Sustainability
Net Zero is the state at which the greenhouse gases added to the Earth’s atmosphere are balanced by the greenhouse gases removed from the Earth’s atmosphere.
Why Net Zero?
Net Zero is the state at which global warming ceases to exist and as per global scientific consensus, must be achieved by 2050 in order to prevent irreparable climate damage. As long as global emissions remain above zero, the planet will continue to get hotter.
What is Climate Change?
Climate Change refers to the changes in the Earth’s temperature and weather patterns over a long period of time caused by both natural occurrences and human activities with the latter being the primary driver since the 1800s. As emissions continue to rise, so does the temperature of the Earth with the last decade (2011-2020) being the warmest on record. Scientists agree world-wide that limiting the global temperature increase to no more than 1.5°C will assist us in maintaining a livable climate.
What are GHGs?
Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) are gases that keep the Earth warmer than it would be without them by altering the way energy enters and leaves our atmosphere. The main GHGs driving climate change are Carbon Dioxide (burning fossil fuels and certain chemical reactions), Methane (livestock and agriculture practices, land use and decay of organic waste), Nitrous Oxide (wastewater treatment and Industrial activities) and Fluorinated Gases (household, commercial and industrial processes).
Our Goal: Net Zero by 2050
We are committed to being your partner on Bermuda’s journey towards a sustainable future with an ultimate goal of being Net Zero by 2050. This means that we are working to make operational changes to reduce our carbon emissions to the lowest amount possible and then offsetting what we cannot as a last resort to achieve a neutral state.
Our commitment to Net Zero also extends to offsetting the carbon footprint of each one of our employees making our entire team carbon neutral. To date, through our partnership with Climate Wise, we have been able to offset the following:
CO2
8,874.31 tonnes
730,744
trees planted
36,815,597 miles driven
in a typical family car
How do we achieve Net Zero?
We plan to achieve our goal of Net Zero by 2050 through the reduction of carbon emissions and offsetting the emissions we cannot eradicate. We are currently evaluating the following technologies for inclusion in our Net Zero plan:
Wind
Wind energy, or wind power, is created using a wind turbine, a device that channels the power of the wind to generate electricity. The wind blows the blades of the turbine, which are attached to a rotor. The rotor then spins a generator to create electricity.
Solar
Solar energy is any type of energy generated by the sun that can be harnessed directly or indirectly for human use. Solar energy is constantly flowing away from the sun and throughout the solar system. It warms the Earth, causes wind and weather, and sustains plant and animal life.
Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting is the process of removing the same amount of carbon from the atmosphere that you put in the atmosphere, which creates a balance called carbon neutrality. In theory, we can cancel out the impact of our emissions by investing in projects that reduce or store carbon.
Energy Storage
Energy storage systems are a fundamental part of energy systems, as they provide continuity, stability, and security of service. Their usage with renewable energy technologies is of the utmost importance to avoid intermittency, to increase infrastructure lifespan and to decarbonise centralised and distributed electrification systems.
Renewable Energy
There are many renewable energy sources that will most likely not make it into our plan to achieve Net Zero by 2050 for various reasons. In the following articles we will explore other renewable energy sources and the local research that has been done on each.
eBilling Campaign Winners
Hamilton, Bermuda Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (“BELCO”) today announced the winners of a prize draw for $500 and $250 BELCO gift certificates for customers who have switched from paper billing to ebilling. Dawnette Bell was the winner of the $500...
2023 E-Billing Campaign
Hamilton, Bermuda In honour of Earth Day, Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (“BELCO”) today announced a prize draw for a $500 BELCO gift certificate for customers who use e-billing. BELCO is committed to sustainability and is working to change the Company’s...
Year 2 Update: Our Commitment to Sustainability
Dear Residents of Bermuda, Earth Day 2023 is centred on the theme ‘Invest in our Planet’, which focuses on engaging governments, institutions, businesses, and the more than 1 billion citizens who participate annually in Earth Day to do their part – everyone accounted...
BELCO Fleet Electrification
As we progress towards our goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050, we have been implementing changes to our operations to reduce our carbon emissions. One of the methods identified to reduce our carbon emissions was electrifying our fleet. Intermediate/Light Fleet:For the...
Make Everyday Earth Day
At BELCO, we are celebrating Earth Day all week long! The Earth Day 2022 Theme is Invest In Our Planet. What Will You Do?Join us in making everyday Earth Day with some of the following tips on how to live more sustainably: 1. Use the internet, not trees.2. Conserve...
Going Green: BELCO’s Journey to Sustainability
Check out our article in Going Green Magazine: Bermuda Media — Going GreenAt BELCO, we are committed to creating a safe, secure and sustainable energy future for Bermuda. As we monitor and assess improvements in alternative power-generating technologies, we remain...
Year 1 Update: Our Commitment to Sustainability
Dear Residents of Bermuda, On Earth Day 2021, we made a bold and public commitment to you. We promised to join you, unifying our efforts, to ensure Bermuda’s journey towards sustainability is progressive, efficient, innovative, and sound. While our journey towards...
WIN a $500 BELCO gift voucher in our e-billing draw!
Paper production uses enormous amounts of energy and water. It’s a major cause of deforestation, carbon emissions and climate change. BELCO is committed to sustainability, which includes changing our business practices. We’re reducing our paper use and you can help. ✅...
BELCO Maintains ISO 14001:2015 Standard for Environmental Management Systems Certification
HamiltonBermuda Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) has successfully maintained its certification to the ISO 14001:2015 Standard for Environmental Management Systems. BELCO has been certified to the Standard since 2010. The registration renewal audit was...
Our Commitment to Sustainability
Dear Residents of Bermuda, It has been BELCO’s honour to provide electricity to the homes and businesses on this island for over a century. During that time, much has changed; consumption of electricity has grown exponentially and our system has been continually...