Nowadays, many businesses are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. From implementing recycling initiatives to investing in energy-efficient equipment, companies are prioritizing sustainability to save money and improve their brand. However, one of the best ways people can make a difference is by avoiding non-renewable resources.
Oil and gas is an enormous industry, making it the first choice for businesses. This is especially true in industrial sectors that need massive amounts of power to run their equipment. The good news is that plenty of alternatives can replace fossil fuels and reduce emissions.
Renewable Energy
The most common substitutes for fossil fuels are renewable energy sources. These resources replenish themselves and don’t contribute to environmental pollution. As science continues to advance, more options become available. Traditional renewable energy sources include:
- Solar power
- Wind energy
- Hydropower
- Geothermal energy
Hydrogen
Non-renewable resources are typically carbon-based. However, people are moving away from carbon energy since it contributes to global climate problems. Instead, scientists have found ways to harness hydrogen from water to power heavy machinery.
For example, many industry professionals think hydrogen energy is the future of gas turbines. If you can produce hydrogen in an eco-friendly manner, it’s a perfect substitution for machines that run on gas. Since hydrogen is the most abundant element in the world, it makes sense to move in this direction.
Biomass
Before people started using coal as an energy source, they used biomass. This term refers to organic matter that can produce heat and electricity. Things like wood scraps, animal by-products, and non-hazardous agricultural waste are combustible; energy plants can use them to create steam to run their turbines and other important power sources.
Biomass, or biofuel, primarily replaces coal. In fact, many coal-powered facilities are transforming into biomass establishments to reduce their environmental impact. However, it’s important to note that biomass isn’t perfect; you should use this power source in conjunction with other sustainable efforts to make a real difference.
Clean energy is the way of the future. Choosing alternatives to replace fossil fuels is one of the best things you can do as a business owner. Since technology and science are already pushing for more sustainable options, it’s best to make the switch now and get ahead of the game.
