New renewable energy installations are often large-scale and grab headlines.
In turn, this relegates other factors to the back burner – including maintenance.
According to a study by the World Economic Forum (WEF), simple maintenance of energy-saving measures could mitigate the 13 million tonnes of methane released every year by US oil and gas.
The statistics are clear – industry creates inefficiencies that could be brought under control through maintenance,
contributing to sustainability.
Businesses of all sizes have a responsibility to ensure that maintenance is a key aspect of their business operation.
Taking the steps to introduce sustainable technology into a business is a laudable first step.
These measures, such as cleaning solar panels and wind power blades, are crucial to maintaining efficiency and your business remaining sustainable.
Scheduling your cleaning in a smart way
Having an effective maintenance operation relies on scheduling.
One study, commissioned by DuPont, found that poor maintenance schedules led to productivity rates under 20%.
Implementing a good system can boost this rate to 55% or 60%, which is approaching peak efficiency.
The upshot of scheduling is that it doesn’t need to be blind; that other sustainable technology, smart tech, allows for precisely organized maintenance.
According to BND, applying predictive maintenance has a compelling sustainable headline – 36% extension of equipment life.
Given that the largest part of a carbon footprint created by renewable energy is through parts manufacturing, this is a fantastic motivator for smart maintenance as part of a sustainable business strategy.
Providing sustainability to the ecosystem
Renewable energy is an excellent technology but it has posed some issues for local ecosystems.
Wind turbines in particular have a propensity for attracting bugs and, from there, birds.
While the total effect of this phenomenon is overstated in certain publications, it remains a challenge.
Regular cleaning, conversely, will increase blade efficiency; reduce fatalities to birds and insects; and, according to a paper published in the Environmental Science and Pollution Research International journal, increase biodiversity in the surrounding area.
The study found that bee populations were abundant around wind turbines in one study, and that bird species were more diverse in another.
Using federal help to achieve sustainability
Despite a purported negative stance towards renewable energy, certain government bills are provide assistance – and that includes maintenance.
The bipartisan water infrastructure bill, which provides $6.1bn of funding for waterway construction and maintenance, is a positive source of inspiration and potential gains for renewable business and, in particular, hydroelectric power sources.
Maintenance is clearly a crucial part of running an efficient and sustainable green energy setup.
Making the most of government resources will enable you to continue your maintenance program.
There is also a chance that water bill-subsidized energy will become even cheaper in the further, representing a better case for business.
Green energy for sustainable businesses
Green energy is necessary to have a truly green and sustainable business.
Simply installing infrastructure is not enough, however, and in order to maintain efficiency, maintenance is important.
Taking these steps into account when you setup your green operation will lead to positive returns and an ever-sustainable business.
