Going Green 2023

Working in the great outdoors

Eliminating single use plastics

Pets environmental impact

Concrete and climate change

Committed to a sustainable path

As one of the world’s largest multiline property and casualty insurers, Chubb has a responsibility to control our ecological footprint in the communities in which we work and live. By introducing numerous environmental initiatives, we strive to reduce our impact on the local environment and are committed to promoting a healthy and sustainable planet. chubb.com

The Chubb Building in Bermuda is LEED Platinum® and is using the LEED Dynamic Plaque™ to manage its building performance. The LEED Dynamic Plaque measures and displays current building performance data spanning energy, water, waste, transportation and human experience. Learn more at LEEDon.io.

Page 6

Concrete and climate change

Page 7

Water: the better choice

Page 8

The environmental impact of pets

Page 13

Solar and battery storage

Page 14

Grow your own

Page 16

Bermuda’s best EV’s

Page 19

Window tinting

Page 20

Reducing HVAC emissions

Page 21

Bermuda’s energy future

Page 22 Green loans

Page 23

Working in the great outdoors

Page 30

Eliminating single-use plastics

Going Green 16th edition 2023

Publisher: Ian Coles

Director of Marketing: Lissa Fisher

Art Director: Tim Parker

Writers: Peter Backeberg, Tim Smith, Annabel Cooper, Robyn Bardgett

GoingGreen climate change

The surprising environmental impact of concrete

Concrete is one of the world’s oldest and most common construction materials mainly due to its low cost, flexibility, longevity and resilience to extreme climatic conditions, including hurricanes. It is a composite material of fine and coarse aggregate bonded with a fluid cement that cures and hardens over time. A favoured construction product for infrastructure projects worldwide, 30 billion tons of concrete is produced yearly for the construction of roads, railways, bridges, sewage systems, dams and buildings.

We know that the built environment contributes enormously to climate change; the production process for cement, a key component of concrete, accounts for an astonishing 8% of the world’s carbon footprint and buildings alone account for 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions. 2/3 of these emissions relate to the operational use of buildings, whilst 1/3 comes from construction. This includes all aspects

of a building’s components, including the foundation, main structure, external fabric and interior fit-out.

In Bermuda, most construction projects utilise traditional building techniques and rely on imports of concrete’s bulk raw materials for new developments. The architecture practice, OBMI Bermuda is committed to reducing the island’s reliance on concrete and finding low carbon solutions through careful site analysis, working with the existing topography and collaborating with local structural engineers. As a practice, OBMI Bermuda is actively looking for alternative materials to specify it’s projects, such as recycled fill materials and aggregates; with crushed glass recently employed as an alternate fill material. Conscientious specification of materials and construction methods at the start of a project are some ways the construction sector can reduce its impact on the environment. OBMI Bermuda has used the geo-web retaining wall system to good effect on several projects around the island; reducing the amount of concrete compared to a traditional retaining wall system.

A growing number of developing technologies help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the embodied and operational carbon footprint of buildings. Carbon capture technologies can be integrated into concrete production to reduce concrete’s carbon footprint and increase its strength. Even a slight improvement in the carbon footprint of concrete could see huge reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions. A focus has been on the research and development of improving the manufacturing process of cement which accounts for 95% of concrete’s manufacturing emissions.

Though Bermuda is presented with considerable geographic constraints, our architectural, engineering and construction organisations must work together with industry leaders and the government to seriously address the embodied and operational carbon of the buildings we are constructing. We must embrace emerging materials and technologies as viable alternative construction processes and evaluate the procurement of materials to reduce our island’s impact on the climate.

The geo-web retaining wall system, before and after

Bottled Water that’s Better for Bermuda

Bermuda Waterworks explains why its bottled water is an excellent choice for those concerned about our environment

The bottled water industry was going green long before the term became popular. Through its home and office segment, the industry has demonstrated a significant impact on reducing pollution through the repeated use of its bottles until their life cycle is completed.

Bermuda Waterworks manufactures bottled water in reusable 3- and 5-gallon containers. The company repurchases used bottles in order to encourage clients to return them in good condition for a full credit on their next transaction.

Empty bottles should only be refilled with Pure Water. They are not meant to hold trash or other liquids such as drink mixes — a popular choice at picnics. A bottle that has been used for drink mix cannot be reused by Bermuda Waterworks. The company

encourages clients to contact them if they need rejected bottles for any sports or fundraising events.

Bermuda Waterworks’ most popular water cooler is Energy Star rated. These coolers help residents and businesses reduce their energy bills, and can help make a difference for the environment. This is because products that earn the Energy Star prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental and Protection Agency.

These energy efficient coolers are available in room temperature/cold and hot/cold models. The company also sells water-dispensing equipment that do not require any electricity. There is the very popular dolphin pump, where water is manually pumped out of the bottle. There is also

the compact cradle and valve that sit perfectly on any counter. The ceramic crockpot is another decorative option. All of these models dispense water at a pleasant room temperature.

Bermuda Waterworks also provides piped metered water, 100% of which is manufactured by reverse osmosis. This process requires electricity. However, over time, new and energy-efficient equipment has been installed in order to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels. The company encourages residents to use its utility water wisely as a top-up supply. A new self service vending machine has been installed. It dispenses Pure Water and Pure Ice. Clients can bring their reusable empty bottles and purchase water. Clients can even reuse their cap if they wish. Going green made easier with budget friendly options.

For more than 85 years, Bermuda Waterworks has manufactured water to meet the island’s growing needs. The company will continue to do its part in making water production as green and efficient as possible.

Together we can all make a GREEN difference.

Reduce your Pet’s Pawprint

Noah’s Ark Feed and Supply looks at the environmental impact of cats and dogs

Including pets in our lives has many well-documented benefits related to both mental and physical health. However, as we expand our furry families, we may be increasing our carbon footprint in ways that we might not have considered.

Cats are obligate carnivores and dogs thrive on a meat-based diet. As meat production is costly for the environment, due to the heavy land, water, and energy use, it is one of the most significant parts of our pets’ carbon footprint. The resource use and greenhouse gas emissions are not equal across all types of meat

production. In fact, quality insect protein is now being incorporated into foods for both people and animals because of its dramatically reduced impact on resources and greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that the ratio of greenhouse gas emissions for production of beef:chicken:insect is 25:10:1. You do not need to compromise the quality of your pet’s diet but there are some slight changes you can make.

What you can do:

• If you are feeding a primarily beef diet, try adding in chicken or other poultry rotationally.

• Try out some insect-based treats.

• Keep sustainability in mind when choosing a food. Look for those certified to be sustainably harvested, fished, or farmed and organically grown.

• Adopt the nose-to-tail eating philosophy for food and treats. Bull sticks, fish skins, lamb horns are examples of healthy treats/chews that otherwise might enter the food waste stream. Consider foods that include more than just muscle meat. (https://nosetotail.org/whyeat-nose-to-tail)

• Look for treats that upcycle foods like imperfect produce that would not make it to the grocer’s

shelf or are a surplus of food production such as fruit pulp after juice extraction. Research shows that up to 8% of the greenhouse gases produced annually can be attributed to food waste.

• Use the 9-Point Body Condition Score as a starting point to see if your pet is an ideal weight. Review your pet’s diet and consult your vet. If your vet says overfeeding is the cause of excess weight, then reducing the amount you feed is a win for your pet and the environment. (https://www.aaha. org/globalassets/02-guidelines/ weight-management/weightmgmt_ bodyconditionscoring.pdf)

• Incorporate meat free days into your own meal planning.

Other things you can do:

• Clay cat litter (strip mined, nonrenewable, heavy to transport, hard to dispose of) is one of the most significant parts of your kitty’s environmental paw print. Try alternate cat litter made from recycled paper, corn cobs or kernels, cassava, natural woods like Pine.

• Use compostable dog waste pick up bags.

• Install a pet waste composter in your yard.

• Buy sustainable, durable, natural, and organic pet products when you can.

• Reduce plastic dependence. e.g., pet bar shampoo/reusable shampoo bottle; metal or ceramic pet dishes.

• Never release unwanted pets into the environment. This is inhumane and can be damaging to the environment. We have a local problem with unwanted turtles (Red-eared sliders), rabbits, guinea pigs and fish being released into the environment. Reach out to animal organisations and your pet store for help in re-homing. Changing our individual consumption choices may seem like a small thing when compared to corporate or government action but it is still important, especially on our island home.

Iconic building gets a green makeover

Family-owned Bacardi recently unveiled several environmental initiatives for its global headquarters in Bermuda, further cutting its carbon footprint and creating a working environment that promotes even greater wellbeing for its employees.

The world’s largest privately held international spirits company installed new solar paneling on the office roof which generates more than one third of the site’s

energy requirements, and a stateof-the-art chiller system has cut the building’s total energy usage by more than 40 percent. Together, these improvements have reduced the building’s CO2 emissions by more than 70%.

Also on the roof, four large tanks capture rainwater used for the lawn, fire sprinklers, the beautiful fountains at the front of the building; and after careful filtration to clean the water, for the office bathrooms and kitchens.

Investing in these environmental upgrades promotes even greater wellbeing at work too. The new chiller system improves indoor air quality, while newly installed LED lighting improves the quality of light, at the same time creating further reductions in energy use. To encourage more outdoor time, additional seating and community spaces for hosting events and activities are being added outside.

“Doing the right thing by both

people and planet is a top priority for us,” says Douglas Mello, Managing Director of Bacardi in Bermuda. “From planting trees, to helping reduce plastic pollution, we take every opportunity to make a positive difference to the environment and communities in Bermuda.”

Just last year, Bacardi partnered with the Beyond Plastic Bermuda campaign, a collaboration between Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) and Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB), to educate the local community about the dangers of plastic pollution and encourage actions to reduce singleuse plastic on the Island. See page 30 for more details of this initiative.

The company also celebrated its 161st anniversary in February by planting cedar trees in Bermuda’s

Riddell’s Bay Gardens and Nature Reserve to help protect the biodiversity of the island. And last summer partnered with KBB to help clean up the Railway Trail and surrounding areas in Paget.

Through its extensive Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme, named Good Spirited, Bacardi has set itself ambitious targets. Find out more at www.bacardilimited.com

Bacardi Global Headquarters on Pitts Bay Road

clean up the Railway Trail in Paget

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Solar + storage for your home

Clean energy from your roof has now become a realistic opportunity for every Bermuda homeowner

Solar power has expanded rapidly in Bermuda, with hundreds of homes and businesses having invested in solar energy and thousands more ready to join them.

AES leads the way in the clean energy revolution in Bermuda with more solar PV capacity installed than all other local providers combined. It has been responsible for the very largest commercial installations as well as more than 130 homes.

Its installation at Dockyard for WEDCO is the largest on the island, followed closely by Gorham’s, Lindo’s, and Gosling’s — all AES projects. Other major AES installations include Saltus, BELCO, Greybar Building (Mill Creek), Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, many gas stations, RBYC, RHADC, The General Post Office and the Government Administration Building.

AES is also the chosen provider for residential properties, with many Bermudian homeowners choosing to tap into the proven cost savings of solar energy provided by AES. Its installations cover the whole island, from east to west, from small installations on the roofs of cottages and modest homes, to larger properties and grand mansions.

“Our solar installations are scalable, so whether you own a smaller property and your BELCO bill is around $200 a month, or a larger home with a correspondingly larger BELCO bill, it still makes sense to install solar” , explains Tim Madeiros, Founder and CEO of AES. “The average house consumes about 30kw hours a day, and we can generate enough energy through our solar installations on a typical Bermuda roof to provide that, and more”

And a solar battery can greatly increase the efficiency and versatility of your solar setup. Your solar panels generate energy during the day, which can then be stored in your solar batteries to power your home during the night.

For example, AES can install eight

solar panels and a 10kw battery in your house and eliminate that $200 BELCO bill. Or 40 solar panels and a 40kw battery and eliminate a $2,000 bill.

AES is the official agent for the best and most popular batteries on the market: Sonnen, Tesla’s Powerwall, and Enphase storage. “Maximum solar energy is generated during the day” points out Madeiros, “but typically, families use the most energy in the evenings and at night, when they are cooking, heating water for showering, using the water pump, air conditioning, entertainment units and so forth. During the day, excess energy can be sold back to BELCO at .22 cents a kw. But at night, when you’re not generating solar energy and consume from BELCO’s grid, you are buying it back at .52 cents a kw. So, it makes sense to store the energy during the day for use at night. When the batteries are fully charged, you can still export excess energy to BELCO. So, you are generating power during the day, storing it in your battery and using that power at night”

But what happens if the battery becomes depleted during the night when the solar panels are not generating power? “In that case” , explains Madeiros, “BELCO power from the grid will kick in to supplement any additional power you may need, and

take over from the battery. When the sun comes up in the morning, solar will take over again, to power the house and recharge the battery” .

For those that want to live completely off the grid, a generator can be installed for when the battery is depleted, and you don’t want to draw power from the grid. A mechanism can be installed to automatically activate the generator. If at some point during the night your battery becomes depleted because of the amount of electricity you are using, then a battery will start up the generator automatically, and the generator will top up the battery.

Madeiros points out that there are four possible sources of energy. “There’s solar, battery, generator and BELCO. And it’s perfectly feasible to install the first three, and completely eliminate the fourth” .

The increase in the number of electric vehicles in Bermuda is also fueling the growth of solar plus battery installations for AES. “For electric vehicle owners, a battery is particularly useful, because when you come home in the evening, that’s when you plug in your car. Solar will produce energy during the day, store it in your home’s battery, and then at night you put it in your car. And with the price of gas at the pump, it really does pay off economically”

The solar installation by AES at Dockyard is the largest on the island

Grow your own

ready to help

Zayne Sinclair’s business has its roots in the pandemic gardening boom, but he hopes widespread interest in home-grown vegetables will turn out to be a permanent part of our culture.

Sinclair, 19, started Sinclair’s Seed Sowing in 2020, to provide service to residents wanting to grow their own food while grocery store hours were limited during lockdown.

Since then, demand for his vegetable gardening business has continued to grow – and we’re all the healthier for it.

“There was a big stigma around agriculture a few years ago,” Sinclair says. “A lot of farms didn’t really get respect.

“But the pandemic has shined a light on the importance of organic and sustainable food growing. It made people realise how important it is to grow your own food. It was very difficult when you couldn’t go to the grocery store every day.

“Now, more and more people are questioning where their food is coming from.

“When you grow fresh out of the garden, there’s no carbon footprint. You can go outside and pick your own fresh vegetables. And they taste the best, that’s indisputable.”

While Bermuda has a proud farming history dating back to its early settlement in the 17th century, recent generations have relied on imported food.

Sinclair recalls how the island went months without bananas in 2020 due to pest problems with importations.

“When we rely on those ships to bring in our fresh products, all it takes is for one small thing to go wrong and we have serious problems,” he says.

“Remember when we didn’t

get bananas? That caused chaos. Imagine if that happened with flour. It would be utter mayhem.”

Sinclair’s love for gardening began when he was just eight months old and spent time on the farm with his

father in Jamaica, learning to grow mango, ackee and cherries.

“I was always going to school with a thermos flask full of vegetables,” he says.

Sinclair’s Seed Sowing is now

Zayne Sinclair

part of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Enterprise Programme, which coaches fledgling businesses and gives them networking opportunities.

Sinclair helps clients with their gardens on a weekly basis and offers consulting services.

“Working sustainably is wholesome and fulfilling,” he says.

“There’s nothing like being outside on this lush island, getting to work with people to solve problems and provide a service for people that they thoroughly enjoy.”

You don’t need to have spent years on a farm to get the gardening bug, however.

“Everyone has a green thumb –even if they don’t realise it,” Sinclair says.

He advises beginners to take advantage of the Bermuda Government’s free gardening courses or get help from local gardeners like himself, or the Bermuda Farmers and Gardeners Facebook page.

“You get out what you put in. You literally reap what you sow,” he says.

“You put the time and effort in and you will definitely get it back with all those tasty vegetables you will produce. It’s fun. Go outside with your family, enjoy the process.”

Zayne Sinclair’s top tips for starting your own vegetable garden:

• Find a good spot with ample sunshine, protection from sea breeze, some shade. Make it at least eight inches deep so the roots can spread out and get nutrients.

• Plant the right vegetables in season. In May, according to The Garden Club of Bermuda, that means beans, cucumber, okra, pumpkin, radish, squash, sweet potato and tomato. In June, plant beans, cucumber, squash and tomato. In July, beans carrots and tomato.

• Get compost and fertiliser from garden centres.

• Research the best time to water each plant, carefully prune dead leaves and remove weeds regularly.

Biointensive gardening

simultaneously increasing biodiversity and sustaining the fertility of the soil.

Bermuda’s climate is excellent for year-round growing. Produce such as bananas, cassava, carrots, beans, leeks, tomatoes, and kale can grow through all the seasons, with many other delicious options available at different times of the year. But, if you are new to gardening, or your attempts so far haven’t “born fruit,” how do you go about growing your own produce?

Chris Faria, founder of Agra Living explains that, to get the most out of your garden, you need to care for the soil, and the best way to this, in his opinion, is the biointensive method.

“You double dig the soil,” he says. “Loosen the soil down 24 inches, when possible. You want to loosen enough soil so the roots can penetrate it. What’s happening underground is just as important.”

Many gardens and outdoor spaces in Bermuda, however, don’t have the luxury of deep soil. If that is the case, you should build up. “I’ve built up a terrace using plywood and 2x4,” he says. “If you live in a house on an old quarry, for example, they just put down 4 inches of topsoil, so you need to build that life back up in the soil. Also, adding compost is important for a healthy garden.”

For the compost, he advises layers of carbon material, followed by green materials, and then soil. You should repeat that layering until it’s about 4 feet high. Carbon materials are brown, dry materials, and avocado leaves or small, cut up parts of Chinese fan palms work well for this layer. The green materials can be kitchen scraps and weeds.

Faria emphasises that plants are like humans, and, for the best growing results, you need to minimise stress. This is because they have amino acids that attract insects and disease, so the happier the plant, the more the pests

will stay away.

“After you’ve raised a healthy, successful seedling and transplanted it into the garden, make sure to have the right space apart,” he says.

“Plant in groups instead of lines. Carrots will yield better if in a grouping instead of a line because they take care of each other. Grains must be planted in a group for cross-pollination. If plants are grouped, they maintain more moisture and protect each other from the wind that dries the soil out.”

The only exceptions to the grouping method, he adds, are zucchini and tomatoes, which can have fungal problems.

“After transplanting, it’s also good to put shade over the plants for about a week and that helps them transition into the new growing area.”

For help in preparing your garden and taking care of your crops, you can view introductory videos on Chris Faria’s facebook or Instagram pages: www.facebook.com/ GrowBiointensiveBermuda/ or @agra_ living.

Chris Faria (Below) Sample of Chris Faria’s produce

Electrifying Bermuda

Renault’s EV’s and hybrids blend practicality, comfort, and super-low running costs

Eurocar was one of the first dealers to import electric vehicles with the launch of the Renault Zoe. Happy owners have been driving their Zoe’s around the island for a few years now, but Stephen Davidge, Eurocar’s General Manager says it’s proving more and more popular. “Renault gives the Zoe regular facelifts, and we can now offer many added features such as leather upholstery and a more luxurious

interior. It has a larger battery for increased driving range, front and rear sensors, rear camera, push button start, keyless entry, and many other very high-end specs.”

“In addition to the all-electric Renault Zoe we’ve now got two Renault hybrid models, the Clio and the Captur”, adds Davidge. The Captur is a plug-in hybrid and can run on either the battery or the combustion engine, or a combination of both. It

has a nine-kilowatt battery and has a range of around 30 miles when driven in solely electric mode. “For the overseas market, the Captur is designed to be used in electric mode for short runs around town, and then for longer journeys you have the combustion engine” explains Davidge. “That concept still has relevance for use in Bermuda, especially where the owner is commuting into Hamilton from Somerset or St. George’s. The Captur also has regenerative braking, so anytime you’re going downhill or applying the brakes to slow down, the car is taking that energy and putting it back in the battery, thus extending the range driving in electric.”

“The Clio is a regular hybrid, where

Zoe interior

Renault Zoe

electric cars GoingGreen

the gas engine charges the small battery for the electric motor. The Clio operates in the same way as the Captur and can be driven fully electric. However, as it’s a smaller battery the distance is shorter”.

Due to our slower driving speeds in Bermuda, both the Captur and Clio will stay in electric as much as the battery charge will allow.

Eurocar also offers the Renault Kangoo for commercial vehicle license holders. Davidge says “we’re proud to have supplied BELCO, City of Hamilton, Department of Public Transport, and many commercial businesses with these revolutionary vehicles. Renault are Europe’s #1 van manufacturer and the Kangoo electric is the #1 choice for wise businesses looking to go electric.”

Soon Eurocar Ltd. hopes to also import the all new Megane E-Tech electric model as well, its second fully electric car. The Megane is only being made in electric form and is a great family car with lots of space and features.

Eurocar hopes to import the Megane in 2024

The best car window tinting

and cool your car’s interior

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furnishings from premature fading.

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GoingGreen energy

How to reduce harmful emissions

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it is estimated that 40% of all U.S. CO2 emissions result from the demand for heating, cooling, and hot water1. While the same study has not been conducted locally, the findings are an alarming indicator that heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are a large contributor of greenhouse gas emissions regardless of geographic location.

However, with careful thought, planning and action, these harmful emissions can be significantly reduced while at the same time reducing costs. Some of the key factors to consider and address are as follows:

Replacing/Installing heating and cooling equipment with modern, energy efficient equipment can reduce energy use by as much as 50%2, in addition to significantly reducing unnecessary CO2 emissions.

Temperatures

Setting HVAC systems to an optimal, energy efficient temperature – such as 78°F in the summer and 68°F in the winter – will ensure that your heating and cooling systems are not wasting energy and money while lowering CO2 emissions. Even raising the temperature by 2°F can result in 3-5% electricity savings for the system.

Regular Preventative Maintenance

To ensure your HVAC system is running at optimal efficiency, a regularly scheduled maintenance plan should be developed and executed. The plan will ensure your system’s longevity and efficiency along with ensuring your system is as friendly to the environment as possible.

At AIRCARE, we specialise in the latest energy efficient systems from the world’s leading manufacturers, such as Daikin and Midea, and

preventative HVAC maintenance, both of which will result in the reduction of potential issues, emissions, operating costs, and unexpected emergencies.

To minimise emissions and maximise efficiency, AIRCARE works with clients to determine their needs and takes a measured approach that can include full building energy audits and recommendations, integrated building system design, installation, testing and energy management and building automation systems. Once a system has been selected, AIRCARE technicians can take care of full system management, testing and certification, create custom controls, alarms and notifications and provide detailed energy usage analysis and reports which ensures proven cost savings. For more information on how to improve your HVAC efficiency visit aircare.bm or call 292-7342.

1 https://www.eia.gov/environment/ emissions/carbon/

2 https://www.regulations.doe.gov/ eecompass

Transformative Solutions

We designed and implemented new HVAC, LED lighting and Fire Protection systems for the Mintflower Building and, as a result, we decreased their energy costs by 33%.

To find out more about our energy efficency services, email info@aircare.bm

At AIRCARE, excellence is everyday.

Bermuda’s energy future

energy future for Bermuda

As we monitor and assess improvements in alternative power-generating technologies, BELCO remains firmly committed to our B100 initiative and we are focused on transitioning to a renewable power system.

We are also committed to achieving carbon net zero for our operations by 2050. Carbon net zero means that by 2050 we will add no more carbon to the environment than the amount removed. This commitment also includes taking actions to offset the carbon footprint of all of our employees.

While we analyse the options for economical, large-scale, renewable power, we are laying the foundation to support Bermuda’s transition.

As part of the transition, the modern and efficient North Power Station was commissioned in 2020. This will be the last fossil-fuelled plant BELCO will ever build. We are currently making operational adjustments in mitigation efforts to ensure the plant is operating at optimal efficiency and with minimal impact to the surrounding neighbourhood.

In the past year, work was completed to dismantle old, retired engines including five exhaust stacks, and to remove unused equipment and recycle metals. As part of our sustainability and environmental commitment, we are also remediating soil, and improving internal sustainable practices and efficiencies.

As part of our efforts to further reduce our carbon footprint, we are transitioning to an entirely electric commercial vehicle fleet. BELCO operates an intermediate/light vehicle fleet of which 84% are EVs. The remaining non-EVs will be retired from the fleet once they have reached the end of their useful lives and replaced with EVs.

BELCO also operates a heavy vehicle fleet which includes specialty vehicles

like bucket trucks, recovery trucks, pole digger trucks and winch/crane trucks. While the intention is to transition this fleet to EVs, currently there is no viable option to meet the company demands for these vehicles. Given the rapidly developing technology in these vehicles, BELCO plans to start the transition to an electric heavy fleet in 2024.

Work also continues on upgrading our transmission and distribution infrastructure that will ensure a safer, more reliable grid that will also be capable of accommodating the intermittent nature of most renewable technology as they come online. One of the first phases of the grid modernisation project was in the east end to accommodate the 6 megawatts of power from the Airport Finger Solar Installation which is now feeding into the grid.

One of the ways we are reducing our carbon footprint and transitioning to a more environmentally sustainable

Company is by encouraging our customers to sign up for e-billing which reduces our paper usage.

We have also encouraged and empowered our staff to volunteer their time to support registered charities and community initiatives focused on sustainability. This has included projects such as participating in Keep Bermuda Beautiful clean-ups, spending the day at Wind Reach to help to beautify the animal zone including sanding, painting and other tasks, assisting the Bermuda Audubon Society and Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo as part of our community day initiatives.

Our journey to sustainability is ongoing and it will not be completed overnight. We are making steady progress towards our goals and will continue to keep the community informed as milestones are achieved, and we move forward in building a cleaner, greener Bermuda.

Are you wrestling with the ever-increasing cost of gas for your car or your hefty utility bill? Not only do they put a big dent in your wallet, the fossil fuels they use are also a ‘double hit’ to the environment and climate change.

By installing energy efficient, renewable energy features in your home, and switching to an electric vehicle, you can lower your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint at the same time.

But how do you pay for these eco-friendly items? HSBC Energy Efficiency (EE) and Electric Vehicle (EV) Loans are a great solution. HSBC Energy Efficiency (EE) and Electric Vehicle (EV) Loans can help you afford the up-front costs of energy solutions, so you can benefit in the

long term.

The Energy Efficiency Loan must be wholly used for the purposes of installing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation equipment at home.

EV Loan refers to loan products that are solely for the purpose of financing customers to purchase Electric Vehicles or Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles. Electric Vehicles are vehicles that utilise rechargeable battery packs and electric motors. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles are vehicles that combine a conventional internal combustion engine system with an electric propulsion system that utilises a rechargeable battery pack.

For qualified applicants, HSBC Energy Efficiency (EE) and Electric Vehicle (EV) Loans are available with a zero-down payment on the full amount of your loan. Plus, you can borrow for up to seven years, which is the longest available term HSBC offers on an unsecured loan.

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Working in the great outdoors

Working outdoors is, in many ways, one of the most rewarding jobs you could find. For those featured on the following pages, there’s no other place they would rather be. Here are stories of people doing what they love in the most beautiful environment on earth — our island home. So, if you’re having a bad day at the office, read on.

Life on the Ocean

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” said Confucius. If that’s the case, Nigel Pollard should be sitting back with his feet up forever. Well, not exactly. As Captain of the Bermuda Zoological Society’s (BZS) educational vessel, R/V Endurance, he could be starting at 6am and finishing at midnight, especially on research days.

When school children are involved, his day is more 9 to 5, however during whale watching season, less so. Come the summer months, it’s all hands on deck, literally. He could be taking energetic children on educational trips or camps during the week, entertaining guests on a relaxing evening cruise or out snorkelling, or transporting the Bermuda Turtle Project:

“If we catch lots of turtles, we’re going to be there until the last turtle leaves the boat, they’ve done the science and we’ve packed up,” he laughs. “Hours can be crazy. There isn’t a standard week. Being a Captain and being on water, you understand that sometimes you’re going to be away from home.”

Even when the boat is out of the water, it’s long hours at the boat yard painting, repairing and servicing, much of which he does himself.

The former charter captain has been at the helm of R/V Endurance for nine years, but has worked on the water since he bought his first boat, which had been salvaged, at the age of 21.

He ran his charter business for seven years, but then expensive engine troubles meant it was time to sell up and move on. He spotted the BZS job in the paper and went for it: “For someone like me, who has a passion for the ocean and Bermuda as a whole, when the job came up in the paper, I thought: ‘Wow!’”

While Pollard enjoys every aspect of his job, the calibre of the people he works with and the part he plays in educating children about their island

environment really stand out:

“I get to work with some pretty amazing people who are experts in their field,” he says, adding: “You’re looking at these kids who live on an island and have no clue what’s on their doorstep. Being able to see them experience something that is really amazing, that’s so cool.”

In addition to R/V Endurance, Pollard is also responsible for three other BZS vessels – the 30-foot Callista catamaran, which does Harrington Sound tours and Trunk Island trips, a 20-foot twin vee, which is their

“everything vessel” and a 13-foot emergency whaler. He also uses a remote-controlled submarine on some of the educational trips.

It’s not just ‘under water’ education he facilitates, he also takes bird enthusiasts, including the Bermuda Audubon society, out to watch and study pelagic bird species such as the Cahows, as they come in, as well as migrating birds.

“When it comes to a job, you can’t ask for anything better,” he says. “I wanted to work on a boat and this is the epitome of it.”

Nigel Pollard

Hidden gems uncovered

When you’re surrounded on an island with such beautiful outdoor spaces, it’s hard to resist sharing those hidden gems with others. For Ashley Focke, who started her career as an educator, that allure was far too tempting.

So, in 2013, she left a secure teaching job and launched Hidden Gems eco-tours with the hope that others would be as keen to discover all those magical places that make Bermuda such a special place.

“I taught for nearly 10 years, but felt stifled by the indoor classroom and wanted to expand my teaching opportunities into the great outdoors,” she explains. “I went out on a whim to see if there could be success in showcasing lesser known ‘Bermudaful’ locations.”

Regularly spending time in nature continues to connect Mrs. Focke with her childhood memories of being raised by her horticulturalist father,

and the early interest in nature and Bermuda’s flora and fauna that her upbringing created.

On her tours she introduces excursionists to Bermuda’s vast wonders, whether on land or by sea, as well as introducing many different plants and the benefits of living a holistic life.

“I always joke that I would be the best partner if anyone ever wanted to pair up with me for the television show Naked and Afraid,” she says.

Her eco-tours business has expanded to include dozens of tours, growth in staff and a fleet of buses. And while hundreds of visitors have explored Bermuda’s cave systems or have dived into the Blue Lagoon in Tom Moore’s Jungle, she treats each group as family, and continues to relish spending time outdoors.

“A perfect day on the job really starts with the energy of our guests and how well everyone on tour vibes

with each other, and myself as the tour guide,” she explains. “I aim for each group of perfect strangers to feel like a family within moments of meeting one another. We have fun, we joke and our guests are learning about the many different facets of our Island through it all.”

Even as she has capitalised on her love of the outdoors and spends hours giving guests an incredible and unique experience through the expertise she’s gained over the years, she still continues to find herself drawn to the outdoors even during her downtime.

She takes to the ocean, discovering its hidden depths and the beauty it has to offer.

“I absolutely love the coral reef and observing sea creatures that make it their home,” she says. “I find every opportunity to spend my downtime in nature and take time to appreciate all the beauty that surrounds us.”

Ashley Focke

GoingGreen the great outdoors

Living his dream as a fisherman, Pete Rodday has learnt to take the rough with the smooth.

“You might have a fish on the line and a shark could come from nowhere and grab it,” says father-oftwo Rodday, of St David’s.

“On the one hand, you’ve lost a fish; on the other hand, witnessing the raw nature is pretty cool.”

Such is life for people who spend their days tackling the unpredictability of the ocean while trying to catch enough fish to make a living in an increasingly expensive world.

Rodday, 49, the grandson of a fisherman, gave up his job as a heavy equipment operator about ten years ago to pursue a career on the water.

He fixed up a 40-foot Bermuda cedar boat, Moby Dick, and put into practice the skills he acquired growing up in Massachusetts.

“My grandfather had shown me things about fishing and being outside, and it was something I always enjoyed,” Rodday says.

“It’s something I had always wanted to do. I had saved enough to get started. I’m stubborn enough to make a go of it.

“To apply yourself in this day and age, trying to make a livelihood out of it is pretty difficult. But when you do, it’s very rewarding.

“My family take pride in what I do. To see their faces when I come in after a big day, telling them all about it, sharing my stories, that means the world to me.

“We have a very small, townorientated community. When I come in at the end of the day, I see people around town and field their questions. It’s nice to be a part of that community.”

Rodday, who supplies East End Fisheries and local restaurants, starts work at daybreak, which is usually before 6.30am.

On good days, he nets a variety of species.

“You might get there and catch a

nice rockfish, maybe a few wahoo and some tuna. Then you come back to the docks and sometimes you see people bringing their kids to see the fishermen bringing in their catch. It’s nice.”

There are frustrating days when you don’t catch much.

“There’s a lot of times when that happens. More days than you care about. It’s difficult,” Rodday says.

“After so many years, you know when to go out and when not to. Those days are hard because your family relies on your contribution monetarily.

“That’s why you save your money. You’ve got to be cheap when you’ve got to be cheap, because not every day is a perfect day.”

And then there are the terrible days.

“When it’s an unsavoury day, you’ve got to muster up whatever you can, trust in your skills and knowledge.

“There are times when you’ve got to say the wind is too much out there, it’s better I live to fight another day.

“There’s always something to be worked on at the dock so that as soon as the weather clears up you are all set to go out again.”

Emotions can be as tricky to navigate as the waves.

“You’ve got to be tough on those difficult days,” he says.

“But on the good days, you are totally elated. You are reassured on why you do this. It makes all the difficult times disappear. It’s a great feeling, the pride that comes with it.

“You also get to enjoy the freedom, the open air, the chance to see nature – having a giant humpback whale just breach right at the side of the boat or whatever it might be.”

Unlike many Bermudian fishing families, Rodday built his business from scratch.

“Most people who live on the island and can really make a go of it, their family have been active on the island for many years,” Rodday says.

“I saw some of the East End fishing families – the Walshes and the Barneses – and used them as a model for my own business plan for being a commercial fisherman, and trying to raise my son and daughter to be involved too.

“If you are really serious about it, you have got to find a family plot close to the water and do these things step by step.”

Fishing must be in the genes for Rodday’s children, whose greatgrandfather Leo Barboza still holds a world record with his 115lbs wahoo caught on a 20lb test line off the South Shore of Bermuda in 1961.

Rodday’s daughter Paige, 14, loves to join her father on fishing trips, while son Rocco, 8, takes a keen interest in all aspects of fishing life.

“I certainly hope he’ll keep enjoying this and one day he can take over,” Rodday says. “I’m trying to put all this together to make it easier for him.”

Pete Rodday

the great outdoors GoingGreen

Farming in the Family

Farming is in Carlos Amaral’s blood. As a child, he and his siblings went to school during the day, before heading to the fields afterwards: “We’d take our pedal bikes or Dad would pick us up,” he remembers.

He wasn’t the only one. This was common among all farmers’ children: “It was a rite of passage. It taught work ethic. It was a good time spent with family members, despite the work.”

Although his early life had been an ‘apprenticeship’ for his later career, he did try another job before following in his father’s footsteps: “I had a stint working with an accounting firm, but I did not like being in an office,” he says. “That was the impetus for pursuing farming.”

While Amaral cares passionately about what he does, there’s no sugar coating the work involved. Six days a week he is up by 6am and, depending on the weather and the time of year, he doesn’t get home until after 7pm.

Founded in 1962, Amaral Farms has a total of five full-time employees, including Amaral and his brother. They operate from their farm base on Watlington Road in Devonshire, but also rent fields across the island. In total, they have about 25 acres of cultivated land and a lot of those fields will grow two, sometimes three crops a year.

Bermuda’s growers are unique in that they don’t specialise in one crop, and Amaral grows most of the ‘alphabet’, from anise to zucchini: “Everything that can grow, we do grow, in some amount, in some scale, seasonally,” he says.

He has a degree in plant science and enjoys experimenting: “The best part is seeing a crop come to fruition from start to finish, particularly if you’re experimenting with a new variety or method of production and you see an increase in yield,” he says. Mangoes are his current passion project.

The biggest downside to farming in Bermuda is hurricanes: “You’ve

got all your chips on the table when a hurricane comes along,” he says. “There’s no real support for us from a financial standpoint. It’s not like we have crop insurance. You take your hit on the cheek, grin and bear it. You roll up your sleeves and persevere.”

The logistics of getting what you need to produce crops, such as seeds and cuttings also cause a headache for Amaral as do pests and diseases. Where possible, he uses organic products but, he says, “they only get you so far, then you use the

conventional.”

When not using organic products however, he only uses a wellresearched product, applied carefully: “I eat out of the same field that we sell out of. My children eat the same product. We do our due diligence to make sure we’re providing the safest product to the market.”

In spite of the hard work and hurricanes, Amaral wouldn’t do anything else: “Every day, I learn something. I’m blessed that I have a lifestyle, not a job,” he says.

Carlos Amaral

For the love of landscaping

Anything you can imagine related to horticulture or gardens, the team at Brown and Company Ltd. have probably done.

Abseiling down a cliff face over Harrington Sound to remove invasive casuarinas, building an executive tree house, complete with necessary wiring and a zip line into a swimming pool, hard and soft landscaping, conservation management plans, renovating gardens and designing and planting them from scratch.

Managed by the father daughter team of Martin and Poppy Brown, Martin, 56, founded the company more than 20 years ago, but has been doing landscaping since he was 18 years old:

“I fell into it. It was a summer job, working with the tree guys years ago and I just enjoyed it,” he says. He did an apprenticeship before going overseas for formal training. When he returned to Bermuda he worked briefly for his former employer before moving to the Parks Department as senior superintendent and director. He

missed the creative side of design and horticulture however, and so Brown and Company was born.

“In the 20 years since we started, we’ve done nothing but grow and it’s a very viable, very busy business,” he continues. The work is varied and includes landscaping for high-end development work, such as the Loren, which is where they opened their own nursery almost two years ago to complement the rest of their business. There, they grow what they need for their clients and sell by appointment.

While Martin and Poppy both love what they do, there’s no denying it’s hard work, typically 10 hours a day, six days a week.

“We meet in the yard at 7.30 every morning, I set the guys up for their days. This morning I had plants on my van ready to go. I went to Somerset, laid them all out and then usually I spend a couple of hours in the office doing emails, admin, quotes. I have customer meetings to look at new work. Running about getting the guys what they need

for what jobs are on,” says Poppy.

While the hours may be typical, the work is not and that is their favourite part of the job. “It’s very different every day,” continues Poppy. “The best part’s the creative side, making a garden look really pretty, especially on really big jobs, when you’re back every day on a job site for weeks and then you see the finished product. That’s really satisfying.”

One of the more unusual projects the team worked on was a sensory garden for Child and Adolescent Services at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute. This was a charity project, designed by them, which included timber decking, brick and Bermuda stone paving, concrete imprinting, artificial turf installation, sensory plants and a sailboat play fixture.

A downside of the job however, is the summer heat: “I stay hydrated as much as possible,” says Poppy, who loves to jump in the water as soon as she gets home from work. “I have a pretty bad ‘farmers’ tan,” she laughs.

Martin and Poppy Brown

the great outdoors GoingGreen

Connecting with nature

Spending time in the natural world and preserving Bermuda’s cultural heritage are just some of the draws that Myles Darrell discovered while working in the outdoors.

His role as head of natural heritage at the Bermuda National Trust (BNT) often doesn’t feel like a job, but continues to help him fulfil his purpose. It’s not just about working in the outdoors but also preserving the Island’s open spaces, to be enjoyed for generations.

“I’ve always felt this draw to the outdoors,” he says, “and I felt like it was the space I would have the greatest impact. I always felt like I wanted to do something that would foster the change that we all want to see in our community. Being that I had this love of the outdoors, I saw this opportunity to create the change and become a more sustainable Island, it felt like a good fit.”

His days are varied, which has suited his self-described ‘short attention span’. On one day he might be working with students through the BNT’s eco-club, or planting endemic trees and clearing out invasives at any of the Trust’s many nature reserves. Other days he might be delivering insight to corporate groups on the importance of conservation and the Trust’s mission. That mission is to preserve and protect Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage. The BNT strives to achieve this through reviewing planning applications to encourage less negative impact on our natural spaces, raising awareness if there are concerns with current developments, and advocacy work around the Island’s heritage value. But it’s spending time outdoors and the opportunities that it provides that brings Myles the most joy.

“My perfect day is spending the whole time outside, working with Bermudians trying to better our natural heritage in our nature reserves.”

He adds: “I love to be able to share in the joy of what I do, and watch other people smile and find success and achievement creating the conditions conducive for our native and endemic flora and fauna.”

“Working with the Trust is such a good fit. I work with great people and enjoy the collegial dialogue around conservation work. The passion that exudes from my colleagues is infectious.”

While a lot of his downtime is spent working on conservation passion projects, Myles is well

known for his love of gardening and his enthusiasm for trees.

“I’m a botany lover and trees are my big draw; I think they’re absolutely amazing and I don’t think we’ve unlocked the full understanding of their capacity.”

He finds as much time as possible to travel the world in search of the world’s most unique trees. He has travelled to India to see the largest tree in the world, has measured Kauri trees in New Zealand, studied Wollemi Pines in Australia, and desert trees in North Africa and Chile.

Myles Darrell

Working to end single-use plastic pollution

at Beyond Plastics.

Danielle: As many know, Bacardi established a long-term partnership with Beyond Plastic. We chose this charity because of its alignment with Bacardi’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives, which includes taking bold action to have a positive impact on the environment. So, Katie please share a quick summary of Beyond Plastic and its mission.

Katie: Beyond Plastic came together from a partnership between two long-established Bermuda charities, Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB) and Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST). We are a volunteer group of about eight that is leading this campaign. Beyond Plastic is committed to supporting the community, the government, and other organisations, towards moving away from single-use plastic. This is one of the most toxic things to the planet. We know it’s not easy when you make a big change and change needs to happen. So that’s what we’re trying to facilitate. You can put legislation on the books, but unless you have the community behind it, that desired change won’t happen.

Danielle: What impact has Bacardi’s donation had on helping Beyond Plastic achieve its objectives?

Katie: We literally could not do what we’re doing without Bacardi’s support because as I said, we are a volunteer team working with two non-profits. Without Bacardi’s commitment, we

could not do any of the community outreach and education that we do. Everything costs money. For example, although we do as much as possible with our volunteers, such as designing ads and posters in-house, when you place a Google ad, or print the posters, or use any other social or traditional media, there is a cost. We do need the financial support to be able to have the impact that we need.

Danielle: So the funds that Bacardi has donated have been invested to help raise public awareness about the campaign via newspaper articles…. etc”

Katie: We’ve been trying to be on every single platform to connect with every part of Bermuda. One of the things that we did in the beginning was research into how to connect with different segments of Bermuda, whether it’s individuals, community groups, businesses, or the government. And our whole campaign is about touching and connecting with every single one of those groups. And that’s what Bacardi helps us do, and the relationship between Bacardi and Beyond Plastic has been a fantastic one because the values are the same. You asked us to do a plastic audit of your Global Headquarters building and following that, you made important changes, such as literally clearing out all plastics from your staff canteen. So you’re walking the walk and talking the talk.

Danielle: Yes, that was an exciting

milestone for us, being named a Beyond Plastic Champion, which means we are certified as a plastic free facility. Hopefully this is inspiring other corporates to do the same.

Katie: Yes, Bacardi has led the way. Twenty other companies in Bermuda and organisations have come behind you and are now Beyond Plastic Champions. And we’ve recently been working with sixteen more. Having Bacardi say that they’re committed to this has really inspired a change. When a global brand like Bacardi says this is important, other brands pay attention. The other thing that we released a few months ago is Champions of Change, which is people from all walks of life from Bermuda who are saying that they’re committed to Beyond Plastic. Those people are featured in a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/rDi-_P4LW3s/ The video really speaks to the fact that the campaign is designed around individual action, organisational support, and supporting the

government. And so those three pieces together is how we’re making this change happen.

Danielle: Being fearless, being a leader, is something that Bacardi holds near and dear. That is us living our values. But with every great thing, there are challenges. What has been the biggest challenge so far for Beyond Plastics?

Katie: We’re coming out of COVID, and the community is trying to rebuild itself. There are the best of intentions and people are trying hard in tough times, and yet there’s so much ‘greenwashing’, where organisations overstate their positive environmental activities or products. It’s hard for organisations and individuals to do the right thing, that’s why we need them to engage with us because we can say: “this is what you need to be aware of, this is greenwashing, this isn’t”. What’s exciting is that the wholesalers and retailers in Bermuda are bringing in

more environmentally acceptable products. We are seeing a shift, and we’re in constant correspondence with them. They ask us “is this ok? What about this?”. So, we’re excited to start seeing the impact of what the campaign is doing.

Danielle: I really like how you’re taking challenges and turning them into opportunities. You talked earlier about how Bacardi’s leadership has inspired other corporates. Are you getting a good response to the campaign?

Katie: Yes, there’s a lot of support there. When you ask them to be a plastic free building, there’s a little bit of resistance around some things — coffee pods come to mind – but there are options, and we’ll get there. But it’s not just corporates that are joining in. It’s also restaurants and hotels. We’re so pleased that all four of the restaurants at the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club are Beyond Plastic Champions. This is huge, and

is because of Bacardi. You have helped inspire that change and so we couldn’t do it without you.

Danielle: So outside of Bacardi providing funding, what are some other ways that we, and others, can get involved with Beyond Plastic.

Katie: The biggest thing is outreach. The people you speak with every day and the places you reach become vehicles for this message — to persuade even more people to get onboard. We need everybody’s help to make this community change.

Danielle: So, as a call to action for our community, we are requesting that they help spread awareness around the Beyond Plastic campaign, choose environmentally friendly products when purchasing items, encourage their organisations to become a Beyond Plastic Champion and as an individual, become a Champion for Change?

Katie: Yes, absolutely. One of the main things about our campaign is about inspiration and innovation — inspiring people to change and to look at things in different ways. If any organisation or individual has a challenge in making that change, such as moving away from coffee pods that I mentioned earlier, we encourage them to contact us at Beyond Plastic. We’ll help support you, offer some options, make some suggestions.

Danielle: So, what’s next?

Katie: We have done a lot of work around the two big campaigns — Beyond Plastic Champions and Champions of Change. You’ll see even more of that coming through in the coming months. We’re going to continue to work with organisations, corporates, businesses, retailers, wholesalers, restaurants, and hotels. If they are getting stuck, or finding it a challenge to move, we’re here to help them figure it out and make it easier for them, and for us all to do our best to help make a positive impact on the environment.

Katie Berry (left) and Danielle Paynter (right)

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At BELCO, we are committed to creating a sustainable energy future for Bermuda.

With improvements in alternative power-generating technologies, our focus is on transitioning to a renewable power system. While we analyse the options for economical, large-scale, renewable power, we are laying the foundation to support Bermuda’s transition, which includes retiring old engines; removing unused equipment; recycling metals; remediating former industrial sites; improving internal sustainable practices and efficiencies; moving to an entirely electric commercial fleet; and upgrading our transmission and distribution infrastructure to accommodate the intermittent nature of renewable technologies.

We’re excited to continue sharing our sustainable journey with you.

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