[quote=Squiddiddler]Maybe this will deflate some of you enthusiasts, take a read....
July 12, 2017
Wind and Solar Energy Are Dead Ends
By Spencer P. Morrison
Renewable energy is the way of the future, we are told. It is inevitable. Some renewable energy advocates boldly claim that the world could be powered by renewable energy as early as 2030 – with enough government subsidies, that is. And of course, the mainstream media play their part, hyping up the virtues of solar and wind energy as the solution to climate change.
In one regard, they are quite right: in terms of generational capacity, wind and solar have grown by leaps and bounds in the last three decades (wind by 24.3% per year since 1990, solar by 46.2% per year since 1990). However, there are two questions worth asking: (i) are renewable energies making a difference, and (ii) are they sustainable?
To answer the first question: No, wind and solar energy have not made a dent in global energy consumption, despite their rapid growth. In fact, after thirty years of beefy government subsidies, wind power still meets just 0.46% of earth's total energy demands, according to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA). The data include not only electrical energy, but also energy consumed via liquid fuels for transportation, heating, cooking, etc. Solar generates even less energy. Even combined, the figures are minuscule: wind and solar energy together contribute less than 1% of Earth's energy output.
Bottom line:
Squiddiddler wrote:
Renewables are not making a difference. It would be far more cost-effective and reasonable to simply invest in more energy-efficient technology. But of course, doing so would not line the pockets of billionaires like Elon Musk.
To answer the second question: Is renewable energy sustainable? Is the future wind- and solar-powered?
No.
Yours is a rather long cut and pastes to address every issue that is presented, so I'' start here with your both No's.
I disagree, as places(countries), businesses and homes are proving that they are very sustainable but not necessarily under one means but rather with a multiple of combined ways. Which is still fine and acceptable
Sweden ranks first in the EU in consumption of organic foods, leads the way in recycling drinks cans and bottles, and gets the highest share of its energy from renewable sources. What’s more, Swedish fashion retailer H&M is a world leader in using organic cotton and the Government has allocated SEK 400 million for research and development of environmental technology.
Malmö has already created two world-leading examples of sustainable building. Bo01 is a constructed district that unites modern architecture with ecological sustainability, while Ekostaden Augustenborg is one of the largest investments in Europe in the ecological conversion of an existing residential area. The municipality continues to launch new environmental districts. Hyllie will be developed into the Öresund region’s most climate-smart district. Its energy supply will consist of 100 per cent renewable or recovered energy by 2020.
malmo.se
Hammarby Sjöstad, Stockholm
Hammarby Sjöstad is Stockholm’s largest urban construction project. When completed in 2017, 26,000 people will be living here in 11,500 apartments. The district has been planned using an eco cycle approach and is intended to showcase ecological and environmentally sensitive construction and living.
hammarbysjostad.se
Stockholm Royal Seaport
Following the success of Hammarby Sjöstad, Stockholm Royal Seaport is now being launched as the next environmental district in the capital and an environmental role model. Some 10,000 homes and 30,000 offices will be built by 2025. The district will be completely free of fossil fuels by 2030 and have a positive impact on the climate.
stockholmroyalseaport.com
Human-heated buildings
In northern Europe the housing and service sectors account for more than 40 per cent of total energy consumption. One way to reduce consumption is to build low-energy residences, passive houses heated mainly by the energy already found there, such as the energy from people’s body heat, electrical appliances, lighting and sunlight. Passive houses have been built in a number of communities across Sweden, including Stockholm, Göteborg, Västerås and Helsingborg.
In the fall of 2011, the first Nordic Ecolabel multi-family residence was inaugurated in Stockholm. The building (with 36 flats) produces half the carbon dioxide emissions of a regular block of flats. Seven out of 10 Swedes want to live in an eco-labeled house and would consider paying more for it, according to a survey by construction firm Veidekke.
Read more about the Nordic Ecolabel here.
Symbiocity
SymbioCity serves as a trademark administered by the Swedish Trade Council. The organization focuses on finding potential synergies in urban functions and unlocking their efficiency and profitability.
If you go back to the link I posted with apple and actually read it, you may be surprised of the sustainable strides they're making now.