In the context of Energy Efficiency Day
The foundation of our civilization is energy: we heat, wash, clean, travel, illuminate, and use our electrical devices powered by fossil and renewable sources. Regardless of the energy source we use, it has environmental impacts that need to be reduced. The climate crisis and the collapse of ecological systems serve as a warning that our current energy consumption exceeds the boundaries of sustainability.
The INCON team’s passion is environmental protection and sustainability, which is why we prioritize and favor sustainable solutions in our freight organization processes. If you also consider this topic important, choose us!
There are three methods available to increase energy efficiency:
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Principle of Sufficiency: We reconsider whether we really need this much and in this way, and we focus on being frugal.
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Energy Efficiency: We use efficient tools and equipment for energy production and consumption.
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We meet our remaining energy needs as environmentally friendly as possible through the thoughtful and sustainable use of renewable energy sources.
In modern society, energy consumption is an essential part of daily life. Improving energy efficiency not only reduces environmental impacts but also brings economic benefits, as more efficient energy use lowers energy costs and enhances the competitiveness of companies.
Net Zero
The term “net zero” refers to a state in which an organization, company, or country emits as much carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as it is able to absorb or neutralize, thereby reducing its net emissions to zero.
The goal is to curb climate change and limit global warming to between 1.5 and 2 °C compared to pre-industrial temperatures. To achieve this, we must either stop producing new carbon dioxide or compensate for emissions by removing existing emissions from the Earth’s atmosphere.
The word “net” is very important in the Net Zero term, as it indicates that achieving actual zero emissions is not necessary; the remaining emissions can also be compensated for. A country can do this in various ways: for example, by investing in renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency in certain industries, or purchasing carbon credits, which allow for emissions reductions in other areas.
This approach provides flexibility for different sectors and allows for the exploration of more sustainable solutions to offset existing emissions while gradually reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Thus, achieving the net zero goal involves not only reducing emissions but also consciously managing them, contributing to the attainment of environmental targets.
How do airports fit into this?
Although significant efforts have been made to reduce emissions from aviation, these emissions will continue to rise due to a lack of clear solutions for decarbonizing the sector and increasing demand. However, the IPCC report emphasizes that “urgent and drastic measures are needed to limit global warming.” Consequently, global emissions must be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Therefore, the aviation sector must also participate in this global effort and urgently find decarbonization solutions.
European airports are striving to minimize their absolute emissions in order to meet their commitments and are investing in carbon removal and storage solutions to manage the remaining emissions. This means that the Net Zero commitment for 2050 requires airports to ideally reduce their emissions to zero.
To reduce the remaining emissions, airports must implement so-called Negative Emission Technologies (NET). These technologies rely either on natural processes, such as “carbon sinks” (e.g., forests) that can absorb carbon dioxide, or on specialized technological solutions like carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Natural carbon sinks (such as forests) absorb 9.5 to 11 gigatons of harmful substances from the atmosphere each year, while our total emissions in 2019 amounted to 38 gigatons. Natural carbon sinks are highly beneficial, but artificial ones have not yet reached the technological level that allows us to rely on them.
Net zero emissions is a good method to achieve our climate goals in the short term and to buy ourselves some time; however, in the long run, only achieving complete zero emissions will be the viable path.
What do you think, will we succeed in achieving the target set for 2030? Let us know in the comments! 💬
Sources:
aci-europe
24.hu