The times they are a-changing

Fossil fuels will one day go the way of the dinosaur. Until then, it’s up to us to make

our contribution to change the world for the better.

This article was written by Ian McCartney of Equator Digital Agency in Glasgow.

Fossil fuels have served human beings well over the centuries. They powered the industrial revolution, they put the railways in motion and they put man on the moon. But it was always the case that fossil fuels were eventually going to go the way of the dinosaur. For one thing, the resources are finite. But even if they were unlimited, the originally unforeseen consequences of global warming would mean that alternative sources of energy would need to be found, and inevitably eventually become the norm.

While the day of renewables is dawning, the day of them being our main source is still a fair way off in the future. Until then what we have is a mix of renewable and conventional sources. Some companies have taken the lead on renewable and are on their way to an ever increasing component of renewables in their mix. So, if we require to power our country, this Scottish power company is enviable in being at the forefront of renewable technology and provision. Scottish Hydro are the UK’s largest generator of renewable electricity. And with a good few large utilities companies competing in the UK, that’s no small feat, and surely one that’s set to grow. Wind and water are the way forward, I’ll avoid making a seafaring pun here though ;)

The company also has fascinating plans to introduce a “smart meter” which is much more sophisticated than a conventional energy meter, and will provide the consumer with real-time data on their own energy consumption and costs. This looks like a real step forward, after years of conventional meters, which only indicate electricity use by means of a spinning metal disc!

And as to the future? A recent report states that, interestingly, Renewable Energy could support 8.5 million jobs by 2030. That's going to be a lot of people, a lot of revenue, and the emergence of what amounts to a new world industry.

It’s probably not fantasy to speculate that the world may right now be on the brink of a revolution every bit as transformational and as economically empowering as the industrial revolution. Only this time around the revolution will not only be high-tech, computerised and fast-moving, it will have the environment right at its heart.

In the meantime – what can we do, as individuals, to ensure that we are not living beyond our carbon means?

• Get political with a small ‘p’. Find out what each party’s green/ ecology policies are, and make note to vote according to which you feel is the greenest. You won’t be alone in doing this – a Green Party MP was voted into parliament for the first time ever just a few weeks ago.

• Calculate your carbon footprint. Not scientifically exact, but useful for highlighting areas where we are using too much. Check out this site for details.

• Recycle. Yes, I know you’ve heard this command many times. But it has to be done. It’s easier when you think of it like this: garbage is your last resort for stuff that can’t be recycled. You’ll be amazed just how much less stuff you throw out when you do (as I call it) "priority recycling". It also makes you feel better, knowing that your detritus isn’t going to spend millennia in a landfill site!

• Travel smart: If you need a car, get a hybrid. If you can walk to work, do it. If you’re travelling abroad, shop around for the greenest travel provider. These small instances of putting the environment first have a bigger collective effect than we realise.

• Buy smart: Your supermarket might think it’s worthwhile shipping potatoes from Egypt. But the farmer up the road definitely won’t. Vote with your wallet, it’s a real catalyst for change.

• Eat smart: Find out which foods are carbon light and work more of them into your diet. Red meat might taste great, but it’s only recommended in small portions for good health. And small portions will help with smaller carbon output, so we all win.

5 Things to Consider Before you go Off the Grid

There are so many reasons to look to Renewable Energy sources to power your home. Even for the least environmentally friendly among us it has its appeal just in the potential savings you can make and the idea of ensuring your own personal energy security in time of crisis.

But before you race out and install your new windmill or solar panels, check out this list of important steps to take in preparation for leaving the grid behind!

1. Conserve Energy
   If you're planning to go off the grid, start by conserving energy in your home as much as possible. It seems silly to invest in a Renewable Energy System before you change all your incandescent bulbs to CFLs! So turn off the lights, turn down the heating, turn your appliances off at the wall each night . . . then start thinking about the big picture!
   
   
2. Invest in Energy Efficiency
   For every $1 you spend on energy efficiency, you will save from $3 - $5 on the cost of setting up your Renewable Energy System. So ditch the old faithful energy gobbling fridge (in an environmentally sensitive manner of course!!) and trade up to something more energy efficient. It will save you money.
   
   
3. Heating & Cooling
   In the USA, heating and cooling account for some 50% of the energy used in homes. So make sure that your home is properly insulated for winter and well ventilated for the summer.
   
   
4. Landscaping
   Deciduous trees are a great passive solar feature in your garden. In the summer, when they are all verdant and leafy they cast a lovely shadow. In the winter, with no leaves to block it, the sun can shine through! So consider adding one (or two) if you have the space!!
   
   
5. Design with the Sun in Mind
   If you're building new, then consider Passive Solar Building Design. For example: Site your house to make the most of the sun, with its long axis running east/west. Use materials with thermal mass for heat storage. Use natural ventilation for cooling needs and daylight to provide natural lighting.
   
   
   

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