These figures, however, are mired by the fact that while Bermudians want to be energy efficient and adopt alternative energy they are uninformed of the programs provided by the government to achieve these goals. According to the report, the majority of Bermudians also desire to have a positive impact on the environment and see actions taken by the government to reduce C02 emissions.

Both the public and government want to make a difference, so what is the dilemma? The dilemma is that only 32% or respondents know of the Department of Energy’s “Green Paper” and only 39% know of the rebate program for solar PV installations. We can only hope that the solar water heating rebate will garner larger acceptance than PV because of:

1. Lower cost of these systems
2. Greater efficiency
3. Size suitable for every home
4. Comparatively larger rebate offered in an attempt to greatly accelerate the installation of solar water heating systems.

The report states 81% of respondents believe that Bermudians have a duty to reduce their energy consumption. If it is Bermudians duty to reduce energy consumption then it is in turn the government’s role to assist them in obtaining this goal. The Department of Energy is in its second year of operation and to date has accomplished a comprehensive ‘Green Paper’, a PV rebate initiative a solar water heating rebate initiative, and a ‘White Paper’. These are impressive accomplishments for a department with only two years of service and a portfolio that includes E-commerce and Telecommunications. However, their accomplishments will be all for naught if the public is unaware of these initiatives. This speaks clearly to the need to educate and inform the public of the steps that can be taken to reduce their reliance on non-sustainable energy use and incentives available from the government to shift to sustainable technologies.

Currently there are at least three drivers that incent Bermudians to adopt sustainable practices and technologies.

1. Rising energy prices
2. Reduction of Greenhouse gases (CO2) which contribute to climate change
3. Government incentives

As energy prices rise the hope is that over time more individuals will seek out alternative energy sources in an effort to reduce their reliance on non-sustainable energy use. But why wait? The information, technology, and incentives are all in place today waiting for the public to utilize them. However, without government support to educate and inform, only a select few will embrace change BdaRoofsand take advantage of government incentives. The Department of Energy should be applauded for their recent efforts in support of alternative energy adoption, but now is the time to shout it from the roof tops “Bermuda is going green and we will help you pay for it.”

In February of this year the Sustainable Round Table, thanks to the support of Green Ventures Bermuda Ltd., held the Sustainable Living Summit for a Greener Bermuda. This educational event showcased the benefits of solar technology and it’s applications in a place like Bermuda. It brought together decision-makers and professionals in the field to educate, inform, and build awareness on alternative energy technologies with the objective of increasing the adoption of these technologies. This October Greenrock is hosting the Green Living Expo, an event catering to families and the general public, to help inform and convince them on the benefits of alternative energy and environmental stewardship.

Events like these unite the public belief in our duty to conserve, and migrate from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources. The initiatives of the government help to further support this transition, moving toward energy independence and the creation of green jobs.

Key facts from the Dept of Energy Research Report June 2010

Pg. 5 Key Figures

• 71% of Bermudians are open to the use of solar panels on Bermuda homes
• Only 39% were aware of the solar PV rebate

Pg. 6 Energy Equation

• Only 32% of Bermudians are aware of Department of Energy’s Green paper
• 46% believe large scale renewable energy project ultimately benefit Bermuda tourism
• 81% believe that the public has a duty to conserve their overall energy consumption

Pg. 9 Climate Change

• 86% of residents believe greenhouse gases from human activity are causing climate change
• 71% believe Bermuda has a responsibility to establish emission reduction targets similar to other jurisdictions

Pg. 19 Water Heating

• 88% of Bermudians use an electric water heater, 8% gas, 2% solar

Pg. 34 Solar Energy

• 71% of residents are open to the use of solar panels on Bermuda homes
  • 7% Strong support
  • 44% support
  • 20% support if designed appropriately
  • 15% indifferent
  • 4% do not support
  • 2% preoccupied with cost

Pg. 37 Wind Energy

• 57% of residents are open to the use of offshore wind turbines (several miles out)
  • 2% strong support
  • 31% support
  • 24% support if designed properly
  • 19% indifferent
  • 7% do not support
  • 16% no answer

Pg. 45 Green Paper

• 32% aware 67% unaware

Pg. 48-51 Government Mandated Energy conservation

• 65% believe the govt should mandate existing buildings increase their energy efficiency.
• 85% believe the govt should mandate NEW buildings to increase their energy efficiency.
• 83% believe the govt should mandate new buildings be fitted with renewable energy technologies
• 81% believe Bermudians have a duty to conserve energy

Pg. 81 Greenhouse Gas emissions from humans resulting in climate change

• 86% believe greenhouse gases from human activity are causing climate change
  • 49% Definitely
  • 37% somewhat
  • 8% no

Pg. 83 Bermuda emissions reduction targets

• 71% believe Bermuda should establish emission reduction targets
• 28% no

**All figures courtesy of the Department of Energy “Department of Energy Research Report” available online at the Department of Energy web page www.gov.bm or www.greenventuresbermuda.com

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