You’re managing an energy system. What are the most common sustainability issues you need to watch out for?

A análise de ciclo de vida dos processos produtivos dos equipamentos que constituem seu projeto é muito importante para que não haja uma roupagem verde em um projeto com emissão de carbono elevada em seus componentes. O planejamento do descomissionamento com previsão de reúso e/ou reciclagem e disposição adequada dos resíduos é fundamental. Não apenas a emissão baixa durante a operação da geração de energia é importante, a pegada de carbono da supply chain que compõe o projeto é muito relevante. Além disso, P&D em eficiência energética deve ser mantido para que os avanços em produtividade e ganhos ambientais andem de mãos dados e evoluam com consistência.

Reducing carbon emissions is a key sustainability goal. Monitoring and minimizing the release of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), is crucial in mitigating climate change.

Carbon emissions are a major sustainability issue for energy system managers. The burning of fossil fuels releases additional carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Energy managers must find ways to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, Low-carbon hydrogen or Biofuels. This can involve implementing energy efficiency measures, investing in renewable energy technologies, and promoting sustainable practices. Failure to address carbon emissions can have significant environmental, economic, and social impacts, including increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, loss of biodiversity, and negative health effects.

En mi experiencia, la forma más eficaz para hacer un uso eficiente de los recursos naturales es implementar un sistema de gestión ambiental, del agua y/o de la energía. ISO 14001, ISO 46001 e ISO 50001 presentan los requisitos que un buen sistema de gestión debe cumplir para mejorar continuamente el desempeño ambiental, hídrico o energético (respectivamente) de una organización de cualquier rubro y geografía. ¿En qué consiste esta mejora del desempeño? En comparar el consumo actual con el consumo en condiciones comparables en el pasado (línea de base), para verificar que el consumo se redujo. Esta mejora del desempeño NO está relacionada con el nivel de producción ni con el mix de producción, dado que compara situaciones comparables.

Some energy resources are finite, and their extraction can have detrimental environmental impacts. Managing the use of non-renewable resources responsibly and transitioning to sustainable alternatives is crucial.

Energy projects can have social implications, including displacement of communities, changes in land use, and impacts on local economies. Engaging with communities, addressing concerns, and promoting equitable development are important for sustainable energy management.

En mi experiencia, un sistema de gestión de la energía implementado según ISO 50001 que apunta a un consumo óptimo de energía puede potenciar medidas de higiene y seguridad laboral identificando niveles de iluminación excesivos que provocan deslumbramiento, resaltando el hecho de que la termografía permite identificar puntos calientes y así prevenir incendios en tableros eléctricos, apoyando la revisión preventiva de bancos de capacitores que regulan el factor de potencia para evitar su explosión, y creando protocolos de apagado y encendido de equipos para, además de optimizar el uso de la energía, intervenir para su limpieza o mantenimiento en condiciones seguras.

Regulatory compliance is crucial for energy system managers to ensure sustainable operations. Governments and regulatory bodies are tightening regulations to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. For example, the EU has introduced the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to ensure that imported goods meet the same environmental standards as those produced in the EU. The Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (CCDAA) is a proposed US regulation that would require companies to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and other climate-related data. Energy system managers must stay up-to-date with regulatory changes to contribute to a sustainable future and avoid penalties and legal action.

En mi experiencia, un sistema de gestión de la energía implementado según ISO 50001 que apunta a un consumo óptimo de energía puede también apoyar el cumplimiento de otras normativas no muy evidentemente ligadas a la energía, como por ejemplo en Chile la normativa de contaminación lumínica en el norte, la norma de olores para establecimientos ganaderos, el impuesto verde a las emisiones por combustión, el límite a la extracción de agua, o metas corporativas de reducción de emisiones. Todas estas normativas (obligatorias o voluntarias) que el SGEn puede identificar y evaluar en su cumplimiento presentan oportunidades para la mejora del desempeño energético, además del evidente beneficio de cumplir con los requisitos legales vigentes.

Innovation and adaptation are crucial for creating a sustainable energy future that meets the needs of society while minimizing environmental impact. This involves the development of new technologies and strategies, such as renewable energy sources, energy storage technologies and smart grid technologies, as well as adaptation to changing weather patterns and extreme events. Additionally, it is important to cope with acute and chronic physical risks, such as natural disasters, as well as transition risks, such as changes in legislation and expectations from customers and suppliers. By embracing innovation and adaptation, we can create a resilient and reliable energy system that is environmentally responsible and meets the needs of society.

En mi experiencia, un cambio del contexto tal como el cambio en la producción de un tablero multilaminado de madera de 18 mm de espesor conformado por 5 planchas, a otro tablero de 12 mm de espesor y 8 planchas de laminado, que representa un consumo de energía muy superior tanto por tablero como por m3 de tableros no permite comparar el período actual con el período previo por contar cada uno con contextos incomparables entre sí. Este cambio de contexto, integrado al SGEn permitirá determinar nuevos indicadores, una nueva línea de base y una comparación válida que permita demostrar la mejora del desempeño energético, más allá del mayor consumo registrado por el nuevo tipo de tablero producido. Este cambio en el contexto requiere adaptación.

Sustainability management involves considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in addition to economic factors. To effectively manage sustainability, organizations must conduct a materiality analysis of their ecosystem to identify and prioritize the most relevant ESG issues. This analysis helps organizations develop strategies that address pressing sustainability issues and create long-term value for stakeholders. Focusing solely on environmental issues (E) is not enough, as social and governance factors are also critical. By conducting a materiality analysis of their ecosystem, organizations can gain an accurate view of their environmental and social impact and develop strategies that matter to their stakeholders.

Everything about resource optimization, reducing carbon emissions and decreasing waste streams should be my first priority. Always start with demand analysis, energy efficiency and then you could think of renewable energy.