Yesterday 21st October combined the natural Joy of ‘The Apple’ with the increasing surge in the quest for renewable energy.
It’s both National Apple Day, and World Energy Saving Day.
We play a hand in both.
We have spoken before about our friend and client, Paul Ward of Mole End Farms in Kent. He is an award-winning grower of apples and pears (the fruit that is, not the cockney access to the next floor!).
Paul is rigid in achieving the delivery of their fundamental aim as 100% organic growers:
“Our principal aim is to maintain a truly ethical and sustainable long-term business, producing a high-quality food product in a fully sustainable manner with the absolute minimum impact on the surrounding environment.”
That’s sustainable organics in the ground, on the trees, and throughout the picking, packing and distribution.
Where Team JGF get involved is installing and maintaining renewable energy to the farms in the group, PV, capturing the natural energy; Battery Storage, collecting and holding it; and EV, using part of it on the road.
Paul aims to run the entire operation using self-generated energy. But where does his ambitions sit compared to the National Grid:
43.1% of the UK energy mix was from renewables in the 12 months to September 2024. Wind 30.4%, biomass 6.6%, solar 4.7% and hydro 1.4%.
Confusion!
In the Climate Change Act 2008 the UK is committed by law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. To help meet this target the UK government has set a target to de-carbonise the electricity system by 2035 (though this (and many other things) might change with the new Government).
In their March 2023 report, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) said that a de-carbonised power grid is achievable but not at the current pace of change.
For Renewables to play their part there’s the need for a big increase in capacity – particularly wind and solar, backed up by battery storage.
Great targets, great ambitions.
Explain then WHY:
The UK burns about half of its domestic rubbish – including increasing amounts of plastic – producing just 3.1 per cent of the country’s power needs. And in the past five years, while the number of coal-fired power stations dwindled to zero, the number of ‘energy from waste’ (EFW) incinerators has risen from 38 to 52.
How does this help reduce our carbon footprint Britain?
As usual, it’s down to us to fight our own global battle for energy saving.
Many of our clients, such as Paul, are well ahead of the game when it comes to power saving on the one hand, and generation on the other.
Others, we encourage to review their energy usage and make the (often small) changes that could save them many hundreds of pounds off their energy bills.
Review:
- Review lighting levels
- Replace old lighting with efficient LED lighting
- Install movement sensors in lesser used corridor lighting
- Get an ROI report for installing Solar PV and storage systems
- Discipline SWITCH OFF policies
- Switch to a policy of inspect and repair to keep the essential power ON efficiently.
The World Energy Savings Day (21st October) is intended to raise awareness about energy waste. If we use it efficiently, we wouldn’t need to generate so much – simple, right!
Although renewable sources continue to increase across the globe, energy consumption has a significant and undeniable impact on the planet since energy generation still relies heavily on non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases and contribute to climate change.
Encouraging practices that reduce energy consumption is therefore crucial to mitigate those effects.
These are some of the core issues being spotlighted to promote energy savings:
Temperature control
According to the European Commission, the average temperature in European households is 22ºC. Lowering the thermostat by just one degree could reduce heating energy consumption by about 7%. Control it.
Turn that light out
Turning off lights and electrical devices when they’re not in use. Another way to contribute to energy efficiency is by using LEDs in place of conventional lamps or lightbulbs. In fact, this alternative can generate energy savings of up to 80 % over traditional lighting and is also environmentally friendly thanks to the materials used to produce it. A great policy for schools, colleges and other public buildings.
Repair before replacing
The right to repair makes it easier to fix products rather than replace them. In March 2023, the European Commission adopted new rules to make repairing a product a more accessible and cheaper option than buying a new one, both during and after the warranty period. This not only prolongs products’ lives, but also reduces waste.
Saving energy on the move
Most car journeys are for commuting to work even though, according to the European Commission, more than a third of jobs in Europe could be done from home. Offering the option of working remotely at least three days a week can reduce fuel consumption and save money. EV Charging – instal and maintain.
In summary
- Generate it sustainably.
- Use it sparingly.
- Maintain it efficiently.
- Call Team JGF for an energy review.