On ‘Cut your Energy Costs Day’ we consider whether renewable energy sources can really start to replace fossil fuels, and offer some tips for conserving energy at home and work...

Sustainable energy is any form of energy which meets today’s demand without endangering our environment or being depleted over the years. In recent years there has been a turn towards renewable energy sources due to their eco-friendliness & availability. All renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower and ocean energy are considered sustainable because they are stable and available in plenty.

Fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) are not considered sustainable because they are limited, not available everywhere on the planet and cause immense pollution by releasing harmful gases. If we continue using fossil fuels at the current rate, they will be depleted by 2060, causing an extremely adverse effect to our planet in the meantime. 

Most countries have started taking steps to reduce their dependency on fossil fuels and make use of alternative energy sources. Today around 20% of world’s energy needs are covered by renewable energy sources, with hydro-power being the most common form of alternative energy used around the world. Three countries leading the way in the switch to renewable energy are:

  • Iceland - generates the most clean electricity per person on earth, with almost 100% of its energy coming from renewable sources which make the most of its unique landscape.
  • Sweden - strong environmental credentials, and in 2015 they set a national goal to completely eliminate fossil fuel usage within its borders.
  • Costa Rica - aims to be completely carbon-neutral by the year 2021 and has already achieved some impressive results, running on 100% renewable energy for more than two months twice in the last two years.

Renewables are now a mainstream option in the power sector in nearly all parts of the world. In 2019, for the fourth straight year, more renewable power capacity was installed than fossil fuel and nuclear power combined, and renewables now account for over one third of global power capacity. 

According to the World Wildlife Federation, it is possible for the world to move almost fully to renewable energy sources within a generation. “It is technically possible to achieve almost 100% renewable energy sources within the next four decades,” the 2011 Energy Report concludes, which sees wind, solar, biomass and hydropower as the future major players. “Energy derived from the sun, the wind, the earth’s heat, water and the sea has the potential to meet the world’s electricity needs many times over, even allowing for fluctuations in supply and demand.” The report estimates that a million onshore and 100,000 offshore wind turbines could meet a quarter of the world’s energy demand by 2050.

We suggest celebrating 'Cut Your Energy Costs Day' by taking a few simple steps which will make a difference to your energy consumption:

  • Turn down the heat or the cooling when you are not home.
  • Switch off all unnecessary lights & electronic devices when you leave a room.
  • Walk or ride a bike, carpool or take public transport to work.

Taking small steps really does make a difference. If everyone makes an effort then, together, we will have a larger impact.

Here at ASL Global we believe that it's important to change our habits. We're working on becoming more energy efficient as individuals and as a company by setting targets regarding our electricity and water consumption, our heating/cooling systems and of course about our emissions.

Celebrating 'Cut Your Energy Costs Day' is part of our wider ONE WORLD initiative which aims to make a positive contribution to social responsibility and environmental sustainability in communities around the world. 

Do you want to make your marketing campaigns more sustainable? We can help! Contact us to see how we can help reduce the environmental impact of your marketing activity worldwide.

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