Tackling Climate Change with Energy Management Solutions
Throughout billions of years, Earth has been in constant fluctuation, always evolving and adapting as needed. Species have thrived, some even rising as apex predators, only to be made extinct by natural disasters. The modern human (Homo sapiens) only appeared within the last 300,000 years, and yet in that short time, relative to the age of the Earth, humans quickly rose the ranks of dominant species. With unparalleled intelligence, technological advancements have progressed at exceptional speeds, for instance, incandescent bulbs and fossil fuel powered vehicles. Although life altering inventions at their time, it is now common knowledge that excessive use resulted in extraordinary damage to our environment, resulting in climate change.
Industrialization: Impact on Climate Change
Scientists have collected data that indicates the Industrial Revolution directly contributed to the increase in Earths temperature. On average, the surface temperature has risen 0.07°C every decade since the 1850’s from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, including coal and oil. As the world is approximately 1.2°C warmer and CO2 levels have increased by 50%, we are heading towards a dangerous tipping point, and it has become critical to stop the temperature from rising 2°C. The overuse of electricity, oil, gas, and other natural resources by people for both personal and commercial purposes have been a major contributor to change in climate. When fossil fuels are burned, greenhouse gases are released and trapped within the atmosphere, warming the planet. Irreversible damage has already been done, however, that doesn’t mean businesses should not work towards reducing their contributions by using sustainable energy management solutions.
Advantages of Energy Management Solutions
A large percentage of GHG and CO2 emissions are generated through residential and commercial properties through the misused of energy. Simple lighting fixtures, centralized ventilation systems and high numbers of fuel-powered vehicles can all contribute to the problem. To reach a more sustainable future and really effect change, energy management solutions are the perfect answer.
- Higher Energy Efficiency
Advanced technology has sought ways to consume less energy, and thereby reduce natural resource consumption. Simple everyday items, such as electrical fixtures and appliances in constant use, no longer need to mean inflated energy bills and carbon footprints.
- Upgrades and retrofits can result in lower energy bills by up to 40%
- A slight increase in upfront costs, return on investment is within 2 – 3 years
- Get one step closer to LEED and BOMA Best Certification by making your building ‘green’.
Industry Update:
By retrofitting lights with LEDs, Milliken reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 495 metric tonnes at their headquarters.
- Eliminating Waste to Reduce GHG Emissions
Generating energy through the burning of fuels such as coal, gas, and oil has resulted in over 75% of the world’s greenhouse gas and carbon emissions. Even worse is that roughly two thirds of the total energy generated is wasted during production and transmission processes.
- Monitoring energy usage using meters in an effort to identify and eliminate the source(s) of waste.
- Analytics driven automation predicts the energy usage patterns and eliminates waste by optimizing energy usage.
- Building controls automated with sensors switch off appliances and fixtures when not in use.
Industry Update:
Through implementation of an advanced distribution management system from Emerson, a leading automation provider, MainPower reduced their GHG emissions.
- Renewable Energy for Decarbonization
Opting for renewable energy is one of the more efficient ways of becoming “carbon-free”, it will only truly be effective when the power consumption is matched at the rate of which renewable energy is generated hourly.
- To ensure an environment with lower greenhouse gases, EV charging stations function using renewable energy.
- HVAC systems that draw power from solar energy help reach zero carbon emissions.
Industry Update:
LinkedIn has committed to powering operations with 100% renewable energy to reach their goal of a reduced global footprint by 75% by 2030, a part of which includes providing workplace EV charging for its employees.
Similar to LinkedIn, many companies are choosing to lead by example through the implementation of energy management solutions. Each solution or combination of solutions will differ based on the company, let’s explore the options.
Endless Possibilities with Energy Management Solution
In order to operate efficiently, productively, and gainfully, while also in an environmentally friendly manner, a host of solutions are required pertaining to electricity, water, and natural gas.
1. LED Lighting Solution
Accounting for roughly 5% of CO2 emissions globally since lighting is used consistently throughout day or night times, LED lights are an extremely effective way for a business to commit to lowering emissions.
- Consuming less power per lumen, LED lights reduce lighting bills by up to 75%, drastically reducing overall annual electricity consumption.
- With a lifespan of 50,000+ hours, businesses benefit from lowered operating and maintenance expenses.
- Installing LED lights in a residential property can reduce carbon footprint up to 6 tons per year, a figure that’s multiplied significantly for commercial properties.
2. HVAC System Solutions
Setting a thermostat just a few degrees higher or lower, respective of the season, can reduce carbon footprint by up to 1 ton per year. A significant amount when one considers that ventilation systems contribute to over 30% of the world’s carbon emissions. Without overhauling the system entirely, there are ways to upgrade current HVAC system.
- Variable Frequency Drives control motor speed to optimize usage while Building Automation Systems connects and automates functions for efficiency, resulting in up to 45% savings.
- Boiler and/or chiller upgrades on existing systems further increase energy efficiency by 50%.
- Not only will your business be contributing to a more sustainable future, but operating expenses will also be reduced, while profits and productivity increase.
3. EV Charging Stations
Though the type of Electric Vehicle (EV), electricity grid, and charging patterns are integral to the amount of CO2 being emitted by the transportation sector, EV charging stations are essential for their function.
- Studies have shown that workplace charging could reduce CO2 emissions on grids with an approximate carbon intensity of 1.5lb CO2/kWh.
- Additionally, they improve environmental conditions in the direct vicinity since more people can transition away from fossil fuel powered vehicles and adopt electric vehicles.
- As the Government has their own climate change goals to reach, programs such as NRCAN are offering incentives and rebates to help businesses save money on total project costs.
To meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set out by the Government, it should be noted that Energy Star certified LED Lighting and HVAC System solutions are required. In addition, a property audit is needed by your service provider before the energy management solutions considered can be finalized. As your Trusted Energy Advisor, EnerSavings is here to help your business reach sustainability.
Going Green with EnerSavings
EnerSavings is Canada’s leading energy management company, providing businesses across the country with solutions in LED lighting, HVAC systems, and EV charging stations. As trusted energy advisors, we provide a free audit and custom proposal, suited to your business needs. With our expertise, we know exactly what is required to get you on track to becoming eco-friendly, proven by the 113,928 metric tonnes of CO2 we’ve helped reduce so far. That is the equivalence to growing 1,883,824 seedlings in 10 years and we’re committed to increasing these numbers. To learn move, visit us at www.enersavings.com or contact us info@enersavings.com. Together, we can make a greener tomorrow.