What Does Net Zero Mean?
Net Zero means that when the amount of energy provided by renewable energy sources is equal or equivalent to the amount of energy used.
For the planet to meet the goal of Net Zero, new greenhouse gas must be as low as possible. This means there is a rapid phase out of fossil fuels – Coal, Oil and Gas and a transition to Renewable Energy.
Why Are Talks on Net Zero Currently Making Noise?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Special Report on Global Warming in 2018 has caused Net Zero to be such a huge topic on energy conservation. The report made it very clear that the World’s Governments had to act quickly to rapidly drop the use of fossil fuel consumption and control the rapid warming of the planet.
How does Australia play its part?
- If the world stops adding greenhouse gas to the atmosphere means that we delay the impact of climate change. Every tonne of gas is heating the planet further.
- To meet the goals of limiting global warming, the whole world must reduce emissions by 7% per year every single year between 2020 – 2030. (Climate Council Australia).
- To honour the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees is a difficult challenge that needs immediate action.
What does it mean for my small business?
In business we need to think about three main areas:
- Net Zero Building – A net-zero building means that; The total amount of energy used by the building is equal to or less than the amount of renewable energy created on-site or purchased from other green resources. A Net Zero building is typically connected to the grid and can sell excess solar power, as well as buy additional green power during times of high energy demand.
- Renewable Energy Vehicles – Does your Business have a 7-year plan to transition from Diesel and Petrol vehicles to Electric or Hydrogen?
- Supply Chain – Do your suppliers have a Net Zero plan in place? This is important because large companies all around the world are demanding that their suppliers are on the path to Net Zero. You may want to keep this in mind when considering suppliers.
How can you personally make a difference?
Like a business, we need to think about the amount of energy we use in our homes and our vehicles. It is a lot easier to personally be a Net Zero Energy user than most people think. We are optimistic that people can achieve Net Zero by 2030 if they start their journey now.
Here are some practical things that you can act on immediately:
- Home – Three million homes use solar energy in Australia. Have you considered using solar energy for your home? Over the next seven years, we believe that 70% of homes will also have batteries for different purposes. You also have options to purchase green power from the grid or trade solar power in the community through energy sharing. (Peer to Peer trading). Have you looked at Grid supplied green power options?
- Vehicles – Consider making the switch to using an Electric Vehicle. it’s not only great for the environment but also does wonders for your hip pocket. The prices for Electric Vehicles are rapidly reducing. These will soon be at par with petrol and diesel vehicles. Electric vehicles will only cost you around $10 – $15 to fill up the tank. Electric cars can also be used as batteries for your home. If you are lucky enough to charge your car up for free at work with Solar you can then bring it home to run your house at night.
- Heating – Transitioning from Gas heating to Electric heating is also easier than you think. Reverse Cycle Airconditioning is cheaper to use and can be run using renewables.
Let’s all achieve Net Zero together, one step at a time.
To find out more about transitioning to Net Zero or taking the next step on your Net Zero Energy journey
Founder of Horan & Bird. Director of Master Electricians Australia and Board Member of Solar Accreditation Australia. John has played a key entrepreneurial role in the transformation of the Energy Landscape in Queensland.
