If you are one of the many people looking to limit your environmental footprint, consider propane as your primary fuel source. Did you know propane is an undervalued option to decrease your environmental footprint? For example, compared to more common fuels like diesel, electricity, natural gas, and heating oil, propane generates lower greenhouse gas emissions per energy unit, emits minimal sulfur dioxide or particulate matter, and poses no threat to soil or water contamination in the event of a leak. In addition, propane provides high efficiency power. In fact, the Propane Education & Research Council classifies propane as a clean fuel per the Clean Air Act of 1990, and the U.S. Department of Energy designates propane as an approved alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Here is a look at what this implies practically.
Propane and Carbon Emissions
Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas emitted when burning fuel for heating and power. When determining the environmental impact of fuel sources (emissions measured per million BTUs) propane is a cleaner alternative to gasoline, diesel, and heating oil. The U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that while burning fuel oil releases over 160 pounds of CO2 per million BTUs, propane produces much less. This makes propane one of the most eco-friendly fossil fuel choices for both residential and commercial properties.
By transitioning from heating oil to propane, residential and commercial energy consumers across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island can significantly reduce their environmental impact without a drop in performance. With high-efficiency propane furnaces achieving AFUE ratings above 95%, nearly all of the fuel’s energy is converted into usable heat.
Natural Gas and Methane Problems
While natural gas is often viewed as the cleanest fossil fuel due to its combustion profile, it is important to look at the bigger picture. Because it is composed primarily of methane, it acts as a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2 over shorter timeframes. The Propane Education & Research Council says methane’s global warming potential is 28 times greater than CO2 when measured over a century, and 84 – 86x greater over two decades. Importantly, for those looking to limit their environmental footprint, scientists estimate that methane is responsible for at least a quarter of current global warming.
Additionally, methane can leak at many points in the natural gas supply chain, from extraction to pipelines to end use. Fortunately, propane does not have this problem because when it is not burned, propane is not considered a greenhouse gas. It does not release methane or leak into the air in a way that adds to warming. This difference is important when you look at the total environmental impact of a fuel, not just what comes out of the chimney.
Electricity Isn’t as Clean as You Think
Many people support switching everything to electricity, but in New England, the situation is complex. For example, in Massachusetts, over 70% of electricity still comes from natural gas. So, while utility companies promote electric heat pumps or heaters because they utilize electricity, they are mostly using natural gas. The difference being the natural gas is being burned at a power plant instead of your home (and some energy is lost during transmission). In fact, more than 60% of the energy used to make grid electricity is lost before it gets to your home.
Propane offers high efficiency, which means less fuel is needed to heat your home, power a generator, or run a commercial kitchen. For instance, one gallon of propane contains approximately 91,500 BTUs of energy. Conversely, the same amount of energy from the electrical grid needs about 27 kilowatt-hours. Plus, due to the design of the New England grid depending on fossil fuels, generating electricity can result in higher carbon emissions than simply burning propane directly.
No Oil Spills or Contamination
Interestingly, propane offers a significant environmental benefit when not in use. For example, oil or diesel can leak, which would pollute soil and water near the leak. However, if propane leaks, it does not collect on the ground or pollute soil and water like heating oil or diesel. Propane is only a liquid under pressure. When released, it quickly turns into a gas and disappears into the air. As a result, it is not toxic to soil, water, plants, or animals. The main risk with a propane leak is fire, not pollution, so it’s important to have proper installation and safety, and to work with experienced suppliers and technicians.
Heating oil spills, on the other hand, can be very expensive to clean up and can damage soil and groundwater for years. Many homeowners with underground oil tanks have unfortunately learned about this risk firsthand.
Cleaner Air at the Point of Use
Besides CO2, propane emits very little nitrogen oxides, almost no sulfur dioxide, and hardly any particulate matter compared to diesel, heating oil, and gasoline. The EPA regulates these pollutants because they cause smog, acid rain, and health problems. Conversely, propane’s clean burning nature means fewer of these pollutants enter the air, which is especially important in crowded areas, indoor places like restaurant kitchens, and farms where air quality affects workers and crops.
For businesses that use forklifts and other equipment indoors, the difference is clear. Propane-powered forklifts release much fewer air pollutants inside warehouses or facilities than diesel ones, making the work environment much healthier.
Renewable Propane in the Future
Traditional propane is derived from the processing of natural gas and the refining of oil, so it is a fossil fuel. However, propane is changing. Renewable propane is made mostly from hydrotreated vegetable oil, animal fats, and farm byproducts. It is chemically the same as regular propane and works in any current propane appliance, system, or tank without changes. Research from PERC shows renewable propane can have a carbon intensity up to four times lower than regular propane, depending on what it’s made from. You do not need new equipment or infrastructure. As renewable propane becomes more common, its environmental benefits will grow, which is a big plus compared to fuels without a cleaner option.
Why Propane Offers the Best Power & Environmental Balance
No fuel is perfect, and propane does not have zero emissions. Still, for homes and businesses without natural gas, for backup generators during power outages, for farms that need to heat greenhouses or dry crops, and for commercial buildings that need reliable energy, propane is one of the cleanest and most practical options available today.
If you want to learn more about how propane could work for your home or business, reach out to the ALL-GAS team or check if service is available in your area to get started.
