Now that Emerald Built Environments is part of the Crete United family of companies, we’re proud to be connected to a nationwide network that delivers a full suite of services to help our clients save costs and improve building performance.
Through Crete United Energy Services, we now have expanded capabilities in solar energy and related technologies. That means Emerald can offer even more to support our clients' sustainability goals. As part of our Earth Week blog, we’re excited to feature insights from Andrew Rice, VP of Renewables at Crete United, who’s sharing valuable knowledge on how solar can play a key role in a more sustainable future:
Every year on April 22, Earth Day brings people together around a shared goal: protecting the planet’s natural resources and building a future that works in harmony with the environment. The amount of energy needed to power modern life is ever-increasing, due to everything from the AI revolution to EVs. This year’s theme, “POWER,” is a call to action — one that asks us to look at how we fuel our lives and consider the impact of our choices. In 2025, that conversation centers on one of the most important shifts of our time: the transition to distributed generation and how the implementation of renewable energy sources is changing our electric grids.
Renewable energy is rapidly transforming the way we produce, transmit, and consume power. From established sources, such as nuclear and hydroelectric, to mature solutions, such as solar and wind, to emerging technologies, including small modular nuclear reactors, geothermal, biomass, fuel cells, and more, these sources are increasingly a significant part of the mainstream energy mix. Their growth is accelerating as they become more affordable, efficient, and widely deployable.
Today, nearly 30% of global electricity comes from renewable sources, and that share continues to grow. In the U.S., more than 80% of new power capacity added in 2024 came from these new technologies. These figures represent a major shift toward an energy system that is not only more reliable and resilient but also better aligned with long-term resource conservation.
Behind every light switch and charging port is a vast and complex infrastructure — the electric grid — that delivers power where and when it’s needed. But as more households, businesses, and utilities turn to renewables, the grid must evolve to keep pace. Traditional grids were built for large-scale, centralized power sources. These new technologies, however, are more decentralized, delivering electricity closer to the end user. Some, such as solar and wind, are variable since sunlight and wind aren’t always available on demand. Others, such as fuel cells or geothermal, help fill in the gaps by offering scalable, distributed generation with a stable output, making them a valuable addition to grid systems.
To adapt, we need smart grids at various distribution layers from local microgrids to utilities to transmission authorities that use advanced technology to monitor, adapt, and distribute energy more effectively. Battery storage, automated demand response, and real-time energy management systems help smooth out fluctuations and ensure a steady supply.
Modernizing the grid is a foundational step toward a more resilient, clean, and efficient energy system that can handle the needs of today and the scale of tomorrow.
Across the country, states are playing a leading role in advancing grid improvements and renewable energy adoption. Through deregulation, rebates, tax credits, and performance-based incentives, many states are making clean energy options more affordable and attractive.
Localized programs in states as wide-ranging as Massachusetts, Texas, and Colorado are also driving heavy investment in energy infrastructure and community energy projects. These programs are not only reducing financial barriers — they’re increasing local participation in sustainable energy efforts and sparking innovation at the grassroots level. Some examples are:
Transitioning to renewable and clean energy is delivering real benefits to people, businesses, and communities. Clean energy industries are among the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S., supporting over three million jobs nationwide — from solar installers and wind technicians to hydrogen specialists and fuel cell engineers.
Companies choose to invest in renewable energy for many reasons, including lower operating costs, faster expansion, greater energy independence, and increased resilience. Long-term planning is difficult, and variable energy pricing is a significant cost to any organization. Business moves fast, and if a location needs to expand quickly, it can’t be beholden to a utility service upgrade timeline of years. When the grid goes down due to a weather event, a business with backup power can keep operating. And from an environmental standpoint, using cleaner sources of energy reduces harmful pollutants and helps protect air and water quality.
Earth Day 2025 challenges us to think about POWER — not just where it comes from, but how we use it and what it can achieve. This moment calls for bold steps toward a renewable-powered future that’s efficient, reliable, and sustainable.
At Crete United and Emerald Built Environments, our team of engineers and sustainability consultants helps organizations take control of their energy needs and make these benefits a reality. From strategic planning to energy audits, project development, retrofits, and ongoing support, we guide businesses through the process of adopting solutions that are both practical and impactful. We’re proud to support businesses, schools, nonprofits, and communities in their journey toward sustainable energy solutions. Together, we’re creating a future where the power we rely on doesn’t just meet our needs—it empowers progress.
Andrew Rice is the Vice President of Renewables for Crete United. His expertise includes solar energy, solar development, project development, project finance, financial modeling, and project management.