Table of contents<\/h2>- Renewable energy vs zero-carbon: What\u2019s the difference?<\/a><\/li>
- Sources of renewable energy<\/a>
- Solar power<\/a><\/li>
- Wind power<\/a><\/li>
- Hydropower<\/a><\/li>
- Geothermal energy<\/a><\/li>
- Wave energy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Methods to achieve 100% renewable energy<\/a><\/li>
- The path to zero-carbon<\/a>
- Waste less energy<\/a><\/li>
- Meet demand with clean, renewable, non-fossil fuel energy sources<\/a><\/li>
- Absorb CO 2 already in the atmosphere<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- The role of LED lighting<\/a><\/li>
- Carbon-free cities<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Outdoor LED lighting at Sharp Law Office<\/a> increases safety for clients and staff after hours while keeping energy consumption and costs low.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nRenewable energy vs zero-carbon: What\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While often used interchangeably, “renewable energy” and “zero-carbon” are distinct concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Renewable energy<\/strong> focuses on inputs. It refers to energy derived from unlimited natural sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower. Cities striving to achieve 100% renewable energy aim to replace fossil fuels with these sustainable resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Zero-carbon<\/strong> focuses on outputs\u2014eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from energy production and consumption. While achieving zero-carbon often involves renewable energy, the primary goal is eliminating emissions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Key insight:<\/strong> Renewable energy is a means to achieving a zero-carbon economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhile the primary driver behind using renewable energy may be to stop climate change, using renewables offers other benefits as well. Renewable energy provides independence from foreign oil suppliers. Rather than sending energy dollars overseas to multinational corporations, renewable energy keeps money in the local community. The renewable energy industry is also the fastest generator of jobs in the energy sector, providing more local employment than any other energy supply.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nElmington<\/a> property management offices use floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize natural light to reduce energy consumption from artificial lighting.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nSources of renewable energy<\/h2>\n\n\n\nSolar power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into energy. The panels mount on rooftops, on the ground in solar arrays and atop charging stations, light posts and other devices. They can charge storage batteries to provide power at night or on cloudy days for an uninterrupted energy supply. Solar hot water heaters capture sunlight to heat hot water. \u201cPassive\u201d solar designs enable residences and buildings to use the sun\u2019s heat to warm a space during the day and store radiant energy to release in the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As of 2023, solar accounted for 5.5 percent of the global energy supply.[1]<\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\nSolar-powered sign lights<\/a> allow stores to attract business while reducing energy use and costs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWind power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wind power is generated by wind turbines with propeller-like blades that spin around a rotor connected to a shaft. When the wind blows, the blades spin the rotor and shaft, which in turn, spins a generator to create electricity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wind power accounts for 7.8% of the global energy mix.[1]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\nHydropower<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hydropower generated when water flows through dams also creates renewable electricity. However, since dams can have such a significant negative environmental impact on fisheries and the surrounding ecosystem, the federal government along with many state governments don\u2019t include hydropower in their calculations on how to expand renewable energy resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, hydropower accounts for 14.3% of the global energy mix, making it the largest source of renewable energy in the world.[1]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\nGeothermal energy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Geothermal energy taps into the heat emitted by the Earth\u2019s core. Almost everywhere across the U.S., the upper 10 feet of the Earth\u2019s surface maintains a nearly constant temperature of between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Geothermal or \u201cground source\u201d heat pumps tap into this resource to heat and cool buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Geothermal energy currently accounts for less than one percent of the global energy mix. With limited availability in many parts of the world, geothermal is a minor contributor to the world\u2019s energy mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wave energy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The process of harnessing ocean tides is just starting to develop and could become another important renewable energy source. With wave energy, oscillating water columns or buoys attached to generators convert the rise and fall of waves into electricity. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates wave energy could provide up to 2.64 trillion kilowatt hours of power in the U.S.[2]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\nLED lights equipped with daylight dimming sensors at Wilton Court Apartments<\/a> in Palo Alto, California reduce energy consumption on sunny days.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nMethods to achieve 100% renewable energy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To achieve 100% renewable energy, a city must replace all power generated by coal and oil with renewable sources, such as wind and solar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, cities can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Electrify municipal vehicle fleets and public transportation systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Offer tax incentives for solar installations and energy-efficient technologies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Build EV charging stations to support a transition to electric vehicles within the community <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Currently, six cities run on 100% renewable electricity:[3]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n- Aspen, Colorado<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Burlington, Vermont<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Greensburg, Kansas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Georgetown, Texas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rock Port, Missouri<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kodiak Island, Alaska<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The path to zero-carbon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nTo achieve net-zero status\u2014a state of balance between energy consumed and produced\u2014organizations, municipalities, and institutions often implement a combination of three primary strategies. While not an exhaustive list, the following approaches are widely used to decarbonize operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waste less energy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The U.S. wastes roughly two-thirds of the energy we consume each year.[4]<\/sup>\u00a0 That\u2019s why getting to zero carbon must start with energy efficiency. Using efficient LED lights<\/a>, ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and r smart home technologies, such as programmable thermostats and HVAC systems, all play a role. Insulating and weatherizing existing homes and buildings and building efficient new construction is also essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMeet demand with clean, renewable, non-fossil fuel energy sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- Solar power<\/a><\/li>
- Wind power<\/a><\/li>
- Hydropower<\/a><\/li>
- Geothermal energy<\/a><\/li>
- Wave energy<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Methods to achieve 100% renewable energy<\/a><\/li>
- The path to zero-carbon<\/a>
- Waste less energy<\/a><\/li>
- Meet demand with clean, renewable, non-fossil fuel energy sources<\/a><\/li>
- Absorb CO 2 already in the atmosphere<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- The role of LED lighting<\/a><\/li>
- Carbon-free cities<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n
\nOutdoor LED lighting at Sharp Law Office<\/a> increases safety for clients and staff after hours while keeping energy consumption and costs low.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Renewable energy vs zero-carbon: What\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While often used interchangeably, “renewable energy” and “zero-carbon” are distinct concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Renewable energy<\/strong> focuses on inputs. It refers to energy derived from unlimited natural sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower. Cities striving to achieve 100% renewable energy aim to replace fossil fuels with these sustainable resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Zero-carbon<\/strong> focuses on outputs\u2014eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from energy production and consumption. While achieving zero-carbon often involves renewable energy, the primary goal is eliminating emissions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Key insight:<\/strong> Renewable energy is a means to achieving a zero-carbon economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While the primary driver behind using renewable energy may be to stop climate change, using renewables offers other benefits as well. Renewable energy provides independence from foreign oil suppliers. Rather than sending energy dollars overseas to multinational corporations, renewable energy keeps money in the local community. The renewable energy industry is also the fastest generator of jobs in the energy sector, providing more local employment than any other energy supply.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nElmington<\/a> property management offices use floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize natural light to reduce energy consumption from artificial lighting.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Sources of renewable energy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Solar power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into energy. The panels mount on rooftops, on the ground in solar arrays and atop charging stations, light posts and other devices. They can charge storage batteries to provide power at night or on cloudy days for an uninterrupted energy supply. Solar hot water heaters capture sunlight to heat hot water. \u201cPassive\u201d solar designs enable residences and buildings to use the sun\u2019s heat to warm a space during the day and store radiant energy to release in the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As of 2023, solar accounted for 5.5 percent of the global energy supply.[1]<\/sup> <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Solar-powered sign lights<\/a> allow stores to attract business while reducing energy use and costs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Wind power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wind power is generated by wind turbines with propeller-like blades that spin around a rotor connected to a shaft. When the wind blows, the blades spin the rotor and shaft, which in turn, spins a generator to create electricity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wind power accounts for 7.8% of the global energy mix.[1]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hydropower<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hydropower generated when water flows through dams also creates renewable electricity. However, since dams can have such a significant negative environmental impact on fisheries and the surrounding ecosystem, the federal government along with many state governments don\u2019t include hydropower in their calculations on how to expand renewable energy resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Still, hydropower accounts for 14.3% of the global energy mix, making it the largest source of renewable energy in the world.[1]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Geothermal energy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Geothermal energy taps into the heat emitted by the Earth\u2019s core. Almost everywhere across the U.S., the upper 10 feet of the Earth\u2019s surface maintains a nearly constant temperature of between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Geothermal or \u201cground source\u201d heat pumps tap into this resource to heat and cool buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Geothermal energy currently accounts for less than one percent of the global energy mix. With limited availability in many parts of the world, geothermal is a minor contributor to the world\u2019s energy mix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wave energy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The process of harnessing ocean tides is just starting to develop and could become another important renewable energy source. With wave energy, oscillating water columns or buoys attached to generators convert the rise and fall of waves into electricity. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates wave energy could provide up to 2.64 trillion kilowatt hours of power in the U.S.[2]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n
\nLED lights equipped with daylight dimming sensors at Wilton Court Apartments<\/a> in Palo Alto, California reduce energy consumption on sunny days.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n Methods to achieve 100% renewable energy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To achieve 100% renewable energy, a city must replace all power generated by coal and oil with renewable sources, such as wind and solar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, cities can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Electrify municipal vehicle fleets and public transportation systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Offer tax incentives for solar installations and energy-efficient technologies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Build EV charging stations to support a transition to electric vehicles within the community <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Currently, six cities run on 100% renewable electricity:[3]<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Aspen, Colorado<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Burlington, Vermont<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Greensburg, Kansas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Georgetown, Texas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Rock Port, Missouri<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kodiak Island, Alaska<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The path to zero-carbon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To achieve net-zero status\u2014a state of balance between energy consumed and produced\u2014organizations, municipalities, and institutions often implement a combination of three primary strategies. While not an exhaustive list, the following approaches are widely used to decarbonize operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Waste less energy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The U.S. wastes roughly two-thirds of the energy we consume each year.[4]<\/sup>\u00a0 That\u2019s why getting to zero carbon must start with energy efficiency. Using efficient LED lights<\/a>, ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and r smart home technologies, such as programmable thermostats and HVAC systems, all play a role. Insulating and weatherizing existing homes and buildings and building efficient new construction is also essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meet demand with clean, renewable, non-fossil fuel energy sources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
- Zero-carbon<\/strong> focuses on outputs\u2014eliminating carbon dioxide emissions from energy production and consumption. While achieving zero-carbon often involves renewable energy, the primary goal is eliminating emissions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Meet demand with clean, renewable, non-fossil fuel energy sources<\/a><\/li>
- Wind power<\/a><\/li>
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<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n