November 2021

There are two big levers to sustainable energy consumption. Firstly, we save energy, and secondly, we get our energy from environmentally friendly sources. This manual entry shows you what sustainable energy sources exist and how to receive energy from sustainable sources.

SOURCES OF ENERGY 

Before switching to sustainable energy, we need to know which sustainable energy sources are for our service and how to get this energy into our homes.

Renewable & sustainable energy 

Non-renewable energy is defined as a natural resource that cannot be naturally replenished at the same speed at which it is consumed. Non-renewable resources can thus be defined as finite due to their limited supply and inability to be used sustainably. 

There are three types of non-renewable energies, which can all be used for energy provision: coal, natural gas and oil. They are also called “fossil” fuels because they come from ancient plants and plankton remains.

Gaining access to fossil fuels typically requires mining or drilling deep into the earth, often in ecologically sensitive locations, damaging the environment. 

Since fossil fuels take a long time to be created, we can’t simply wait for more to form. We’re also consuming these fuels incredibly, meaning reserves are running fast.

RENEWABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY

Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, provide a viable alternative to fossil fuels. These sources are called renewables because they come from natural sources or processes that can replenish naturally and won’t run out over time: it is endless, like the wind or the sun. 

Switching to renewable energy sources can positively impact the environment by slowing global warming. 

CLEAN, RENEWABLE, SUSTAINABLE, & GREEN ENERGY - What is the difference?

Although terms like ‘clean’, ‘renewable’, ‘sustainable’ or ‘green energy’ are often used interchangeably, they don’t necessarily have the same meaning.
Here are brief explanations of what characterises the different energy type descriptions.

• Green energy = from natural sources 

• Clean energy = from sources that do not release air pollutants 

• Renewable energy = from sources that can be naturally renewed

Green Energy  

Green energy simply defines energy from natural sources. 

SOLAR POWER

The most prevalent type of renewable energy, solar power, is typically produced using photovoltaic cells, which capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. 

WIND POWER 

Airflow on the earth's surface can push turbines, with stronger winds producing more energy. 

HYDROPOWER 

Also called hydroelectric power, hydropower is generated by the Earth's water cycle, including evaporation, rainfall, tides and the force of water running through a dam. 

TIDAL ENERGY 

Tidal energy is a renewable energy source produced by the surge of ocean waters during the rise and fall of tides. 

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY 

Under the earth's crust is massive amounts of thermal energy, which originates from the planet's original formation and the radioactive decay of minerals. 

BIOMASS 

Biomass refers to the energy from organic, natural materials like wood waste, sawdust and combustible agricultural wastes. 

Clean Energy

Clean energy takes the idea of ‘green energy’ further. Clean energy is defined as energy whose production does not emit pollutants to the environment, i.e., a “carbon-free energy”. Examples of clean energy sources include wind and solar energy.

Renewable & sustainable energy 

Renewable energy comes from constantly and naturally renewed sources, meaning that their supply cannot be depleted no matter how much energy is used (e.g. wind power and solar energy). Renewable energy is often called ‘sustainable'. 

Renewable energy is not always clean, as not all renewable energy sources are considered green. Some renewable energy sources emit pollutants over the threshold of what is considered “clean”.

AM I RECEIVING RENEWABLE ENERGY?

Once electricity has been generated at a power plant, there is no way to distinguish the source of your electricity. Thus, there is no way to tell whether your home is powered by Renewable or Non-Renewable → resources. 

Currently, the only way to have your home directly powered by a renewable energy source is by having solar panels on your roof or a wind farm in your backyard. 

If you don’t have your turbine or solar panel, how can you switch to renewable energy? 

Switch to green suppliers!

New green suppliers now offer options for greener energy sources. However, as everything gets mixed up in the power grid, does it make a difference to switch to greener options? 

Yes, it does! Even if you switch to suppliers who only offer green energy alongside fossil energy, you are setting an example and showing the supplier market your preferences.

HOW CAN I RECEIVE RENEWABLE ENERGY?

A green supplier can guarantee the injection of green energy into the grid due to a Guarantee of Origin (GO). Each GO represents a specific amount of electricity (e.g. one megawatt-hour) produced and delivered to the power grid by a renewable resource like wind or sun.

CHOOSING A MORE SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PROVIDER

Switching to green power is no longer a problem; it is easier and cheaper than ever! As a consumer, you can choose your energy supplier from the full range of electricity or gas suppliers offering their services in your area. 

The usual procedure is as follows: 

• Make a web search to check which energy providers have offers in your area. Maybe your city's website provides an overview. 

• Choose a green electricity tariff.

• Check green electricity conditions.

• Apply for green electricity at the provider of your choice..

HOW TO SPOT A GREEN PROVIDER? WATCH OUT FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY ECO-LABLES.

How do I know if my energy supplier offers green energy or just advertises with empty promises? Watch out for renewable energy eco-lables. 

Here is an overview of the most popular eco-lables in the energy sector:

The EKOenergy label is an internationally recognised quality label for electricity, gas, and renewable heat and cooling production. In addition to being renewable, the energy meets additional sustainability criteria and finances projects to fight energy poverty.

Bra Miljöval (in English, it means “Good Environmental Choice”) is a Swedish ecolabel. Practically, it will mean that your energy provider guarantees that the renewable production of energy is taking the environment, flora and fauna around the power plant into account. 

OK Power is a German ecolabel promoting energy from new power plants and is also based on renewable energy, documented with Guarantees of Origin (GO). The certificate ensures electricity is generated from 100% renewable energy sources.

Naturemade is a Swiss privately initiated quality eco-label for environmental and ecologically produced energy committed to ecological improvements. This certification has two levels: naturmade basic and naturmade star.

Naturmade basic is awarded for an energy plan producing 100% renewable energy, while naturemade star is for plants growing 100% eco-energy. The label guarantees the origin of the energy and the quality of its production according to the most demanding criteria in Europe. 

Additional labels also exist depending on which country of Europe you are from. If you are interested to learn more, check our details on Ecohz.

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