Welcome to issue 4 of Clarity about Circularity, a new blog series by MDG Group! Over the coming weeks and months, we will take you on our sustainability journey and give you an insight into life at MDG. Throughout the series, you will hear from all of the team, as well as some of our customers on their own success stories in sustainability and circularity.
As touched upon in previous blog issues, switching to green energy is a really significant improvement that your business can make to improve its environmental impact. As more and more businesses are opting to steer clear of fossil fuels and conventional energy sources, a higher percentage of green energy is required by the National Grid to support the ever-growing demand.
Green energy can be obtained from a number of different natural sources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, plants, algae, and geothermal methods. There is however, a limited capacity to generate green energy, which has caused suppliers to explore carbon offsetting to subsidise demand. While effective in reducing carbon footprint, it is important to recognise that carbon offsetting alone does not reduce the volume of harmful gases being exposed to the atmosphere.
Some major benefits of using green or renewable energy are as follows:
- Renewable energy does not produce any greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, and air pollution is also reduced
- If energy supplies are more diverse, there is reduced dependence on imported fuels or other finite resources
- Economic development and jobs may be created in manufacturing and installation
- Renewable energy resources will never run out
- Typical renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, have no moving parts and do not rely on flammable, combustible fuel sources to operate therefore maintenance requirements are lower, ensuring long-term cost savings
As the Scottish Government have a number of ambitious targets, such as 50% of Scotland’s energy needs from renewable sources by 2030, 66% emissions reduction by 2032, and ultimately Net-Zero by 2045, the time is now to start making a difference and we all have a major part to play. At MDG Group, we were able to change our office energy to 100% renewable, and received certification as evidence, and would be delighted to do the same for your business!
Written by: Christian Williams and Sam Grace
christian.williams@mdggroup.co.uk
Circular Tayside
Circular Tayside is delivered by Zero Waste Scotland, Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce and Perthshire Chamber of Commerce. Circular Tayside is an initiative that: Raises awareness of the circular economy, the role the local businesses have to play in it, and how they will benefit. Facilitates collaboration amongst the local business community to enable our circular economy to develop. Supports individual businesses as they begin to identify and implement new and innovative approaches to businesses that support a transition to a circular economy Brings together a group of Circular Tayside Ambassadors who will be leaders in their sectors and champions of the circular economy.
Here's The Plan Ltd
At Here's The Plan, we help businesses to optimise utility & telecoms costs, understand & comply with regulations, and plan for Net-Zero by becoming more sustainable!
