Clean energy sources; such as solar, wind, hydro and geothermal, are renewable and inexhaustible. They do not emit greenhouse gases or other pollutants, so their environmental impact is lower. In recent years, renewable energies have surpassed traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources in the European Union.
According to the Spanish Network for the Global Compact, 80% of companies are committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the 2030 Agenda; however, only 24% of them have defined and established specific, measurable agreements. Therefore, we would like to highlight some actions that companies should take into account to drive sustainable transformation.
- Establishing, recording and tracking the carbon footprint to gradually reduce it: collecting data and analyzing the three types of emissions is essential.
- Digitizing control and optimizing energy consumption: installing a consumption analyzer at the main supply points; analyzing data and proposing improvements in consumption habits.
- Use the potential of renewable generation: self-consumption with or without storage is essential to make the most of it, as well as purchasing energy from third parties with guarantees of renewable origin.
- Improve process efficiency: conduct an energy audit to analyze and detect inefficient consumption and implement corrective measures.
More and more sustainable companies are committing to purchasing and self-generating clean energy; thereby reducing their energy dependence on polluting sources. Companies that have implemented the Sustainable Development Goals report numerous benefits; 69% say their reputation and image have improved; and 82% say their resilience has increased.
Over the next ten years; nearly 1 million "green jobs" related to sustainable innovation and renewable energy will be created; according to data published by the International Labour Organization (ILO); and it is estimated that by 2050; global energy consumption will have doubled.
"Renewable energies are the ideal solution for many companies; as they provide independence; a continuous and reliable supply; generate profits and are more environmentally friendly; as well as being cheaper. The evaluation of self-consumption systems is another way to generate savings in the company's energy bill;" says Fernando Vázquez; consulting partner and co-area developer at ERA Group. "Although the initial investment is large; it is becoming increasingly quicker to recoup it and enjoy the benefits of renewables."
