DoE asks for input on energy use
Diesel tanks at Jackson Point, Grand Cayman
(CNS): Despite the small population and a mere 100 square miles of territory, the Cayman Islands has a tradition of punching above its weight in terms of progress. And while that may have proved positive for the country on the financial stage, its over-sized carbon footprint is certainly a negative. In its final public opinion survey in a series of four, the Department of Environment focuses on energy consumption and sustainability, asking questions to find out how willing the public is to help Cayman become more eco-friendly.
With local dependence on diesel for electricity, high air-conditioning use, desalinated water, historically unchecked development and poor planning, plus almost non-existent recycling, there is room for Cayman to make dramatic changes.
However, the key to reducing the islands’ energy use lies with the energy consumers — the public.
In its final short online survey environment officials are looking for people’s input on their current energy use and sustainable behaviours and, more importantly, the barriers to improvements and the adoption of more sustainable practices locally.
“This final survey concerns energy consumption and other sustainability measures that can be implemented to reduce the carbon footprint of our homes,” a DOE spokesperson said. “As the means of electricity generation in the Cayman Islands is primarily diesel powered generators, and our energy consumption is high due to our reliance on energy intensive processes like air-conditioning and desalination of water, the country’s carbon footprint per capita is proportionally higher than many other countries.”
For the last four weeks the DoE has posted the survey on CNS to collect a snapshot of public opinion. Officials said the surveys have gone very well, with plenty of responses, and the experts at the DoE have collect valuable information, not just from the answers but the comments submitted by survey participants, which will help it shape and guide future policy for a more sustainable Cayman.
The survey takes just a few minutes and does not require any identification from participants.
Category: Land Habitat, Science & Nature
DOE specifically aim this survey towards CUC as they are currently the largest fossil fuel user on the island. The energy producers need to lead by example. I don’t see CUC being to enthusiastic about using energy saving measures themselves, except maybe for geothermal cooling of engines. They could start by converting 20% of the street lights to LED. Look at all that roof space on their plant and admin buildings, why aren’t they going solar themselves, they certainly have the financial resources for it. Oh but wait, what am I suggesting, they might just put our rates up to fund projects such as I mentioned.
It is a bit unfortunate that this article continues to embrace the cliche’ regarding energy use in the Cayman Islands as compared to other places. According to the US Energy Information Administration, for 2009 the latest year statistics are available, the Cayman Islands ranked fairly low among 1st world countries’ per capita energy use, below countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan and South Korea. It was only marginally worse than the UK, 12% higher, and was 45th on the list of per capita energy consumption highest to lowest. Seawater desalination was not a major contributor to percapita energy use with desalination accounting for less than 4% of the total electricity consumed annually in the Cayman Islands. Comparing this to total energy use which includes fuel for vehicles etc and the percentage for desalination is probably between 2% and 3%. Compared to Chad, the last country on the list, the Cayman Islands energy use is enormously high. Compared the North America, Europe and developed countries in Asia, it isn’t. Of course Cayman can improve and there are glaring problems with solid waste management and recycling here, but to say our carbon footprint is “oversized” is a best sensational. We’re not as bad as the article’s tone makes us out to be.
When will all the BS end and something be done? We are all so dependent on the slave system. When it all comes down, who you gonna call?
Slave system?
Someone should ask my neighbors how much they have spent on fuel for their generator over the last two years for which it has been powering their home. That’s one way to come “off the grid”.
I think that is a great idea to reduce the carbon footprint of the Islands, but government has to take drastic measures to help . Then it will be easier for people to follow to make it smaller.