Alternative energy was the focus for Business Bermuda's latest free luncheon seminar held on Thursday.

Guest speaker Kevon Makell, vice-president and general manager of PureNERGY Renewables Ltd., addressed an audience of more than 20 on the topic at the event hosted by the organisation's local awareness committee.

Mr Makell kicked-off proceedings by highlighting the main issues concerning energy consumption in Bermuda today, most notably the need for Bermudians to work together with Belco and independent power producers, such as PureNERGY, to look into secure and reliable power supply options in order to reduce the Island's reliance on fossil fuels.

He said that alternative energy could work in Bermuda in conjunction with conventional power supply, but energy education and changes in consumption patterns needed to occur in order to change the mindset of many Bermudians.

Mr Makell said that an ongoing reliance on fossil fuel energy resources was not sustainable in the long-term, with some people predicting that fossil fuels will be diminished or scarce as a result of declining production expectations and future generations likely to be affected by the market price volatility of these dwindling resources.

The cost implications of these supply issues, he said, created a sustainability issue that many experts on the Island agree was bad for future businesses and consumers in Bermuda.

In addition, Mr Makell pointed out that measurable cost savings could be made by conserving energy and improving the energy efficiency at home and in the office, including switching lights and appliances off, and should also be considered when buying new renewable energy products.

"The message is clear that we need to be realistic about what we can do today, but we can no longer ignore the issues around alternative energy for Bermuda's sustainable future," he said.

"We must all work together to change the way Bermudians think and behave when it comes to energy production and consumption. Alternative energy options are no longer purely the playground for the passionate environmentalists; they are necessary options that everyone needs to consider. PureNERGY regularly conducts energy efficiency audits in homes and businesses in Bermuda, and there are many ways we can help consumers save energy as they also improve the environment."

He continued: "I was delighted to be able to speak to such an informed and passionate audience, and it highlighted the issue that we have much to do to engage with everyone in Bermuda to affect change."

The seminar included a brief introduction to alternative energy products currently available in Bermuda, such as solar-thermal hot water heaters, solar photovoltaic panels and micro-wind generation. One of the participants told the group that they had converted their home to energy efficient products and alternative energy resources, which had resulted in significant savings and was expected to pay for itself within four years.

Cheryl Packwood, CEO, Business Bermuda, said: "I am delighted that the seminars arranged by the local awareness committee are so well attended and well-received. We look forward to the next event on January 20 next year, which will tackle the topic of funding education. I wish to thank the chair of the committee, Ms Cynthia Wright for her commitment and hard work; she has achieved so much in just four months at the helm."