In a world that’s becoming increasingly concerned with sustainability and environmental responsibility, businesses are looking for more and more ways to reduce their carbon footprint by adopting eco-friendly practices.
One way to significantly reduce your impact on the planet is by embracing green energy sources. The various renewable options that are now popping up all over the industry offer a greener, cleaner alternative to many of the more traditional energy sources, making them perfect for the eco-conscious proprietors among you.
Here we take a look at the growing number of green energy options available, covering key areas including cost, benefits and the bright future ahead for renewable energy.
Understanding Green Energy Options
In contrast to energy from fossil fuels, green energy, also known as renewable energy, comes from sources that are naturally replenished and have a minimal impact on the environment.
In the UK, if you’re looking for a business energy switch then you have several green energy options to choose from. So here are the types of renewable you’re likely to come across when searching for a greener provider.
Solar Power
Solar panels capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity using a battery storage unit. Some providers use solar to generate some of their power.
Businesses can also install solar panels on their rooftops or premises to generate clean energy. While there will be an initial setup cost, you’ll start saving money on your bills the minute your solar power system is set up, making it a great long-term investment.
Wind Energy
Wind turbines use wind to generate electricity which is a reliable and sustainable source of power. If you’re keen to support wind power then you should be able to locate a provider which utilises this technology. Or if you’re a larger business you can even install your own on-site wind turbines!
Hydropower
This form of energy is generated from moving water such as rivers or streams. While this source of energy may not be suitable for all businesses due to location constraints, hydropower can be an eco-friendly option for those businesses that are ideally located.
Biomass
Produced from organic materials like wood, agricultural residues and waste, biomass energy is another lesser-known renewable energy source. It can be used for a range of purposes including heating, electricity generation and even as a fuel source for vehicles, making biomass a cost-effective and sustainable option.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy utilises the heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface to generate electricity and provide heating and cooling solutions. It’s a reliable and low-emission source of energy.
Are Green Energy Sources More Expensive?
A common misconception many business owners have is that green energy is prohibitively expensive. While there may be some slight variations in costs, along with the obvious environmental benefits, green energy can offer some financial rewards too.
Unlike energy derived from fossil fuels, green energy is more stable, so it’s not affected by market forces quite so heavily. This means less volatility – the kind of volatility we’ve seen in the energy market since the war in Ukraine, which has seen bills sky-rocket.
Moreover, in some parts of the UK the government provides incentives and subsidies for businesses that opt for green energy, which will offset some of the costs of switching to renewable.
Benefits of Choosing Green Energy For Businesses
There are numerous benefits a business can enjoy by going green. Green energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint which is not only good for the conscience but also looks good to potential customers who are increasingly basing their choices on sustainability.
As we covered already, renewable energy sources aren’t subject to the kind of price fluctuations and geopolitical issues we see with fossil fuels, providing greater energy security.
Furthermore, it’s always good to be ahead of the curve and help support ethical movements, and renewable energy is set to play a significant role in shaping a more sustainable future.
So those are the main things to consider when it comes to opting for renewable energy for your business. Should you go green? Well, that all depends on your needs and preferences, but as we’ve pointed out, there are many benefits of switching to a supplier offering renewable energy.
Here at Swift Switch we can help you find the right supplier, whether that’s green energy or not. By assessing your business’ needs, we can scour the market and help with your business energy switch by finding the supplier that suits precisely what you need, saving you time and money in the process!
