Bermuda’s clean air efforts were the subject of an address by Donal Smith, the former deputy mayor of Hamilton, at the world climate change conference in Paris.

Mr Smith, the chief executive officer of Bermuda Emissions Control Ltd, described the development of compulsory vehicle testing before delegates.

Bermuda had “taken the lead” on mandatory emissions control standards, he said, with requirements in place since BECL commenced operations in 2009.

“It took 20 years of painstaking research and development to open our first inspection plant, but it was worth it,” he said.

He said the Caribbean area had been well represented at the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

In his address on Friday, Mr Smith told delegates: “Helping to protect the Island’s pristine environment has enhanced Bermuda’s appeal as a prominent offshore domicile of choice.”

Carbon emissions are linked to global climate change, but vehicle emissions are also linked to respiratory ailments.

Mr Smith said he looked forward to further discussions on vehicle emissions control at next year’s conference in Morocco.