Drones for Sustainability

---

We have already explored the different types of drones: multi-rotor drones and fixed-wing drones and how drone technology is changing the game for multiple industries in previous articles such as: drones for agriculture and farming, drones in construction, and drones for the insurance and legal sector. In this blog post we are going to be talking about drones for sustainability by answering the following question: How are drones enabling sustainability? Keep reading and find out how drones are tackling deforestation and the changing environment and how drones can help you to #ONEUPYOURBUSINESS!

HOW ARE DRONES ENABLING SUSTAINABILITY?

---

Drones provide a whole range of capabilities such as capturing aerial photography and videography, assisting in military operations, helping farmers check their crops, and so on. According to a report from PwC, drone technology has the potential to increase the UK economy by £42 billion by 2030 and offers industries the opportunity to adopt more sustainable business models. With drone technology being capable of tackling climate change and used to transform our economy to be more sustainable and efficient, we look into some of the ways drones are making an impact on the environment.

• Enables environmental monitoring: Drones can be used to access environments that can be out of reach or difficult to get to and collect data quickly and efficiently without the use of satellites or helicopters. For instance, it can help farmers and conservationists to monitor large areas and check on their crops, track livestock, map forests, and identify illegal logging, etc. Sensors and thermal imaging equipment can also be fitted onto drones enabling drones to capture a variety of offshore and onshore landscapes including forests, ocean waters or even glaciers. Using drones reduces pollution emissions compared to traditional methods and can quickly identify any issues before they potentially escalate
• Helps with tree planting: Not only can drones monitor environments they can also assist in tackling deforestation and climate change. BioCarbon Engineering, a UK company is using drone technology to change the way trees are being planted. The drone technology is being used to dispense seed pods from the air across large areas, with precision from 10 feet above the ground. With the use of drones this makes tree planting faster and more cost effective. As well as, potentially replacing bees which are dying off due to climate change therefore helping tackle nature struggles from the changing environmental conditions
• Increases food production: The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that by 2050 the planet will need 70% more food than it did in 2009. Carrying out asset inspections such as plant health analysis, thermal imaging, and land assessments using drones can offer comprehensive visual insights of different assets and highly detailed reports. Drones can help detect weeds, identify pests, reduce water wastage, apply precise treatments to crops, and so helping to inform landowners and farmers how to manage and maintain the health of their crops to get the best quality and improve food production
• Inspect renewable energy infrastructure: As drones can reach and get to difficult areas they can be used to inspect renewable energy infrastructure such as solar panels and wind turbines. By 2030, the UK government has made plans to quadruple offshore wind power and power every home with renewable energy to reduce global emissions. Drones can be used to to check technical failures, material loss or malfunctioning without the need of human inspections which can be potentially dangerous and therefore save fuel, time and increase the health and safety of workers
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: Businesses are exploring the use of drones as a delivery service to enhance sustainability. Using drones instead of vehicles to deliver goods could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Environment rewards could also be seen even when drones were used on just the last leg of the journey as it cut down on vehicles traveling to individual homes helping reduce carbon dioxide emissions

Related articles

---

Let's have a chat

---

Take a look at our availability and book a no-obligation chat with us.