To achieve Net-Zero, you need to balance the amount of energy you use and the amount of renewable energy you generate. You can go Net-Zero in any house with new heating technology and inexpensive renewable energy systems. Achieving this is an uphill battle, and some say it’s too little too late. Since only time will tell, here’s what you can do to help.
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Consider Alternative Fuels
For over a century, almost all road vehicles, seagoing vessels, aircraft and trains have been run on fossil fuels. Gas and oil are the most common, as are their derivatives like diesel and petrol. However, these substances power almost everything we use for transportation. But there are environmentally friendly alternatives. Biodiesel and bioethanol are two of the organic fuels available. While they will significantly reduce your carbon footprint, manufacturers are reluctant to make cars capable of using these fuels. However, they are widely available if you choose.
Use Only What You Need
Further to home efficiency, you can help with Net-Zero by using only what you need and reducing waste. Waste reduction comes in many forms and refers to energy, among others. You can reduce energy waste by doing the following:
- Turn off appliances when not in use
- Unplug devices if not required
- Switch to low-power LED lights
- Turn off the lights if you don’t need them
However, waste also means recycling, reusing and food. For example, the average American home wastes around 30% to 40% of their food. This means more garbage trucks and more landfill space. Food services like Hello Fresh help reduce food waste by sizing portions perfectly and providing the exact amount of ingredients. And you will save money on groceries too.
Go Fully Electric (Car and Home)
Electric vehicles are undoubtedly the future of the automotive industry. And if targets and goals are to be met, we need to move faster, figuratively speaking. EVs produce no pollution at all and are therefore an excellent way for you to play your part in the race to Net-Zero. However, it isn’t only cars you can switch to electric. For example, gas boilers account for around 20% of carbon emissions in cities like London. However, most are only 85% efficient at best. On the other hand, electric boilers are 100% efficient and cost significantly less to maintain and repair.
Supplement with Renewable Sources
With energy prices rising so much, we should all make efforts to reduce our dependence on outside sources and supplement with renewables. For example, solar panels are an excellent method of storing and using your own energy from the Sun. And the price has significantly reduced since the early days, but you must still make an initial investment. However, many world governments, including the UK and USA, offer incentives and loans to install such devices. Moreover, solar panels reduce your household carbon emissions by up to 2 tonnes per year.
Stay Home-Efficient
Making your home as efficient as possible will help save money on utility bills. Efficiency means using utilities properly and installing appliances with a better efficiency rating. This could mean replacing your doors and windows, installing better white goods (fridge, washing machine etc.) and even your TV. Without an efficient home, you will use far more energy than necessary. For example, without adequate wall and loft insulation in the Winter, it will take longer to heat your home to a comfortable level. Therefore using more gas and electricity.