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Sustainability is an important part of our worlds being and without understanding its impact on our day to day living, we are unable to achieve sustainability and create strategies for reduction, that are going to protect the world we live in and our families. Take this journey with me as we explore the options of sustainability and see the impact that you can make with the day to day activities.

 

What is Sustainability and Why is it Important?

Definition of Sustainability

“The definition of “sustainability” is the study of how natural systems function, remain diverse and produce everything it needs for the ecology to remain in balance. It also acknowledges that human civilization takes resources to sustain our modern way of life (1). There are countless examples throughout human history where a civilization has damaged its own environment and seriously affected its own survival chances (some of which Jared Diamond explores in his book Collapse: How Complex Societies Choose to Fail or Survive (10)). Sustainability takes into account how we might live in harmony with the natural world around us, protecting it from damage and destruction.” https://www.environmentalscience.org/sustainability

Importance of Sustainability

“sustainability looks to protect our natural environment, human and ecological health, while driving innovation and not compromising our way of life.”  https://www.environmentalscience.org/sustainability  “The importance of finding a sustainable future is rooted in three issues that are very much linked to one another: 1) fossil fuel depletion, 2) climate change due to CO2 emissions, and 3) the increasing costs of energy and water.” http://sustainablehousingfoundation.org/about-shf/why-is-sustainability-important/

 

The three pillars of sustainability

Energy Consumption

According to Energy.Gov, “A clean energy revolution is taking place across America, underscored by the steady expansion of the U.S renewable energy sector. Responsible development of all of America’s rich energy resources — including solar, wind, water, geothermal, bio-energy & nuclear — will help ensure America’s continued leadership in clean energy. Moving forward, the Energy Department will continue to drive strategic investments in the transition to a cleaner, domestic and more secure energy future.” https://www.energy.gov/science-innovation/clean-energy

Solar Panels

Solar Panels

Solar Panels

The outcome of measuring the efficiency of solar panel is always measured in percentages. “If the sun produces 100% energy, solar systems are usually able to process 15-22% of that SunPower into usable energy.” https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/11/how-efficient-are-solar-panels

Extensive Testing of Solar Panels under Extreme Conditions

Three most common and efficient Solar Panels:

1. Monocrystalline solar panels
2. Polycrystalline solar panels
3. Thin-film solar panels