Laos’ First Small Hydro I-REC Projects: ISO-Certified and RE100-Compliant

Our partner Small Hydropower projects have achieved ISO 14001:2015 certification, further strengthening the environmental integrity of the I-RECs available to corporate buyers. This certification provides companies operating in Laos with credible renewable energy instruments to support their climate and energy goals.

Project Overview – First Ever Small Hydropower I-REC Projects in Laos

Monsoon Carbon registered two renewable energy projects in Laos for International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-RECs) on the International Tracking Standard (formerly the I-REC Standard) in late 2024. They are the first ever small hydropower I-REC projects in Laos. The portfolio includes:

Together, these projects provide a reliable and locally generated supply of I-RECs, supporting organizations operating in Laos to reduce their emissions associated with electricity consumption.

Strengthening Environmental Integrity with ISO 14001:2015

ISO 14001 is the internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems (EMS). The achievement of ISO 14001:2015 certification reflects a structured and ongoing commitment by project developers to environmental management.

This internationally recognized standard ensures that projects:

• Operate under a formal environmental management system (EMS)
• Continuously monitor and improve resource use and environmental performance
• Align with regulatory requirements and international best practices
• Maintain a framework for ongoing improvement and accountability

For buyers, this adds an additional layer of confidence that the environmental attributes behind the I-RECs are supported by robust and transparent practices.

RE100-Compliant I-RECs for Corporate Climate Action

With this certification in place, Monsoon’s interpretation of the latest RE100 Technical Criteria suggests that the I-RECs issued from these projects are RE100-compliant, making them a strong fit for companies working toward renewable electricity targets and Scope 2 emissions reduction.

For organizations operating in Laos, access to credible, locally sourced renewable energy instruments is essential for consistent and effective global reporting. By sourcing I-RECs from Laos, companies can:

• Achieve renewable electricity commitments in line with RE100
• Reduce Scope 2 emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol
• Support renewable energy generation in local markets
• Align regional operations with global sustainability goals

RECs from Low-Impact/Small Hydropower Assets Available for Procurement

I-RECs from small hydropower projects are available for purchase, with ISO 14001:2015 certification reinforcing their environmental management and operational integrity as low-impact/ small hydropower assets. These certificates enable companies in Laos to verify renewable electricity consumption locally while strengthening their overall climate strategy and sustainability reporting.

About RECs

A REC is evidence that a unit of electricity was generated from a renewable source. RECs are issued and purchased on the basis that one certificate represents one megawatt hour of renewable electricity.

These certificates are purchased and retired to reduce a company’s Scope 2 emissions. Outside of the EU and the US, the most common standard for RECs is the International Renewable Energy Certificate (I-REC).

Purchasing I-RECs is a cost-effective way to reduce a company’s carbon footprint. For the owners of renewable energy projects, I-RECs reward a project for the environmental attributes of the power they generate. This incentivises the replacement of non-renewable power and supports the transition to clean, renewable national grids.

You can read more about RECs here, or use the contact form below to get in touch with us about I-RECs.

Get in Touch

If your organization is exploring I-REC procurement in Laos or other markets, we’d be glad to support your strategy.

Contact us to purchase verified I-RECs for your electricity consumption.