Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Scottish farmers have been using clean energy technology normally used by buses and bin lorries to power their farm machines, helping to reduce emissions and make efficiencies. This helps to advance both goal 7 and goal 12.
Smart cities use data and technology to drive energy efficiency and are on the increase. The advantages of integrating energy efficient technologies into building planning and urban modelling are understood, but what are the risks? This article considers the threat of cyber crime on smart cities and the technology that these cities rely on, drawing out the links between SDG 7 and SDG 9. On the one hand, smart cities support the need for open data whilst on the other hand increased protection and security of that data will be required to avoid the threat of cyber attacks.
Finishing 3,000 dairy-bred beef cattle on waste food while producing green energy and fertiliser as by-products is the sustainable model for one Cambridgeshire farmer and his business partner. This approach helps meet the criteria for SDG 7 of access for all to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy and SDG 12 which promotes responsible consumption and production.
All-Energy is the UK’s largest renewable energy event, providing industry suppliers and thought-leaders the opportunity to connect with new customers and expand business networks in this fast-changing marketplace as well as learn about latest technologies and solutions. Presentations from the 2017 event provide invaluable insights into bioenergy, solar, offshore and onshore wind, hydropower and wave & tidal sectors, as well as energy storage, low carbon transport and sustainable cities solutions. This is directly related to SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy.
A number of property companies are going beyond traditional corporate responsibility to be net positive. Instead of opting for sustainability strategies that manage risk and reduce negative impacts, these companies are seeking to put back more into society, the environment and the global economy than they take out. Whilst the breadth and scope of these net positive commitments made by real estate leaders vary, there is enormous opportunity for this sector with sustainability and in supporting SDG 7 and 13.
California-based Facebook is planning to build two data centres measuring 184,000 square metres in Denmark’s third largest city. This could push up total Danish power demand by a 10%, and accelerate investments in wind production. Increasing the production of wind power and other renewables contributes to the advancement of SDG target 7.2 to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
On-site energy storage systems can be used in both domestic and commercial buildings to address the increasing demand on electricity. This would require energy to be purchased at off-peak times and stored for use during peak times. Despite a number of benefits to on-site energy storage systems, they are not yet an economically viable solution, although by 2021 costs are expected to fall significantly. Future-proofing buildings in the form of battery technology supports SDG 7 - affordable and clean energy.
The Marine Renewables Conference at Oceanology International 2016 heard from industry experts about recent innovations in modelling, surveying and foundation design, and new techniques and technologies in offshore surveying. The conference included presentations on the novel foundation systems which are being deployed to support offshore wind, tidal and wave energy projects globally. Information about latest technologies and techniques support SDG 7 and SDG 14, to harness renewable energy whilst protecting oceans and seas.
