform above benchmark.
Which energy suppliers are considered the most ethical?
The most ethical energy suppliers are those that appear in the green section of The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Ethical Comparison Table. These companies perform above benchmark across environmental, animal, and people-related criteria. Ethical electricity suppliers such as Octopus Energy, 100Green, and Ecotricity score highly and have achieved Ethical Accreditation.
How can I compare brands to find the most ethical energy supplier?
The most reliable way to compare energy brands is by using The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Ethical Comparison Table. The table allows you to compare energy suppliers side by side, see which companies are above benchmark or below benchmark, and review performance across key ethical criteria such as pollution, energy mix, and environmental impact.
Why is renewable energy important when choosing an ethical electricity supplier?
Renewable energy sources are the most sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. They reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect finite resources, and minimise environmental harm. Ethical shoppers are encouraged to choose green electricity suppliers that generate power from renewable sources and can use The GOOD Shopping Guide to find these ethical brands.
Do most energy suppliers still use fossil fuels?
Many UK energy suppliers continue to rely on fossil fuels to generate electricity, placing them below benchmark for environmental performance. Fossil fuels remain the main cause of carbon emissions in the energy sector, making energy sourcing a key ethical consideration. See the environmental section of The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Ethical Comparison Table to learn more.
How can I avoid greenwashing when choosing an energy supplier?
You can avoid greenwashing by referring to trusted ethical ranking websites, such as The GOOD Shopping Guide. The Energy Ethical Comparison Table shows whether energy providers fall below benchmark or above benchmark across a range of sustainability criteria and allows you to compare brands’ performance.
Do ethical energy suppliers still use fossil fuels?
Some energy suppliers still rely partly on fossil fuels and therefore fall below benchmark for environmental impact. Ethically Accredited energy brands such as Octopus Energy, 100Green and Ecotricity offer 100% renewable or non-fossil fuel energy tariffs and demonstrate commitment to sustainability and clean energy investment, according to The GOOD Shopping Guide.
Are all green electricity suppliers generating renewable energy themselves?
Some energy suppliers purchase Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) certificates instead of generating or directly sourcing renewable electricity. REGOs provide transparency about renewable sourcing but do not always mean the supplier generates renewable energy themselves. See The GOOD Shopping Guide for more information.
Where can I compare ethical energy suppliers?
You can see comparison tables for UK energy providers in The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Ethical Comparison Table. The table allows you to compare brands, review detailed research on individual suppliers, see which have achieved Ethical Accreditation, and identify which companies operate ethically in the energy sector.
How ethical is the Octopus Energy brand?
Octopus Energy ranks well above The GOOD Shopping Guide’s benchmark because it offers 100% non-fossil fuel energy tariffs and actively supports renewable energy generation. Octopus Energy operates its own wind farms and invests in clean energy research, earning it Ethical Accreditation and a place among the Top 200 Ethical Businesses.
How ethical is the 100Green brand?
100Green ranks well above The GOOD Shopping Guide’s benchmark because it offers 100% non-fossil fuel energy tariffs and actively supports renewable energy generation. 100Green is unique for not just providing 100% green energy, but also 100% green gas, earning it Ethical Accreditation and a place among the Top 200 Ethical Businesses.
How ethical is the Ecotricity brand?
Ecotricity ranks well above The GOOD Shopping Guide’s benchmark due to its commitment to carbon neutrality, offering 100% renewable energy production. The company supports eco-activism, declaring “climate emergency” in 2019. It has been awarded the Ethical Innovator title, as well as an Ethical Accreditation.
How ethical is British Gas?
British Gas is one of the lowest ranking energy providers on the Energy Ethical Comparison Table, falling below benchmark. It has been criticised for sourcing a minority of its energy from renewable sources. You can find energy suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide website.
How ethical is the E.On brand?
E.On falls below benchmark on the Energy Ethical Comparison Table, primarily due to the mix of its energy sources. While a majority of its energy is produced renewably, it still falls below the amount needed for a top rating. You can find energy suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide website.
How ethical is the Good Energy brand?
Good Energy has achieved an acceptable score on The GOOD Shopping Guide‘s Energy Ethical Comparison Table, although there is space for improvement. Good Energy does not currently have Ethical Accreditation, which would further signal its commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
How ethical is the Budget Energy brand?
Budget Energy, a Northern Irish energy brand, ranks above benchmark, primarily due to a strong performance in its treatment of people and animals. It could improve by producing a stronger environmental report, or applying for Ethical Accreditation, which would further signal its commitment to ethical business practices.
How ethical is the Power NI brand?
Power NI falls below The GOOD Shopping Guide’s benchmark on the Energy Ethical Ratings Table, due to its use of some non-renewable energy, as well as engaging in political donations. It does produce a robust Environmental Report, and there are no recorded criticisms for Pollution or Animal Welfare violations. You can find energy suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide website.
How ethical is the Utilita brand?
Utilita falls below benchmark on the Energy Ethical Ratings table, primarily because it uses a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy; its proportion falls below the Renewables Obligation. It also has a lacking Environmental Report. You can find energy suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide website.
How ethical is the Ovo Energy brand?
Ovo Energy falls below The GOOD Shopping Guide’s benchmark due to its heavy use of non-renewable energy, below what is required by the Renewable Obligation scheme. It does have an Environmental Report, and plans to reach Net Zero by 2035. You can find energy suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide website.
How ethical is the Scottish Power brand?
Scottish Power falls below The GOOD Shopping Guide’s benchmark for energy suppliers, due to producing a lower percentage of renewable energy than the Renewable Obligation requires. It has, however, stated in its Environmental Report that it plans to reach Net Zero by 2040. You can find energy suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide website.
How ethical is the SEE Airtricity brand?
SSE Airtricity is an Irish energy supplier that falls below our benchmark on the Energy Ethical Ratings Table. It ranks poorly due to its pollution record and failing to meet our requirements for renewable energy percentage. It does not have any criticisms in the Animal Welfare or Animal Welfare categories, however. You can find energy suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide website.
How ethical is the So Energy brand?
So Energy falls below our benchmark on the Energy Ethical Ratings Table for a variety of factors. It has received a top score on its Environmental Report, although a middle score for Energy Mix and and a low score on Pollution. You can find energy suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide website.
How ethical is the EDF brand?
EDF is owned by the French state, and falls below The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Energy Ethical Rankings Table. Its Energy Mix falls below the Renewable Obligation amount, and has engaged in Political Donations. You can find energy suppliers that do reach the ethical benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide website.
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.