Renewable vs. Sustainable — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 16, 2023
"Renewable" refers to resources that can be replenished naturally in a short period, often used in the context of energy. "Sustainable" means capable of being maintained over the long term, often considering economic, social, and environmental factors.
Difference Between Renewable and Sustainable
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Renewable" is primarily used to describe natural resources, like wind, solar, or water, that can be replenished naturally in a relatively short period. The focus is on the ability to replace what is consumed. "Sustainable," however, is broader in scope, encompassing not just natural resources but also social and economic systems that are designed to last over the long term without harming future generations.
In energy terms, "Renewable" usually refers to energy sources that do not deplete over time, like solar or wind energy. On the other hand, "Sustainable" energy would mean that the way we use and generate energy doesn't negatively impact future generations, and this can include renewable energy but also methods like energy conservation.
Grammatically speaking, both "Renewable" and "Sustainable" can serve as adjectives or nouns, but their uses differ. "Renewable" is often used in scientific and technical contexts to describe specific types of resources or energy. "Sustainable" can be used in a broader array of contexts including social, economic, and environmental discussions.
In sum, "Renewable" focuses on resources that can be replenished, often in the context of energy, while "Sustainable" takes a broader, more holistic view that considers whether a practice can be maintained over the long term in a balanced manner.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Replenishable resources
Long-term balance
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Context
Often energy
Broad (social, economic, environmental)
Grammatical Use
Noun & Adjective
Noun & Adjective
Timeframe
Short-term replenishment
Long-term maintenance
Scope
Specific resources
Holistic
Compare with Definitions
Renewable
Replaces itself quickly.
Renewable resources include things like bamboo and algae.
Sustainable
Capable of being maintained over the long term.
Sustainable farming practices benefit both the land and the farmers.
Renewable
Capable of being replenished.
Wind energy is a renewable resource.
Sustainable
Environmentally balanced.
Sustainable development aims to meet present needs without harming future generations.
Renewable
Not depleted when used.
Solar power is renewable because the sun keeps shining.
Sustainable
Resource-efficient.
Using LED lights is one way to make your home more sustainable.
Renewable
Environmentally beneficial.
Using renewable energy helps reduce carbon footprints.
Sustainable
Economically viable.
For a business to last, it needs a sustainable revenue model.
Renewable
Capable of being renewed
A renewable membership.
Renewable subscriptions.
Sustainable
Socially responsible.
Sustainable policies strive to be fair to all stakeholders.
Renewable
Relating to or being a commodity or resource, such as solar energy or firewood, that is inexhaustible or replaceable by new growth.
Sustainable
Capable of being sustained.
Renewable
Able to be renewed; capable of renewal.
Sustainable
Capable of being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment
Sustainable agriculture.
Renewable
(of a resource) Sustainable; able to be regrown or renewed; having an ongoing or continuous source of supply; not finite.
Solar and wind power are renewable, but coal is not.
Sustainable
Able to be sustained.
Renewable
A thing that is renewable; especially, a renewable source of energy.
Sustainable
Able to be produced or sustained for an indefinite period without damaging the environment, or without depleting a resource; renewable.
Sustainable economy
Renewable
A renewable resource.
Sustainable
A renewable energy source.
Renewable
Capable of being renewed; as, a lease renewable at pleasure.
Sustainable
Capable of being sustained or maintained; as, the action is not sustainable.
Renewable
That can be renewed or extended;
A renewable lease
Renewable subscriptions
Sustainable
Capable of being sustained
Renewable
Capable of being renewed; replaceable;
Renewable energy such as solar energy is theoretically inexhaustible
Renewable
Generated from natural processes.
Hydropower is renewable and comes from water cycles.
Common Curiosities
Can Renewable be used as a noun?
Yes, "renewable" can be a noun when referring to a resource that can be replenished.
What does Renewable mean?
Renewable refers to resources that can naturally replenish themselves in a short timeframe.
Is Renewable energy always cost-effective?
Renewable energy can be cost-effective but may require initial investment.
How does Renewable relate to recycling?
Renewable resources can sometimes be recycled, adding to their renewability.
How does Sustainable relate to social issues?
Sustainable practices often consider social equity and community well-being.
What does Sustainable mean?
Sustainable means capable of being maintained over the long term, considering economic, social, and environmental aspects.
Is all Renewable energy Sustainable?
While renewable energy is often sustainable, the infrastructure for harnessing it needs to be sustainable as well.
Can Sustainable practices include non-Renewable resources?
Yes, sustainable practices can include efficient and responsible use of non-renewable resources.
What are examples of Sustainable practices?
Examples include sustainable agriculture, energy conservation, and social responsibility.
Is Sustainable development expensive?
Sustainable development can be economically viable, though initial costs may be higher.
Is Renewable always environmentally friendly?
Renewable resources are generally environmentally friendly, but the methods of harnessing them can have varying impacts.
Can Renewable practices become unsustainable?
Yes, if the infrastructure or methods for harnessing renewable resources harm long-term ecological or social balance.
Can Sustainable be used as a noun?
Yes, "sustainable" can be a noun when referring to a practice that can be maintained long-term.
What are examples of Renewable resources?
Examples include solar power, wind energy, and hydropower.
Is Sustainable only about the environment?
No, sustainable encompasses economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
