naturemade certification for energy from renewable and green sources
naturemade is the Swiss quality label for energy from 100% renewable sources. Certification is available at two levels – naturemade star and naturemade.
The quality labels naturemade star – 100% eco-energy – and naturemade – 100% renewable energy – are awarded for plants producing renewable energy (electricity, heat/cooling and biomethane); certification is also available for the supply of energy from these plants to end consumers. The naturemade guidelines must be fulfilled for the Association for Environmentally Sound Energy (VUE) to grant certification. These guidelines have been developed in cooperation with scientists and technical experts.
Guidelines currently exist for the following energy systems:
- Hydroelectric power (pumped storage and run-of-river power plants, drinking water and waste water power plants, reserved-flow turbines)
- Photovoltaic systems
- Wind energy
- Energy from biomass (green waste, wood, agricultural biogas, sewage gas, vegetable oils)
Plants and products are certified separately
Independent certification ensures that the origin of every kWh of power sold is known, preventing double sales. Different certification criteria apply to production and supply.
The audit and certification processes are independent of each other
Audits are carried out by accredited lead auditors employed by independent certification companies for quality and environmental management systems (SQS, Swiss TS, TÜV Süd, electrosuisse). The certification of naturemade star hydroelectric power plants additionally involves accredited expert auditors that are also specialists in aquatic ecology. Certifications are awarded by the VUE Board.