What Is Low Carbon Energy?
The term “low carbon energy” or “low carbon electricity” is more of a practical phrase than an exact scientific term. It’s a crucial concept, particularly for energy grid planning and addressing approximately 72% of climate change’s long-term effects.
Low carbon energy refers to any energy source produced with a significantly lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels. Although there’s no exact threshold used by the international community, most lists consider energy sources with CO2 equivalents under 250 grams per kilowatt-hour (gCO2eq/kWh) as low carbon. This is roughly half of what a typical natural gas plant produces.
Which low carbon energy sources make the cut?
When discussing low carbon energy, certain technologies are ideal, while others are closer to the minimum thresholds.
Wind and nuclear power have some of the lowest average gCO2eq/kWh ratings, around 11 to 12 grams, which is significantly lower than natural gas and coal. These sources are key to reducing global emissions and meeting international climate targets.
Other alternatives include solar power, geothermal, tidal and wave power, and concentrated solar power. These sources are considered mainstream options for long-term power generation and have lower carbon footprints compared to traditional fossil fuels.
What is low carbon building?
Once the best methods to generate low carbon energy are determined, it’s essential to figure out how to use and conserve that power effectively.
Low carbon building involves creating structures that use green materials and techniques for construction, insulation, maintenance and management. The aim is to minimise the carbon footprint of buildings through innovative design and sustainable practices.
Low carbon buildings start with the planning and construction phase, where the layout is designed to optimise energy use. Most of the time, it includes incorporating geothermal heating and cooling systems and connecting to district heating programs where available. Materials chosen for construction are often carbon-negative, and renewable energy sources are used during production.
Smart buildings are an example of low carbon buildings that use technology to manage high energy expenditures like heating, cooling, ventilation, and building access. These buildings are often equipped with solar and wind generation capabilities and include dedicated spaces for trees and plants to offset local emissions.
Incorporating other low carbon technology
After constructing a low carbon building, it’s time to add electrical and networking components, integrating additional low carbon technologies.
Transportation plays a significant role in reducing an area’s carbon footprint. Introducing hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) friendly parking is vital. These spaces generally include solar panels and auxiliary energy storage. They support the transition to clean transport.
Computing and networking should follow “low E” standards, avoiding older, power-hungry servers and setups. Efficient networking helps maximise data transmission while minimising energy use. For business-oriented properties, the implementation of an edge network can provide high-speed access to a central server room, enhancing efficiency.
Large low carbon developments may also benefit from a public transit stop, which leads to better accessibility and reduces traffic congestion and emissions.
Smart HVAC technologies are crucial for maintaining the right balance of heating and cooling in low carbon buildings. Integrating smart building technology with low-energy sensors and security features can optimize energy expenditure based on real-time data.
Driving change through low carbon initiatives
Low carbon initiatives consider the entire carbon lifecycle. Real change occurs when power generation, distribution, storage and efficient usage are treated as a single ecosystem.
At an organizational level, infrastructure and policy changes must align with corporate culture changes. Companies need to provide tools to achieve low carbon energy goals, establish policies for proper use, and ensure that everyone follows these new standards.
Equans supports businesses in implementing low carbon solutions, including renewable energy sources, smart building technologies and sustainable transportation options. By adopting these practices, organisations can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.