What is Sustainable Energy?

Sustainable energy refers to renewable energy, energy conservation and advanced transportation technologies that enable us to create electricity, heat and movement while minimizing the impact to the environment and providing good economic value.

To be considered "sustainable," an energy source must:

• Have minimal or no negative environmental or social impact

• Not deplete natural resources

• Protect air, land and water

• Have little or no net carbon or other greenhouse gas emissions

• Meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs

• Be safe today and not burden future generations with unnecessary risk

• Be economically viable

• Renewable energy from natural resources
  - Solar
  - Wind
  - Hydro
  - Tidal
  - Wave
  - Bioenergy
  - Biomass
  - Biogas
  - Geothermal

• Energy conservation technologies that improve energy efficiency
  - Cogeneration - Combined heat and power
  - District energy
  - Geothermal heat pumps
  - Green buildings

• Low-carbon modes of transportation
  - Plug-in hybrids
  - Electric vehicles

For more information:
Ontario Sustainable Energy Association