- Details
In response to increased community concern, Greenrock, Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce, Ocean Rock Wellness, Bermuda Advocates for Safe Technology and Dr. David Wingate are all joining together to bring awareness to concerns regarding the potential deployment of 5G Technology in Bermuda. The groups are also advocating for an extension to the public consultation, being administered by the Regulatory Authority (RA), which is currently scheduled to close on November 23rd.
We strongly urge the RA to extend the public consultation on 5G, which is being held during a time when our focus has been on a global pandemic, for at least 30 days. Given the vast and potentially negative impact 5G could have on the health of Bermudians and our natural environment, it is important that adequate time be allocated for the general public to understand the potential risks and provide their input. This is about the health and safety of the people of Bermuda, especially our most vulnerable, and as a result, we are deeply concerned that this push for 5G is placing profit over people.
5G is very different from previous generations of wireless technology. It promises an increase in data transmission rates by using high-frequency, short millimeter waves, which require a large number of antennas to be erected in close proximity to homes, schools, and places of work. The technology requires massive increases in energy consumption and there are genuine concerns that 5G also poses risks to birds, bees and tree canopy. For full coverage, antenna installations will need to take place island-wide, therefore involuntarily exposing all of us to a substantial increase in wireless radiation. At the moment, we can all choose the extent to which we use wireless technology in our homes, however should 5G technology be approved in Bermuda, the rollout of 5G infrastructure, and our subsequent exposure to considerable increases in wireless radiation, will happen without our consent.
5G is globally controversial, with a growing list of countries and cities halting its implementation. In Bermuda, we need to determine our position, and the window of opportunity for influencing the outcome has arrived. We must act now if we wish for our voices to be heard. A petition to stop the deployment of 5G in Bermuda is currently circulating, with over 3,500 signatures to date, and the link to sign and share the petition is as follows:
Before the deployment of 5G technology is even contemplated for Bermuda, it is critical that policy is created to protect the populous. Doctors and scientists have repeatedly advised that the FCC guidelines, we currently follow in Bermuda, for exposure to cellular radiation are outdated and no longer suitable for protecting our health. This is very concerning, and needs to be addressed with haste. Regulations on where cell towers and antennas can be installed must be created, inclusive of quantities and minimum distances from residential areas, rest homes and schools. A long overdue registry of existing cell towers and antennas needs to be established, and the public should be informed of proposed installations as well.
We welcome the advancement of technology; as long as that technology has proven to be safe. There are alternatives to 5G, such as fiber optics, which is faster, more reliable, less susceptible to hacking and can be deployed without increasing health and environmental risks. It is important to note that 5G has not been tested for safety, despite the fact that testing is required for numerous products before they enter the market. Swiss Re classified 5G as a “high” emerging risk, cautioning that, “potential claims for health impairments may come with a long latency.” In fact, most of the world’s leading insurers have excluded policy coverage for any negative health effects as a result of wireless technology. Therefore, if insurance companies refuse to take the risk, why should we?
References
Reference 1. How 5G is different
- https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.medicalnewstoday.com/amp/articles/326141
- https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/IDAN/2019/631060/IPOL_IDA(2019)631060_EN.pdf
- https://ec.europa.eu/health/sites/health/files/scientific_committees/scheer/docs/scheer_s_002.pdf
Reference 2. Global controversy around 5G
Reference 3. With respect to 5G not being safety tested
- https://ehtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Blumenthal-Eshoo-letter-to-FCC-re-5G-safety-December-2018.pdf
Reference 4. Doctors / Scientists request FCC safety guidelines be reviewed and updated
Reference 5. About insurers excluding coverage | Swiss RE reporting 5G as emerging risk
- https://ehtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Swiss-Re-SONAR-Publication-2019-excerpt-1.pdf
- https://www.businessinsurance.com/article/99999999/wp05/110519977/the-next-asbestos-five-emerging-risks-that-could-shift-the-liability-landscape
- Details
Greenrock is spearheading local efforts to recognize Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28th from 8:30 - 9:30pm in the midst of growing concerns about the global impact of Covid-19. The way the global community is rallying together in an effort to halt the spread of what has now become a pandemic, is both admirable and proof that the capacity does exist to address global challenges, even at potentially great financial cost. Our value for life and our inherent regard for each other has united us and inspired courses of action we may have previously considered unthinkable. Global systems, industries, economies and multi-billion dollar enterprises are all slowing down drastically and in some cases being brought to a screeching halt.
Although we are all deeply saddened by the adverse effects associated with this phenomenon, Earth Hour is about inspiring climate action and as advocates, we are encouraged by the levels of commitment and determination currently on display. Unity is strength and by leveraging it we can achieve anything we put our minds to. At Greenrock we recognize that Climate Change needs to become more of a priority for the entire global community and, as a result, we are pleased to confirm that with assistance from Government, BELCO, Corporation of Hamilton, Corporation of St. Georges, WEDCO and the Chamber of Commerce, participation in the symbolic “lights out” activity will take place in numerous locations throughout the island to show the world that Bermuda continues to support climate action.
The goal of our Earth Hour Campaign is to inspire action by celebrating achievements, whilst raising awareness about behaviours that lead to more sustainable practices in our everyday lives. In 2018 our Earth Hour campaign was focused on rallying for the elimination of single use plastics, and in 2019 the campaign raised awareness about energy efficiency. This year our focus is public engagement and we are asking the community to use Earth Hour as an opportunity to pause. Chairman of the Board, Eugene Dean said, “As we shut off all unnecessary lights at 8:30pm on Saturday, March 28th, let’s take time to pause, so that we can reflect on our contribution to Bermuda’s carbon footprint, and envision what our lives could look like living in harmony with each other and the environment. We are stewards of the earth and it is important for us to embrace this responsibility, lest our shortcomings and our failure to act appropriately will fall on the shoulders of future generations.”
Even as a small island our example can reach the four corners of the earth. Individually, we can inspire the people around us and collectively, we can influence the world. With that in mind, we encourage the entire community to support our campaign this year by turning off unnecessary lights during Earth Hour at your place of business and your home.
As a result of the precautions being taken to limit the potential threats associated with Covid-19, we have decided to focus our efforts this year on encouraging public participation through a comprehensive media campaign. We understand that hosting a public event such as our Annual Earth Hour Celebration this year would be socially irresponsible. Therefore, we are encouraging everyone to participate in Earth Hour both at work and at home. Taking time to pause during Earth Hour is something that we are all capable of doing. An hour without unnecessary lights, TVs, radios, computers, tablets or phones can create the ideal environment for reflection and visions of the future each of us would love to see. We are thankful for the assistance of everyone involved with the Earth Hour Council and have included a few statements from participating organizations expressing their support.
To arrange interviews or request more information please contact us at 747.7625 or email Taneka King at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
- Details
The Green Building Forum (GBF) promotes sustainable commercial environments and facilities management. Founded by Greenrock in 2009, the GBF encourages co-operation, innovation and knowledge exchange among local businesses working to create and maintain healthy eco-friendly environments which are also cost-effective.
What is Sustainable Development?
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainability maintains the health and biocapacity of the environment, supports the well-being of individuals and the thriving of communities while promoting a better economy where there is little waste and pollution, fewer emissions, more jobs, and a better distribution of wealth.
- Details
Bermuda’s electricity sector regulator has opted against natural gas as a principal generation fuel and in favour of an offshore wind farm and more solar power.
Details were released yesterday by the Regulatory Authority in the island’s first Integrated Resource Plan, which outlines the framework for Bermuda’s energy requirements over the next 25 years.
Under the plan, within six years the island is scheduled to have a 60-megawatt offshore wind farm, 21MW of utility-scale solar photovoltaic supply and up to 30MW of “distributed generation”, meaning residential and small scale solar.
The RA said last night that “specific engines at the Belco plant that are dependent on fossil fuels will be decommissioned”.
By 2028, biomass generation is scheduled to be added to the island’s energy mix.
In a statement, the RA said two distinct options emerged from its analysis: liquefied natural gas as a fuel source with additional renewable energy, or no liquefied natural gas with very high renewable energy penetration.
“The RA selected the high renewable option which will yield the lowest long-term cost for a non-natural gas solution, while exceeding Bermuda’s renewable energy policy objective,” the regulator stated.
The RA chose from eight energy-mix scenarios. The one selected will result in 85 per cent of the island’s electricity coming from renewables by 2035, well in excess of the 38 per cent target of government energy policy.
The capital investment needed to implement the plan is estimated at $273 million.
Generators that burn liquid fuel “are not expected to operate at full utilisation from 2026 onwards due to the relatively high contribution that is expected from renewable sources”, the report states.
However, such generators will still be needed to ensure continuity of supply when renewable sources are not available and during major system faults, the IRP adds.
The regulator had gone through a 20-month process, which involved power utility Belco submitting its proposals for the IRP — which favoured a solution with natural gas being used as a principal fuel.
Eight alternative proposals were then submitted and reviewed by the RA and feedback from more than 800 people considered.
One of the proposals, submitted by BE Solar, included plans for a 60MW wind farm located six miles off Dockyard.
Angela Berry, the RA’s chairwoman, said: “We know that business as usual is not sustainable. We also know that investing in a natural gas solution would continue our dependency on fossil fuels for up to 50 years and provide fewer diverse investment opportunities.
“Therefore, the RA is confident that the energy plan will help to stabilise the cost of electricity, provide jobs to construct and support the new renewables infrastructure, increase investment opportunities for local and international investors, reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and place Bermuda significantly ahead of its renewables target.”
The IRP’s release comes as Ascendant Group shareholders prepare to vote next month on a proposed $365 million takeover by Algonquin Power & Utility Corporation.
In a letter to shareholders, Peter Durhager, chairman of Ascendant, said that for Bermuda, “Algonquin and Belco will continue to collaborate with the regulator to implement the IRP”.
Belco declined to comment on the IRP last night.
Ms Berry said the next steps in the IRP implementation include conducting several pre-feasibility studies to quantify the maximum amount of solar capacity available and future requirements, and also to undertake an investment-grade study on the use of wind power.
Another study would determine the feasibility of introducing biomass generation into the energy mix.
Ms. Berry added: “It is important to note that the IRP is a living document, and as such, the RA will conduct another IRP within the next three to four years to include the results of the pre-feasibility studies, to identify new changes in technology and gauge public sentiment regarding energy.”
Walter Roban, the home affairs minister, welcomed the IRP last night.
“I am pleased with the announcement and release of Bermuda’s first IRP,” Mr Roban said. “While there are elements of the IRP that reflect the Government’s commitment, the IRP also outlines a number of scenarios that the public should carefully consider as we all decide the course of our energy future moving forward.
“Bermuda has a long way to go before we can achieve a low-carbon energy future at a lower cost.”
Mr Roban added: “We must all do our part to decrease our demand for fossil fuels and non-renewable electricity in Bermuda. This contributes to hundreds of millions of dollars leaving the country and unsustainable high costs of living and doing business.”
Article courtesy of the Bermuda Royal Gazette.
- Details
We all know how our oceans are choking from plastic. This is a menace which seems to have no end! Single-use plastic is one of the most time-consuming things to get rid of, yet their use doesn’t seem to slow down. So what does a boy from Germany do to save the planet from the devil of the single-use coffee cups?
Kaffeeform is the start-up company of Julian Lechner from Berlin, where they use coffee grounds to make reusable coffee cups.
While we all enjoy our cuppa, the United States alone generates 120 billion single-use coffee cups every year. So imagine the waste generated with the whole world consuming their share of coffee, not only generating the non-biodegradable cups but also heaps of coffee grounds.
In 2009, while studying product design, Lechner noticed how much coffee he and his peers consumed daily. The average person in Germany consumes as much as 14pounds of coffee beans yearly. Almost 99% of all coffee cups are turned to the trash and even paper cups may take more than 20 years to properly decompose.
So Lechner planned to reuse the disposed of coffee grounds to produce eco-friendly coffee cups. Not just Kaffeeform, another startup, Crow Cycle Courier Collective, is also involved in this mission of saving the planet. The Collective gathers nearly 110 pounds of coffee grounds each day which is then cleaned in Kaffeeform workshops.
They are then sent to a different facility to dry and blend with things like plant fibers, natural resins, and beechwood grains. Intense pressure and heat compress 6 cups of coffee grounds to make one cup and saucer. The finished products are 100% biodegradable and 40% coffee grounds.
Lechner’s success lies in how 20 of Berlin’s coffee shops use his products along with 150 odd vendors throughout Europe. The future for the company lies in Lechner’s vision of producing not just cups but to extend into furniture and lifestyle product production. And to think, it’s all from the remains of our coffee!
Read the Full Article Here.
Greenrock
Every little bit counts when it comes to a charity like Greenrock!
Donations help us fund the day-to-day operations of the organisation, allowing us to maintain our existing programmes while exploring new programmes for the future.
© 2018 Greenrock Bermuda | All Rights Reserved | Web Design & Development