Grey electricity is electricity generated from fossil fuels such as coal and gas, and is therefore not sustainable. It is the counterpart of green electricity, which is produced from renewable sources such as wind, sun and water.
Characteristics
- Fossil origin — generated by burning coal, gas or oil
- Carbon-intensive — releases carbon dioxide and other emissions
- Non-renewable — relies on finite fuel reserves
- Cheaper historically — often lower priced than green power, though this is changing
Grey versus Green Electricity
| Aspect | Grey electricity | Green electricity |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Coal, gas, oil | Wind, sun, water |
| Emissions | High | Low to none |
| Sustainability | Not sustainable | Sustainable |
Application
Why it matters in construction
- Energy labels — a building’s rating reflects how much grey energy it uses
- Sustainable building — reducing reliance on grey electricity lowers a project’s carbon footprint
- Energy saving — efficiency measures and on-site renewables cut grey-power consumption
Choosing green electricity and reducing overall demand are key steps in sustainable design.
Related Terms
- Green electricity
- Energy label
- Sustainable building
- Energy saving
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