Renewable energy is playing an increasingly important role across the world.
With consumer demand for sustainable products continuing to grow, and the government driving us towards reducing carbon emissions and Net Zero targets, green energy is becoming ever more prevalent.
Where does green energy come from?
Green energy is generated by natural, renewable sources such as the wind or the sun as opposed to using fossil fuels like coal or oil.
There are five main renewable energy sources:
Solar – energy obtained from the sun;
Geothermal – energy harnessed from heat within the earth;
Wind – energy channelled from the natural movement of air;
Biomass – energy taken from living matter, usually from plants;
Hydropower – energy obtained from flowing water. What are the green energy options available for businesses?
1 Green energy procurement
Buying green energy generated by renewable sources has become much more accessible, with suppliers offering most or all electricity from zero-carbon sources.
It’s worth bearing in mind that if you get your energy from a 100% green energy company you don’t need to include electricity usage in your carbon footprint.
Green gas produced through biodigesters, which turn available waste into gas, is still in limited supply and costs are higher. A more affordable option is to buy gas with a mix of renewable gas and carbon-neutral gas backed by carbon offsets.
What are carbon offsets?
Carbon offsetting is an internationally recognised way of taking responsibility for the carbon you emit based on the idea that all of us have a carbon footprint.
Carbon offset projects allow companies to invest in carbon reduction projects around the world to balance out their own carbon emissions which are measured in tonnes. Offsetting one tonne of carbon means there will be one less tonne of carbon in the atmosphere than there would’ve been.
If you buy your energy as a carbon offset mix you are basically contributing to the investment of offset projects by the energy supplier which will support your sustainability goals.
2 Generating your own green energy
Alternatively, you can invest in your own renewable energy sources such as solar panels and battery storage.
Battery storage can also work independently of a renewable energy source, by storing cheaper energy from the grid which can then be released and redistributed across a business when it is most needed. By allowing your battery to support the National Grid through the ‘balancing mechanism’ additional revenue can also be generated.
Because industry emissions account for a considerable proportion of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, it’s also worth checking for any government or local council incentive schemes that might fund the installation of new low carbon technologies.
Getting your green credentials
A key benefit to buying 100% renewable energy is that your emissions will be zero which helps to reduce your carbon footprint and can be used to secure certain grant funding.
You will be provided with a green energy Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO’s) certificate which provides transparency about the proportion of electricity that suppliers source from the renewable generation of electricity; and a Renewable Gas Guarantees of Origin (RGGOs) or Biomethane Certificates (BMCs) which show customers the renewable content of gas.
There are different tiers of REGO certification, some of which can be credibly used to measure and report towards Net Zero targets.
Choosing green energy for your business
Our team will always provide green energy options when quoting for new procurement contracts. We also provide a full energy management service to help you find efficiencies, source suitable renewable products, and plan for Net Zero.
Get in touch for more information about green energy for your business today.
0114 327 2645