Glossary

Green Energy

Learn what green energy is, how it differs from renewable energy, and why it's important to the future of commercial HVAC.

Quick Facts

Topics: Sustainability • Energy Efficiency

What Is Green Energy?

Green energy is energy derived from natural resources that replenish themselves over a short period and do not harm the environment. It minimizes negative environmental impacts by conserving resources and reducing waste. Green energy, also known as low-carbon energy, sources include

Solar: Harnessing sunlight through photovoltaic (PV) panels to generate electricity for HVAC systems, lighting, and other building operations. Solar panels can be installed on rooftops or open spaces.
Wind: Using wind turbines to generate electricity.
Geothermal: Tapping into the Earth's natural heat for heating and cooling. Geothermal heat pumps transfer heat from the ground for heating and use the ground as a heat sink for cooling.
Hydropower: Generating electricity from the power of moving water.

What is the difference between green energy and renewable energy?

While often used interchangeably, green energy is a subset of renewable energy. Not all renewable sources are "green." For example, burning biomass may be renewable, but it's not necessarily green because the process produces carbon dioxide (CO2). Green energy should have minimal environmental impact, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and avoid damage to ecosystems from extraction or harvesting.

Using Green Energy for HVAC Makes an Impact

On average, 34% of energy consumption in commercial buildings is attributed to HVAC systems, encompassing all the equipment involved in heating and cooling, including boilers, furnaces, pumps and fans. Switching from fossil-fuel-based electricity to green energy sources and improving energy efficiency can have a significant, positive impact on reducing a building's carbon footprint.

Green HVAC Systems and Technologies

At Trane Commercial HVAC, we are committed to developing innovative products that help our customers reduce their carbon footprint, while also leading by example within our business. Here are a few examples of green HVAC systems and technologies that are part of our portfolio:

Low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants: Transitioning to refrigerants with a low GWP will help with decarbonization.
Energy-efficient heat pumps: From air-source to water-source, our latest generation of heat pumps boosts efficiency by 3 times more than other forms of electric heat.
Chillers with heat recovery: Heat recovery in chillers recycles heat that would normally be wasted in the cooling process and instead uses it to heat the building.
Building Automation Systems (BAS): Using sensors and data analytics, BAS can increase the energy efficiency of your HVAC system while increasing overall comfort.

Benefits of Green Energy in Commercial HVAC

Reduced carbon footprint: Significantly decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to mitigate climate change.
Cost savings: Lowering energy consumption and operating costs through energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources.
Energy efficiency: Green HVAC units take heat and energy from heating and cooling and recycle it directly into the process.
Enhanced building value: Increasing property value and attracting environmentally conscious tenants and investors.
Resilience: Green energy systems are resilient against rising energy prices and supply disruptions, enhancing long-term sustainability.
Compliance: Helping businesses comply with environmental regulations and sustainability goals.
Incentives: Many utility companies, federal, state, and local governments incentivize and support businesses investing in green HVAC systems and technology. You may also be entitled to specific tax incentives for whole-building energy efficiency improvements or the implementation of on-site renewables and storage.

Green Energy Resources

To learn more about how Trane can help your organization implement green energy solutions, contact one of our local experts today!