Island’s carbon dioxide footprint 15th highest in world

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Bermuda ranks 15th in the world in per capita carbon dioxide production far higher than a slew of industrialised countries.

According to Government’s Green Paper on Energy, Bermuda produces an incredible 11 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per person about four times that of China.

Bermuda also makes dirty electricity producing 751 grams of carbon dioxide per kilowatt hour of electricity sold, compared to 422 grams in the UK which has a variety of cleaner energy sources.Carbon dioxide emissions produced by fossil fuels are a factor in greenhouse gases which cause global warmin

However the Green Paper identifies ways oil-dependent Bermuda can cut its reliance on dirty, expensive imported fuels by switching to natural energy which can help save money as well as the environment.

Solar, wind and wave energy are among some of the best options and the report said many of the renewable technologies could jump-start an indigenous energy industry and boost the economy.The Green Paper, released by Energy Minister Terry Lister last week, said:”Bermuda may lend itself well to adopting or even developing various renewable energy technologies, which could lead to the establishment of Bermuda as a world-recognised example in sustainable energy.

“These technologies could prove to be distinctive tourist attractions, boosting Bermuda’s gross domestic product and creating a respectable commercial and environmental presence worldwide.”Measures suggested include: An open grid policy allowing those generating their own electricity to feed it back to the grid Mandatory ’smart metering’ enabling consumers to track their electricity use on a real time basis and spot savingsn A ‘time of use’ electricity tariff to allow Belco to manage its load by encouraging power use at off peak timesn Import duty reductions on clean energy goods currently wind turbines have a duty rate of 33.5 percentFinancial incentives for renewable energy facilities and grants to finance part of the capital investment in selected technologies are also suggested.

Land land tax deferrals on land being used for renewable energy production is also an option.Vehicle licensing based on emissions instead of vehicle length has been put forward to provide a financial incentive for consumers to buy fuel efficient vehicles with lower emissions. Minimum efficiency standards on imports might also be brought in.

For example, conventional light bulbs could be phased out in favour of compact fluorescent light bulbs and/or light emitting diodes. Government plans to lead by example through the initiation of projects that will see schools, hospitals and Government agencies adopt energy conservation and renewable energy technologies.