Near Net-Zero Carbon Footprint: Why It Matters
The term “carbon footprint” has been around for some time. It refers to how much carbon is produced in the event, activity, or process from start to completion. We should all be quite familiar with its meaning and usage by now. Like footprints on a beach, carbon footprints are a measure of the impact you have on the planet, and like footprints, it can be big or small. But the more information we get on the environment and climate, the more complex the issues become. So what is a “near net-zero carbon footprint”? Let’s break it down. WHAT IS NET-ZERO? This term is used to refer to the amount of carbon added to the atmosphere during a process. Many businesses have been making it a priority over the last decade to reduce their overall carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly. With nearly 8 billion people on earth using valuable resources every day, protecting the planet has become more important than ever. Net-Zero outlines the output of carbon has been neutralized by some process which will mitigate the release of carbon. Either the business has used carbon trading (donations to projects aimed at offsetting the effects of carbon pollution) or a direct, mechanical means such as scrubbers, to remove the carbon as it is produced. NovaDome shelters are made of specialized fiberglass panels which makes them one of the longest-lasting and durable shelters on the market and net-positive for the environment. A NovaDome can last up to 50 years! The main ingredient in fiberglass is silica which is a non-depleting material, highly sustainable and can be mined in areas that are low on biodiversity such as many deserts and badlands. Compared to other construction materials such as metals and concrete, the mining and processing of sand into fiberglass is far less energy-intensive, helping reduce greenhouse emissions and fossil fuel consumption “NEAR”. For those who are willing to acknowledge the reality of living, producing, doing business, traveling, and all of the other activities in the sphere of daily human activities, the term “near” is added to recognize it is virtually impossible to plant enough trees to offset all of the carbon produced in the daily course of life. But just because we can’t eliminate carbon emissions fully (yet), doesn’t mean we can’t still use eco-friendly shelters (like a NovaDome). A near net-zero carbon footprint is a more realistic aim for businesses and individuals who wish to live consciously and authentically. It is an expression of accountability for those who are striving toward a more carbon-reduced future. Here at NovaDome, we get that. We are constantly innovating and evaluating our products to reduce our carbon footprint even further. And we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. WHY DOES IT MATTER? For the environmentally conscious individual (or company), a near net-zero carbon footprint is an aspiration and a continuous challenge by which to monitor the impact of activities on the environment. For example, you could claim to leave a net-zero carbon footprint by planting trees, living a modest lifestyle, and relying on alternative energy sources, but one or two international flights could invalidate that claim. Now you have a choice: will you ignore that factor and treat it as a statistical anomaly, or will you hold yourself accountable and work to offset the increase in footprint? By using the term near net-zero carbon footprint, we can recognize and thus factor in all of the anomalous events which push our carbon footprints out further than we can manage. This is not to say we can always mitigate the increase, but it is a way to take responsibility and to aim to do better by constantly re-evaluating and refining processes. After all, we only have one Earth. Let’s take care of it! NovaDomes are considered to be near net-zero products. Although there is an acknowledged carbon cost in manufacturing energy and transporting materials and the finished product, the NovaDome is light, requiring less fuel for transport. Fiberglass, as a material, is environmentally sustainable, as it is essentially made from sand, which is abundant. It requires very little energy to produce and cure. It is also excellent insulation as fiberglass does not conduct heat or electricity, and so, the shelter has less heating and cooling requirements. NovaDome shelters also need no foundation, thus eliminating the need for excessive energy and water usage in the pouring of mixed concrete. They can be placed on any terrain, with minimal impact on the surrounding ecology, where more traditional dwellings require substantially more preparation and, as a result, do more permanent damage to the land. Overall, there is still a net carbon cost, but this is why they are referred to as near net-zero shelters. Comparatively-speaking, they are a more sustainable solution with a better longevity and biodegradability, which offsets the carbon footprint and brings it as close as humanly possible to zero.
Standing Up To Mother Nature One NovaDome At A Time
Few things on this planet can withstand the fury of Mother Nature. After all, twisters can form seemingly out of thin air and earthquakes seldom give so much as a slight tremble in warning. Allow us to introduce you to NovaDome, a high-tech fiberglass composite tough guy that falls into the limited category of truly resilient structures. Not convinced? Read on. DEFINing “TOUGH”. Natural disasters are defined as: “large-scale geological or meteorological events that have the potential to cause loss of life or property.” Some of these may even be preceded by an “emergency” announcement from authorities to mobilize the necessary resources to prevent the worst of it. Even with Mother Nature displaying this overwhelming show of force, you’ll be happy to know that our NovaDome shelters can safeguard you from sandstorms, hurricanes, snowstorms, and so much more. The high-tech fiberglass composite technology makes each NovaDome extremely durable and watertight. And we should also mention that they last up to 50 years WHO BENEFITS? The World Health Organization (WHO) has a vested interest in reducing the damage caused by natural disasters, as it increases the spread of communicable diseases in their aftermath. By WHO standards, massive damage wrought by the destructive forces of Mother Nature can be caused by “catastrophic events with atmospheric, geologic and hydrologic origins. They include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, tsunamis, floods and drought. Natural disasters can have rapid or slow onset, and serious health, social and economic consequences.” NovaDome is here to help in these situations.The compact and portable design of our NovaDome structures makes it ideal in response to disaster relief efforts, with one of these little guys ready to go in a matter of hours. What if the natural disaster is still active in a zone where the wounded need treatment? Not to worry, a NovaDome can act as a makeshift portable care clinic where healthcare personnel can focus on treating patients instead of worrying about when the next wave of tremors are going to bring the roof down over their heads. Still, where could one safely store sensitive equipment integral to the relief effort? A NovaDome converted into a storage shelter can address this issue, freeing up disaster relief teams to focus on the more critical issues at hand. Even in less critical situations, NovaDomes can also act as temporary homes or evacuation centers. Granting that layer of security that fosters peace of mind is an important psychological consideration, especially when someone is forced to leave their home. The NovaDome instills this level of security, as having a safe place to sleep tonight is sometimes one of the most crucial factors for any family to consider. It may even provide a much-needed solution for the homeless crisis currently plaguing our society. THE NOVADOME DIFFERENCE. Now that we’ve established just how tough NovaDome shelters are and the various uses they serve, we only regret their inability to prevent the onset of natural disasters. Still, considering the immense might Mother Nature wields, it’s almost a small miracle to be able to seek shelter in a structure that can help you weather her fury. NovaDome’s value proposition therefore stems from its very ability to provide that level of peace of mind. Think of our NovaDome shelters as your shield from the hostile forces of the outside world. In a scenario where the unthinkable happens and disaster relief doctors are required to perform complex procedures in the midst of a natural disaster, a reliable shield from the elements is just the thing. There is no time to wonder whether the structure will collapse around you when human lives are at stake. This is the kind of assurance NovaDome provides.It is also helpful to note that NovaDomes can be reused for up to 50 years (maybe even more) which lessens their ecological footprint. So not only do you get a compact, durable structure that can protect you from the ravages of natural disasters, but a piece of building material that is also friendly to the environment. A stark reminder that Mother Nature doesn’t mess around, but then again, neither do we.
