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Embracing renewable energy is key to reaching net-zero by 2050. In fact, without it, reaching the targets set by the UK Government will be almost impossible.
The good news?
Renewable energy use is on the rise.
In 2008, just 7% of the electricity used in the UK came from low carbon sources. But by 2018, the figure had risen to 33%.
And it’s not surprising when you look at the facts.
Renewable energy is natural, doesn’t harm the planet and is cheaper than it’s alternatives, like gas, coal and oil.
So, by embracing green energy, like:
It makes it easier and faster to reduce our carbon footprint, air pollution and damage to our oceans.
With the above benefits in mind, here are ten few key facts about renewable energy:
One. Green power never depletes
Unlike fossil fuels which are mined, drilled, burned from the earth, renewable energy is natural. This means there are no emissions and can be harnessed through solar power, anaerobic digesters (food and bacteria), hydropower and wind energy.
Two. It creates jobs
As the renewable energy sector grows, so does its workforce. Right now, it generates up to five times more jobs than in the non-renewable sector.
Three. Renewable energy isn’t new
Incredibly, the invention of the waterwheel over two-thousand years ago forms the basis of all modern-day hydropower plants.
Four. Solar power doesn’t need the sun
Although solar power harnesses power from the sun and produces more on a bright day, it’s still possible to produce solar energy on a cloudy day.
Five. Core power
Magma from the earth’s crust is used to power geothermal energy.
Six. Iceland is green
99% of Iceland’s energy comes from hydropower and geothermal sources.
Seven. The pandemic made the UK greener
In 2020, carbon emissions plummeted due to the increase in renewable energy use. And due to the combination of solar farms, wind turbines, hydropower and biomass, the UK experienced its first coal-free period.
Eight. Green energy is good for humans
Green energy has no airborne emissions, which can help prevent heart and lung diseases caused by air pollution.
Nine. Solar energy is free
Although homeowners have to pay to install solar panels, they don’t pay for any electricity generated through them. Short-term expense, long-term savings!
Ten. Renewable energy stops power outages
A constant supply of energy from multiple renewable energy sources means even if England wins the World Cup and we all put the kettle on at the same time, the power won’t cut out before they lift the trophy.
While all of the above are hugely beneficial, acquiring renewable energy resources which make a significant impact also isn’t easy.
On 9th March 2021, the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) published a study called Renewable Energy Procurement and Carbon Offsetting Guidance for Net Zero Carbon Buildings.
The guide, like the Climate Change Committee report released December 2020, explains that, within the UK, the acquiring of renewable electricity is having a limited impact. And in many cases, is having no impact at all on reducing emissions reductions either for the organisation or the UK as a whole.
Why?
Because most green energy being procured already exists (e.g., from existing wind farms). And as a result, the procurement doesn’t guarantee an organisation’s actions have any impact on emission reduction. And some suppliers and generators are using procurement to greenwash their tariffs.
But that doesn’t mean your business shouldn’t consider switching to renewable energy.
And switching helps you reap those benefits, which include:
But to do that, you’ll need a net-zero strategy that shows what the future looks like for your business – and Inteb can help.
At Inteb, our experts help you set achievable targets and put a framework in place to help you meet your net-zero targets. So, if you’re unsure what strategy you need to adopt. Or where to start. Inteb can work with you to put it in place across your business.
Let’s get the conversation started – call us now on 0151 601 3476
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