Zero energy buildings
Zero Energy Buildings, is a concept about buildings that produce as much energy as they use through renewable energy and energy conservation. In our event during Data-Driven Guernsey, Paul and Jack Fletcher talked us through how zero energy buildings, renewable energy and data can help reverse climate change, provide energy security and halt poverty.
You can watch the full live stream of the event at the bottom of this article.
Zero Energy Buildings is a way to make buildings balance the energy they use and the energy they create. For example, if the building itself can generate the same amount of energy that it uses, it will be energy balanced or ‘Zero Energy’ - there is no need to outsource energy needs. If the building itself can actually generate more energy than it uses, then this is ‘energy positive’. This is where the Bailiwick ‘Gigawatt Grid’ comes in, if buildings can create more energy than they use, the energy can then be connected to other buildings and utilities so that the energy can be used elsewhere. It also has the ability to be stored for future use using energy storage devices. This will reduce the need for fossil fuels and also make energy more accessible to more people. If this energy is created through renewable sources, such as wind and solar power, then there is no end to the creation of energy, and this makes it cheaper and more sustainable in the long term, for everyone.
This would also mean the de-commercialisation of Guernsey Electricity, which would be more sustainable and would help the local economy. Paul reminds us that you cannot do business on a dead planet, but you can do a lot of business on a thriving planet. Turning to renewable energy sources is in everyone’s best interest. If we continue to use fossil fuels and do not turn to renewable energy sources, the future is bleak. This is why Zero Energy Buildings are so important.
So, where do we begin? The first step to being able to balance your energy consumption is to know your energy consumption so that you know how much you need to conserve, generate and store to create a balance and reduce costs. We need to become aware of how energy efficient our buildings are and take steps to improve this. Data will empower us.
“All jurisdictions across the world need to head for energy independence and interdependence”
Jack Fletcher, Co-founder of Renew Guernsey
People will become empowered through Zero Energy Buildings. Renew Guernsey envisions a world where everyone will be able to produce their own energy, ensuring that the Earth is habitable for future generations and we have reliable, secure sources of energy. Guernsey has the power to be a driving force of Zero Energy, leading way for a Zero Energy World. This also helps to alleviate poverty by enabling social mobility, electricity will be available for all if we act fast.
“Anything that we can create here is portable, expandable and scalable globally”
Paul Fletcher, Co-founder of Renew Guernsey
