- Sustainability
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For more sustainability: iSYS uses green electricity
In this article, we want to give you an overview of what green electricity actually is, where it comes from and the benefits of using green electricity. We also explain why it is particularly important to us to use ‘real’ green electricity.
What is green electricity?
Green electricity, also known as green power or renewable electricity, is electrical energy that is generated from renewable energy sources. In contrast to conventional electricity, which is often generated from fossil fuels such as coal, oil or natural gas, green electricity comes from sustainable, environmentally friendly sources that are continuously renewed. According to the German Federal Network Agency, renewable energies accounted for 48.3% of the total electricity generated in 2022. In 2021, the share was still 42.7%.
Where does green electricity come from?
- Hydropower: Electricity generation by utilising the energy of flowing or falling water, for example in hydropower plants.
- Wind energy: Electricity generated by wind turbines that convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy.
- Solar energy (photovoltaics): Electricity generation by solar cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity.
- Biomass: Electricity generation from organic materials such as plants, animal waste or biodegradable waste.
- Geothermal energy: Generating electricity by utilising natural heat from the earth’s interior.
What are the advantages of green electricity?
The use of green electricity is important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. As renewable energy sources, unlike fossil fuels, produce little or no CO2 emissions, they help to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a sustainable energy supply. More and more people and companies are opting for green electricity to do their bit for the environment and promote a sustainable energy future.
Why does iSYS use ‘real green electricity’?
We make sure that our green electricity providers not only generate electricity from renewable energies, but are also committed to the expansion of new technologies. That is why we only purchase electricity that has been certified with the ‘Green Electricity’ label.
The ‘Green Electricity’ label is a certificate in Germany that enables consumers to recognise genuine green electricity from reputable and sustainable electricity providers. It was launched in 1998 by the environmental organisations Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND) and Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU).
In order to receive the ‘Green Electricity’ label, electricity providers must fulfil certain criteria to ensure that the electricity they offer actually comes from renewable energy sources and that the provider actively invests in the expansion of renewable energies. Some of the most important criteria are
- Guarantee of origin: The provider must prove that the electricity comes from renewable energy sources and is not generated from fossil fuels or nuclear power. This is documented by so-called ‘Guarantees of Origin’ (HKN).
- Expansion of renewable energies: The electricity provider must invest part of its revenue in the expansion and development of renewable energies in order to support the energy transition.
- Transparency: The supplier must provide transparent information on the origin and environmental impact of the electricity offered.
In short, the ‘Green Electricity’ label gives us as a company the certainty that we are making an active contribution to environmental protection and the promotion of renewable energies with our electricity procurement.