April 2024 CarbonBetter® Impact Update
Every month we share the positive impact our customers have made through their use of CarbonBetter-certified 100% energy, which is included in every Provision clean energy supply plan. Each customer on these plans receives an email with their personal impact for the month, and this blog post reflects the impact all of our customers have made together since we became CarbonBetter-certified in October 2020.
We’re honored to be able to provide affordable clean energy that makes a real difference. Check out all of our past Impact Updates here!
Our Customers’ CarbonBetter Impact – April 2024 Update
118.9k
mWh
Provision customers have funded 118,861 mWh of clean energy generation, which could power 12,781 homes for a year.*
92.1k
tons
Provision customers have offset 92,060 tons of carbon, which is like avoiding over 235 million miles of driving.**
95.6k
trees
Provision customers have funded planting 95,603 trees, which may sequester 1576 tons of carbon in their lifetime.***
Want to be included in our next impact update?
It’s easy to contribute to the positive impact we make each month. All Provision energy plans include CarbonBetter clean energy, which helps you make a difference automatically when you use energy at home.
Our customers help fund clean energy generation through renewable energy certificates, offset carbon through carbon credits, and plant trees to aid in reforestation and increase our natural carbon-capturing capabilities. It’s never too late to start using your energy for good.
April 2024 Featured Project: Phlogiston Phase I N2O Abatement
Courtesy of Google Maps.
About the Project
The Phlogiston Phase I N2O Abatement project, located at the Ascend Materials Plant in Cantonment, Florida, is making significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative, registered on the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) registry, captures excess nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions through a new absorption column. N2O, a potent greenhouse gas with 273 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide (CO2), is a byproduct of nylon manufacturing. The project’s efforts contribute to global warming mitigation by preventing these emissions from entering the atmosphere.
Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) Explained
100% renewable electricity is included automatically in every Provision electricity supply plan, and we use renewable energy certificates, or RECs, to deliver on our clean energy promise. Homes are connected to the power grid by transmission lines, and the electricity that’s supplied is derived from a variety of generation resources, both renewable and non-renewable. This is because when clean energy is generated and put on the grid, it’s mixed with other fuel sources, making it difficult for environmentally conscious consumers to supply their homes with 100% clean energy.
Provision ensures more clean energy is put on the grid by funding renewable generators by purchasing RECs. These certificates support electricity generation equal to the volume consumed by Provision customers, thus leading to a cleaner grid and delivering on pour 100% clean energy promise. So far, Provision customers have helped fund over 70,000 Megawatt-hours (mWh) of renewable electricity using RECs.
How It Works
The Phlogiston Phase I project utilizes an enhanced thermal reduction unit (TRU) to abate N2O emissions from the adipic acid plant. This technology allows the plant to meet its obligations under the Clean Air Act while also addressing N2O emissions. Continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) ensure accurate tracking of gas flow rates and N2O concentrations, with data stored electronically for regulatory compliance and transparency.
Project Benefits
The Phlogiston Phase I project addresses a critical environmental issue by capturing N2O emissions that would otherwise contribute to climate change. By destroying these byproducts during the nylon manufacturing process, the project not only reduces N2O pollution but also enhances air and water quality and aids in ozone recovery. Additionally, the project helps the industry move towards more sustainable manufacturing practices, reducing waste and promoting net-zero goals.
The project also brings significant local benefits to the Cantonment community in Escambia County, Florida. It contributes to local economic growth by providing job opportunities in the plant and supporting related industries. The project’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship also enhances the community’s overall well-being.
While the primary focus of the Phlogiston Phase I project is the environmental and local economic impact, the broader efforts of Ascend Performance Materials and their commitment to sustainability positively influence the recreational opportunities in the region. Cleaner air and water, along with improved environmental conditions, enhance the quality of life and recreational experiences for residents and visitors alike. Even beyond its primary environmental benefits, the Phlogiston Phase I project establishes a more sustainable production process, helping to reduce industrial waste and support corporate sustainability goals. Ascend Performance Materials demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through the Ascend Cares Foundation, which aids families in need, fosters community engagement, and promotes local leadership
Conclusion
The Phlogiston Phase I N2O Abatement project at the Ascend Materials Plant in Cantonment, Florida, exemplifies a significant advancement in greenhouse gas emission reduction. By capturing and destroying excess N2O emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, this project contributes meaningfully to global warming mitigation efforts. Registered on the Climate Action Reserve (CAR) registry, the initiative not only addresses N2O emissions from nylon manufacturing but also ensures regulatory compliance and transparency through continuous emissions monitoring.
This project underscores the importance of carbon offsets and renewable energy credits (RECs) in combating climate change. Carbon offsets are a valuable tool in the fight against climate change. By supporting projects that reduce or capture GHG emissions, individuals and organizations can compensate for their carbon footprint and contribute to global sustainability efforts.
Switch to Provision and make a positive impact on the planet through your energy consumption!
Every Provision Customer Makes a Difference
About CarbonBetter Impact Calculations:
*The typical home in your area uses 9,300 kWh of electricity per year.
**https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gases-equivalencies-calculator-calculations-and-references#gasoline
***https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gases-equivalencies-calculator-calculations-and-references#seedlings
Impact is calculated based on our customers’ billings in the impact month, but planting, funding, and offsetting may not happen in that month. These activities must align with planting seasons and project life cycles to be effective. If you have any questions, please contact us at hello@getprovision.com.
