As we all seek out more sustainable energy solutions in today’s rapidly evolving business environment, off-grid businesses across the UK face the unique challenge of securing a reliable and cleaner energy supply without having access to the mains gas grid.
As the UK government continues to introduce stricter environmental regulations, no matter how big your business or what sector you’re in, sustainability is increasingly important, aligning both with long-term economic interests, such as cost reduction and efficiency, competitiveness, and with growing customer and employee expectations.
Here we’re going to take a look at LPG (liquid petroleum gas) and the important role it can play in supporting off-grid businesses and their sustainability goals as we all work towards a net positive impact.
Lower carbon emissions
According to the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, global emissions of carbon dioxide have increased by almost 50% since 1990, which is having a notable impact on our climate.
To combat this, the UK government has introduced a range of policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving the environmental performance of businesses throughout the UK. We all need to think about reducing our carbon emissions as part of the UK’s commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050.
LPG is the perfect fuel source to help off-grid businesses achieve just that. When compared to other traditional fuels, LPG is clean-burning and can help sectors such as manufacturing and those in industrial processing with targets to reduce emissions per unit of production, significantly reduce their carbon emissions.
According to Liquid Gas UK, the Trade Association for the liquid gas industry in the UK, LPG emits fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to traditional fuels like oil or coal, and it emits almost no carbon.
LPG emits 33% less CO2 than coal, and 12% less than oil, which is particularly important for sectors such as hospitality – according to global professional services firm, Deloitte, the annual carbon footprint of the hospitality industry was estimated at 3% of global carbon emissions in 2022.
Improved air quality
Air quality impacts us all and our wellbeing, as well as contributing to broader climate and sustainability goals. Across UK sectors such as in care homes and poultry rearing, improving air quality supports regulatory compliance and enhances employee, customer, and animal wellbeing.
As well are producing lower levels of carbon dioxide, LPG emits up to 80% less NOx than oil or coal, a key contributor to air pollution and respiratory problems.
As a clean-burning fuel, it also produces virtually no particulate matter (PM) which is linked to serious health risks. This is particularly beneficial in industrial settings such as manufacturing where choosing LPG as a fuel source for heating and powering forklift trucks reduces the build-up of indoor pollutants compared to traditional fossil fuels and supports a healthier indoor work environment.
Due to its non-toxic nature and clean-burning, environmentally friendly characteristics, LPG is a safe choice for businesses that operate in environmentally sensitive locations.
Energy efficiency
LPG-powered systems achieve high efficiencies, as LPG is an energy-rich fuel with a high calorific value so it produces more heat per unit than other alternative fuels. It also burns cleaner with minimal residue, maximising energy output, minimising waste, and thus reducing consumption and costs.
For off-grid businesses such as those in industrial processing, for instance, where energy consumption is high, choosing LPG as an energy source means cost savings can be made. Plus, as LPG systems provide reliable and controllable heat for cooking, it’s the perfect and popular fuel choice for hospitality businesses, such as pubs, hotels, and restaurants, where it provides reliable and controllable heat for cooking and precise flame control for better temperature control at the touch of a button.
As LPG systems heat up quickly and cool down just as fast, it’s an ideal fuel solution for those in agriculture. Grain dryers powered by LPG offer fast, uniform drying with lower emissions compared to diesel or oil. And improved air quality means better crop quality, supporting compliance with food safety and environmental standards.
Reliability
In addition to lower environmental impact and increased energy efficiency, LPG is also a reliable source of energy, ideal for delicate environments such as in poultry rearing and in greenhouses where its clean burn reduces condensation, critical for plant health, better yields and animal welfare.
Stored on-site in bulk LPG above-ground or underground tanks, LPG takes away the dependability on the electricity grid, where a range of factors can disrupt supply, such as fallen trees, storms, lightning strikes or even grid overload. Instead, with LPG, a reliable and consistent supply is readily available. At Robinsons Gas, we use state-of-the-art telemetry systems to monitor the level of gas in your bulk LPG tank, and an automatic refilling service to keep your tank topped up.
LPG provides steady, on-demand energy, performing consistently even in cold temperatures, unlike diesel, which can solidify into a waxy state and clog fuel lines and filters when exposed to below-freezing conditions.
Ease of integration with renewables
The good news for the liquid gas industry is that renewable gases are coming soon. BioLPG is chemically identical to conventional LPG so is a ‘drop-in’ solution meaning that existing LPG infrastructure can use it without the need for refit or new equipment costs.
Derived from sustainable sources, BioLPG is made from a blend of sustainably sourced materials and reduces carbon emissions by up to 90%. It’s just as energy efficient as traditional LPG too, so there’s no compromise on efficiency
Also coming soon is rDME (renewable dimethyl ether) with which significant carbon savings can also be made. Both renewable gases will smooth the transition to sustainability and a greener way to fuel off-grid business throughout the UK.
As can be seen, LPG plays a significant role in supporting the sustainability goals of off-grid businesses throughout the UK, offering a cleaner, more efficient, versatile and reliable energy source when compared to traditional fossil fuels such as oil and solid fuels, and helping them operate cleaner and smarter. At Robinsons Gas, in line with the LPG industry, we’re looking to the future and aim to transition fully to renewable liquid gases by 2040, and protect our environment both now and for future generations.
If you’re thinking of switching to LPG from your existing energy source, get in touch. You can be confident you’re in safe hands. As an independent supplier with 50 years of experience in the industry, we’re the all-round better LPG supplier and our customer service and in-house engineering teams make switching to LPG simple and hassle-free.
You can get in touch on: 01347 238177
Or alternatively email us: helprobinsons@robinsons-gas.co.uk