Environmental Benefits of Utilizing Renewable Resources
Renewable resources refer to sources of energy that can be replenished naturally and quickly. These resources are in contrast to non-renewable resources, which are finite and can be depleted over time. Examples of renewable resources include solar power, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass.
Namafjall geothermal area, Iceland
The use of renewable resources has significant environmental benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, conservation of land and water, and reduced reliance on non-renewable sources of energy. As the world faces increasing pressures to address climate change and reduce environmental degradation, the use of renewable resources is becoming an increasingly popular and important approach to meet the world's energy needs while minimizing the impact on the planet.
Reduction in Greenhouse Gases Emission
Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are released into the atmosphere through human activities, such as burning fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industrial processes. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.
One of the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions is electricity generation, which accounts for about 28% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable resources offer a cleaner alternative. For example, solar and wind power generate electricity without emitting any greenhouse gases. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, accounted for 72% of global power capacity additions in 2019. Renewable resources such as biomass can also provide an alternative source of energy.
Land and Water Conservation
Renewable energy sources are important in reducing the impact of human activities on the environment, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Land conservation is essential to maintain the ecological balance of the planet. Traditional energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas require large areas of land for mining, drilling, and processing. The extraction of fossil fuels can cause soil degradation, erosion, and deforestation, leading to the destruction of habitats and loss of biodiversity. In contrast, renewable energy sources have a small land footprint and can be integrated into the existing land use. For example, solar panels can be installed on rooftops or in deserts, while wind turbines can be erected in agricultural lands or offshore. The use of renewable energy can help preserve natural habitats, protect biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.
Water conservation is also critical for the sustainable management of natural resources. Traditional energy sources require large amounts of water for cooling, processing, and extraction. The extraction of fossil fuels can also contaminate groundwater and surface water, affecting aquatic ecosystems and human health. In contrast, renewable energy sources have a low water footprint and can help conserve water resources. For example, solar and wind power do not require water for cooling, while hydropower and geothermal energy can be used to generate electricity and provide heating without consuming water.
Reduce Reliance on Non-Renewable Energy
Non-renewable energy sources are finite resources that have been formed over millions of years through natural processes. Because people have been using non-renewable energy sources for a long time, these resources are being depleted at a rate faster than they can be replenished.
In contrast, renewable energy sources are abundant and continuously replenished by natural processes such as the sun, wind, and water. The use of renewable energy can reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources and provide a more stable, sustainable, and secure energy supply.
The adoption of renewable energy sources has been growing rapidly in recent years. The growth in renewable energy capacity is expected to continue in the coming years, with renewable energy expected to account for over half of global electricity generation by 2025.
How BillionBricks Integrates Renewable Resources in Our Design
A BillionBricks' Net Zero Home: A Sustainable Solution to Combat Climate Change through Renewable Energy and Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
BillionBricks’ approach to building homes involves integrating renewable resources such as solar energy into the design to create sustainable, affordable, and comfortable living spaces. One of the key features of BillionBricks' home design is the use of solar panels to generate electricity. The solar panel on the roofs of the homes capture the maximum amount of solar energy.
Our innovative approach to home design demonstrates that sustainable and affordable housing solutions are possible. By integrating renewable resources we are not only creating sustainable homes but contribute to solving the world’s problem of climate change.
You can email us at hello@billionbricks.org to know more about our projects.
Sources:
International Energy Agency. (2020). Global Energy Review 2020. https://www.iea.org/reports/global-energy-review-2020
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2018). Global Warming of 1.5°C: Summary for Policymakers. https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/spm/
United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/envision2030-goal15.html
International Energy Agency. (2020). Renewables 2020: Analysis and forecast to 2025. https://www.iea.org/reports/renewables-2020
International Renewable Energy Agency. (2020). Renewable Power Generation Costs in 2019. https://www.irena.org/publications/2020/Jun/Renewable-Power-Costs-in-2019
United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/energy/
