2. Convert to Lower Carbon Energy

On-site solar power provides emissions-free electricity and energy independence.

*Depending on type of coal
SOURCE FOR EMISSION RATES: ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION

Energy produced from burning fossil fuels emits carbon dioxide, a global warming pollutant. The carbon intensity of an energy source refers to the amount of carbon dioxide released per unit of energy. Low carbon energy sources have a lower carbon intensity than traditional fossil fuels.

After taking steps to conserve energy, your company's next move should be to switch from conventional electricity, generated by burning fossil fuels, to “lower carbon” power, such as:

• wind
• solar
• biomass and
• geothermal energy.

How to get green power

On-site clean energy: The best way to convert to lower carbon energy is to install on-site renewable power generation systems like solar panels or wind turbines. Benefits of such systems include:

• long-term measurable reductions in global warming pollution,
• a hedge against fluctuations in electricity prices and
• a visible commitment to clean energy.

State and utility incentives, new financing options and a range of turnkey solutions have made on-site green power cost-effective for a spectrum of businesses.

Renewable energy purchases - Your company can also purchase renewable electricity from your power provider or certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). Although these types of purchases don't necessarily lead to direct emissions reductions, they do help build a more robust market for green energy and demonstrate a commitment to lower carbon power.

Lower carbon fuels on the horizon

Biofuels have gotten a lot of big buzz recently. Some biofuels have great potential to reduce global warming pollution. For example, certain processes for corn-based ethanol can cut heat-trapping emissions by 10–15 percent per gallon compared to gasoline production. Work is underway to convert grasses to “cellulosic” ethanol that could reduce emissions by 70-80 percent per gallon compared to gasoline.

However, right now, knowing whether a given biofuel actually cuts global warming pollution is difficult. Most of today’s ethanol is produced using fossil fuel-intensive processes, and can actually create more global warming pollution per gallon than gasoline. Furthermore, increased demand for biofuels can strain areas stressed by dwindling water supplies and harm habitats and grasslands by converting valuable ecosystems into intensive agricultural lands (learn more).

Future industry standards for biofuels should inform fuel buyers of the true global warming emissions associated with producing and burning each fuel (its “lifecycle” carbon content). Until strong standards are in place, you can help build demand for truly lower carbon fuels by requesting verification of low carbon claims from your fuel suppliers.

Posted: 01-Jan-1900; Updated: 31-Dec-2008