An internationally-renowned expert on sustainable architecture said he was "astounded" that Bermuda operates on so much electricity instead of solar power.

Architect Edward Mazria gave a lecture Friday at XL House, focusing on "exploring the benefits of changing the way buildings and developments are planned, designed and constructed in order to protect our global environment".

Mr. Mazria is the founder of Architecture 2030, a non-profit, non-partisan, independent organisation, which was established in 2002, in response to the global-warming crisis.

Its mission is to rapidly transform the US and global building sector from being major contributors of greenhouse gas emissions, to a central part of the solution to the global-warming crisis.

The 2030 challenge in particular, explained Mr. Mazria, is to reduce energy by 50 percent through new buildings and major renovations, and by the year 2030, ensure all buildings are carbon neutral.

The architect said there are three ways to meet the challenge. The first is through design, planning and innovation by using ventilation, heating and the right building materials.

The second way is by adding technology in the form of solar heating, operable shading devices and natural ventilation systems.

The final way to meet the challenge is by purchasing renewable energy.

Mr. Mazria said Bermuda has "a good shot at reducing its emissions and making some money" by implementing a building energy standard that meets the challenge.

He said the situation in Bermuda is very similar to that in Hawaii except there, they use more solar power.

The architect explained there were several environmentally-friendly initiatives the Island could embark on today that would reduce its energy use by 50 percent – require all buildings to include solar water heating, remove tariffs for solar hot water and photovalic systems, incorporate net metering and enact a national renewable portfolio standard.

With sea levels rising all over the world, Mr. Mazria said that he was also concerned that so many buildings on the Island have been built so close to the edge of the water.

For more information on the 2030 challenge, visit www.architecture2030.com.