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by Ed Brazier October 14, 2020 2 min read

For the last year, 100% of Airdrop's domestic electricity has come from renewable sources.

It's really the least we can do. And in fact we use a relatively small amount of electricity, being such a small team. It's just the three of us, three computers and lighting. But even the smallest steps get us closer to our goal of becoming a Responsible Company. 

Based on our annual electricity consumption, switching to 100% renewable sources has helped us to prevent 1.25 tonnes of CO21 emissions which is equivalent to 1.39 flights from London to New York2 or a 6,249 mile car journey3.

Where did our energy come from?

Our electricity supplier for the last year was Opus Energy. 100% of energy sourced on our behalf came with a Guarantee of Origin. Based on Opus' energy supply for the year, our energy came from Wind (48%), Solar (24%), Bio (16%) and Hydro (12%).

Read Opus Energy's verification statement fro EcoAct here

Renewable Energy Sources

Of course, all forms of energy generation have their impacts on the environment. Hydroelectric generation, for example, often relies on the damming of natural water courses with consequent effects on the local ecosystem. Solar cells can use hazardous materials in their manufacture and can result in habitat loss, while Wind power is often a source of conflict in the regions where wind farms are located. 

Nevertheless, we believe that switching from fossil fuels to renewables and eliminating the carbon emissions we would otherwise be responsible for is the right choice, if not a perfect choice. And we make efforts to reduce our energy consumption overall.

 

Let's Be Honest

Like every business, Airdrop's activities have an impact on people, the environment and the planet. Our choices determine the scale and nature of those impacts. This is a set of responsibilities we are learning to live up to.

We can't claim to be an environmentally friendly business. Hopefully, through hard work and determination we will get there, with your support. For now we are striving to learn more and to do whatever we can to reduce our impact on the planet. It's a process, and these first small steps are the beginning of a long journey.

Airdrop will become a Responsible Company.

 

1 Based on the UK average emissions of 208g carbon emissions per kWh.

2 Calculated using the The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) report from 2019: Average new car CO2 emissions in 2018 124.5g/km or roughly 200g/mile.

3 Based on 0.9 tonne CO2 per flight, one-way, per person in economy.

 

Main photo courtesy of Arteum.ro on Unsplash

Ed Brazier
Ed Brazier

Ed is the owner of Airdrop Bikes. A former web and graphic designer, he sacked off his job one day and decided to start up a bike brand.