The world’s population is larger than ever before, and there are actually more devices than people. New reports show that by 2020 there will likely be 34 billion devices – all of which need electricity. Experts believe that over the next 14 years 1 billion more cars will also be added to roads around the planet, and many of them will be gas-powered.
All this points to the fact that energy conservation is critical. At the rate that energy consumption is occurring things don’t appear to be sustainable. Last year’s Paris Climate Change Convention marked a turning point. World leaders came together to address the need for responsible energy use and greener options.
While countries begin to create plans for the coming years, there are a number of local governments and countries that are already implementing green initiatives. Here’s a look at some of the most impressive steps that are being taken to improve and reduce energy use.
Electricity Plans Powered by Renewable Resources
Right now Texas is the shining example of wind energy in America. The state has invested heavily in providing infrastructure and incorporating wind energy generation into their grid. It was a matter of necessity since the state’s population has boomed in recent years. But it was also a way to solidify Texas’ position as a major energy producer.
Wind generation accounts for more than 10% of the state’s energy production, and now electric providers like StarTexPower are able to offer customers green energy plans. In the second largest U.S. state with approximately 27 million residents, this achievement is no small feat.
Public Transit Goes All Electric
Recently the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) in North Los Angeles County announced that their public transit system was going all electric. By 2018, there will be 85 electric buses shuttling around a service area that includes 450,000 people. AVTA officials stated that one of their primary goals was to show local governments around the world that it’s possible to make the switch from diesel and gas to electric.
California is known for its beautiful landscape and beaches, but many people don’t realize it’s also infamous for air pollution. The American Lung Association’s annual State of the Air research puts California cities at the top of the list for ozone pollution, year-round particle pollution and short-term particle pollution. Among the California cities in the top 10 is Los Angeles-Long Beach.
The AVTA’s move to help clean the air is a big step in the right direction that could prove to be a blueprint for other cities.
Hydropower in Costa Rica
Last year Costa Rica gained worldwide notoriety for going the first 75 days of 2015 without using any fossil fuels for power. Instead, clean hydropower was used to provide electricity across the entire country. The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) reported that ultimately 99% of the country’s power last year was supplied by renewable energy.
However, getting to that point didn’t happen overnight. Costa Rica has worked on its hydropower system for decades, strategically harnessing the river systems. They have also begun tapping into geothermal energy and are on track to be carbon neutral by 2021.
Some skeptics point to the fact that Costa Rica has an abundance of water, unlike many other counties. While that is true, it’s still a shining example of how countries and local governments can work with the surrounding environment instead of against it to meet energy needs.
Apple is Leading the Way in Corporate Social Responsibility
Many people would point the finger of blame at Apple for the dramatic rise in power-hungry devices. The company has acknowledged that the manufacturing and use of their products creates a large eco-footprint. But they are using their technology and innovation to also come up with greener solutions.
In recent years, Apple has announced a number of green initiatives that are aimed at reducing energy use and waste. As a result, 93% of the company’s electricity use came from renewable resources in 2015. This has largely been accomplished through solar projects. Apple also notes that their data server centers run on 100% clean energy so consumers can feel better about using their devices.
Google is Going Greener
Google is another big tech giant that’s helping improve energy use, not only at their own company but in homes around the world. Recently they acquired Nest Labs, the maker of the Nest Learning Thermostat. It’s a smart home thermostat that’s designed to help people reduce energy use and prevent waste.
At the end of 2015, Google also launched Project Sunroof. Using their Google Earth technology, Project Sunroof can help users determine how much energy could be produced through installing solar panels on a home’s roof. The technology takes into account how the home is positioned, shade and local weather. It also helps consumers calculate the cost of buying and leasing solar panels.
Google representatives have stated that the purpose of Project Sunroof is to help the solar panel industry grow and boost clean energy use.
Written by Jane Brown
