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Everyone today is concerned about the environment, ozone and their own carbon footprint. In the last few years we have seen consumers and businesses change the cars we drive and the way we heat our homes and buildings in an effort to reduce energy use and emissions.

In a time when power outages are becoming more frequent across the country, generators of all shapes and sizes are becoming popular as a way to provide backup power. But not all of them would be considered green. Lethal exhaust gases and spilled fuel are just two concerns for gasoline and diesel-fueled generators.

Compared to gasoline and diesel generators, natural gas and LP generators are as green as they get. Gaseous-fueled engines — those running on natural or LP gas — are a proven way to significantly reduce the output of particulates, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and ozone-forming hydrocarbons.

Automatic standby generators operate on natural gas or liquid propane vapor, so there are none of the fuel storage, spillage, spoilage or odor concerns that are common with gasoline or diesel models. Because of their favorable emissions profile, gaseous-fueled generators are becoming increasingly popular as an environmentally conscious solution for backup power needs.

Cleaner burning propane gas engines emit half the ozone-forming emissions of gasoline engines. They also tout zero evaporative emissions, cannot be spilled and pose no leakage threat to the environment. Standby generators are also safer due to little or no risk of CO poisoning. When compared to gasoline and diesel engines, propane-fueled engines are much better for the environment.

A recent study from The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) shows that using propane produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) than many other fuels, making it an attractive option to help cut carbon emissions. PERC Senior Vice President Kate Caskin says, "Propane offers a safe, reliable, long-term fuel supply for standby generators and is more environmentally friendly — cleaner than gasoline and diesel, for example — emitting fewer greenhouse gases into the air."

Regarding the significance of 'going green,' Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Executive Vice President/CEO Larry Mullins says, "IEC members have been going green for years and we are excited that the business community is also seeing the vast potential of more efficient-energy solutions.

Following our 50th anniversary last year, we are extremely proud of the green building tradition and achievement of our 3,700 member companies, and are confident that this kind of forward-thinking and innovation can carry our industry through the next 50 years."

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) also feels strongly about green power. The NECA website says, "NECA members have practiced environmental stewardship and conservation throughout the electrical industry's evolution. They see the move towards sustainable construction, alternative energies and building "green" as an important next step in the process. "Green" projects do a great job of giving back to the communities where they are located — the same communities where NECA contractors live and work."