Environmental Protection
Most energy depends on the production and burning of fuel. The by-products of production and combustion include gases that become trapped in our atmosphere. These gases are partly responsible for climate change that affects the entire earth, and all the living things on it—including us. Beyond economic benefits, then, any new fuel source must reduce the environmental problems. Our products meet these requirements.
Greenhouse Gases and the Carbon Cycle
All fuels release by-products when they are burned. The main source of energy in combustion is the breaking of bonds between hydrogen and carbon atoms. While the hydrogen atoms form water (H2O), the carbon atoms form carbon dioxide (CO2). By itself, CO2 is non-toxic; but as a by-product of combustion, it rises to form an atmospheric barrier that traps the earth's heat.
Above Ground Carbon Cycle
captured by plants as part
of photosynthesis.
Below Ground Carbon Cycle
the animals that feed on them live, die, and decay over millions of years.
is rapidly released into the atmosphere as the fossil fuel
is burned.
When plant growth is matched with fuel combustion on an annual basis, the carbon dioxide absorption by growing plants balances the amount generated from combustion. The result is a sustainable energy cycle also known as a carbon neutral environment. We refer to this as the above ground carbon cycle and it is relatively easy to maintain if renewable sources are used to produce our fuel.
However, when massive amounts of prehistoric plant matter are combusted through the use of large quantities of fossil fuels, the system becomes out of balance. We have designated this as the below ground carbon cycle and the result is an increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, which can lead to climate change.
Like diesel fuel, our products are combustible and form carbon dioxide when burned. But unlike fossil fuels which follow the below ground carbon cycle, the carbon dioxide created by our products is from recovered sources.
Also, unlike many fuel production facilities Rational Energies relies primarily on energy from our own raw materials to power the plant. This results in reduced greenhouse gas emissions from our production process. In addition to using garbage we keep massive amounts of waste out of landfills. This prevents future green house gas emissions and water contamination.
Sustainability
What was once considered a buzzword among environmental groups is now understood as a central principle of business: For any commercial enterprise, if the acquisition of raw materials, demands of production, or market opportunities for a product are not sustainable, the company will eventually fail.
By design, Rational Energies uses a variety of source materials that are in abundant supply, implements production techniques with stable input requirements, and produces a range of products that will remain in high demand for decades, if not longer. We are in business for the long-term benefits to our customers, our investors, our employees, the communities in which we work and the environment.
In contrast, raw petroleum is a more finite resource. Demand now exceeds supply, and demand is projected to keep growing while supply will only continue to decline. While some alternative fuels such as ethanol have been developed, their success has been limited by unintended technical and market consequences. Long-term profit requires true sustainability. ^