Businesses across the globe both big and small are talking about net zero. Some have already set goals to achieve net zero within a particular timeframe or to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by a specified amount by a certain date. That’s the easy part. The harder part is knowing how to get it done.
You may be asking yourself what reaching net zero entails. One commonly used definition says:
“Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. We reach net zero when the amount we add is no more than the amount taken away.”
GHG can be emitted from many things, but the most significant source worldwide is from using energy. For many organizations, facility operations can be the largest source of GHG. In fact, according to the United Nations Environment Program, buildings and their construction together account for 36% of global energy use and 39% of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions annually.
Building-related GHG emissions mostly result from a combination of energy used to heat, cool, light, and power all the things inside the building. Most of that energy emits GHG either through using electricity where the GHG is generated at the power plant or from burning natural gas or other fuels directly in the building. GHG emissions can be of concern to a company beyond the buildings they operate. Some types of operations generate GHG, vehicle fleets, subcontractor operations, excess flight or travel, can all contribute to a company’s carbon footprint. Reducing GHG – or achieving true net zero – requires that this energy use either be reduced or that it come from sources like solar or wind power that don’t emit GHG.
Fortunately, even though getting to net zero is a large task to take on, there are a few clear starting points available to many types of facilities and organizations out there. Here are our top three recommendations:
Energy efficiency, as a tactic for better building performance, has been around for decades – much longer than net zero goals. However, the tactics you can take when it comes to energy efficiency can play a big role in meeting sustainability goals and net zero targets. After all, the best kWh you can manage is the one you don’t use!
Energy efficiency can mean a lot of different things. The following are the most effective energy efficiency solutions available to today’s commercial and industrial buildings, they also offer the best incentives in most areas:
Depending on your area, many of these projects can be partially or even fully subsidized using utility incentives.
As the diagram below shows, the on-site generation of energy is another way to manage the emissions your organization produces through the energy you consume. Solar solutions are one of the best and most accessible options for many companies looking to generate their own green energy.
Over the past 15 years, local, state, and federal solar incentives have provided financial fuel for businesses to initiate and expand their renewable portfolios. These incentives come in the form of tax credits, rebates, renewable energy credits, and the ability to accelerate the depreciation of these assets.
Three common ways to pay for a solar project include:
To get started, you’ll want to get an independent assessment of your solar options including array placement, design, and available contracts. For rooftop solar, it is also vitally important to have your roof(s) assessed to ensure they will endure the term of any solar contract.
Finally, purchasing green energy in the form of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) is one way to offset greenhouse gas emissions. In many areas, you have the option to purchase green energy directly from your broker, utility, or supplier.
Investopedia offers a succinct definition of RECs: “Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are a market-based instrument that certifies the bearer owns one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from a renewable energy resource.”
Purchasing RECs is the equivalent of purchasing renewable energy because it’s a verification that the energy you’ve purchased from your utility originates from renewable sources. This is an easy way to offset your carbon footprint and support the clean energy movement.
Here are a few green energy purchasing options, including RECs, as laid out by the EPA:
Image source: EPA’s Guide to Purchasing Green Power
Net zero feels like a really big goal. And it is – we don’t want to minimize how much work it takes for companies (especially those responsible for a portfolio of buildings or hundreds of locations) to lower their emissions and manage energy, water, waste, and more to the point of being net zero. However, many companies are in a position to take that first step. These 3 ways of how to work on net zero targets – green energy, solar, and energy efficiency – all offer facility management concrete actions to take that will generate clear results.
When you’re ready to act, be sure to leverage experts like Mantis Innovation’s team of strategic, facility solutions professionals so you can take the right next steps and ensure that today’s decisions align with your goals for the future.