Sustainability group Greenrock is urging Government to adopt alternative technologies in transport and building design as it finalises a White Paper on Energy.

The sustainable development group welcomed the Throne Speech announcement of a White Paper but said Government should lead by example in these areas.

Greenrock is among the stakeholders who contributed to the public consultation process as Government drew up its Green Paper on Energy.

The group said it will continue to push conservation measures as a national energy policy is finalised.

A Greenrock spokesman said: "One of the comments we had raised to the Department of Energy in our submission about the Green Paper is the responsibility of Government to take a lead in energy conservation.

"More attention needs to be placed on how Government saves money through utilising energy efficient technologies, transportation, design, or building materials."

The Throne Speech pledged Government would submit a White Paper on Energy during this legislative session "coupled with leadership in the development of incentives to encourage Bermudians to assume a lifestyle based upon practical energy conservation habits and to adopt energy efficient technologies".

Government tabled its Green Paper on Energy earlier this year, following consultation with the public and local and international energy experts.

This was followed by the Energy Act 2009 in July, which set up an Energy Commission to regulate costs and license the sale of electricity.

The forthcoming White Paper will establish a national energy policy and set out legislation.

A public energy efficiency campaign is also expected to be rolled out, combined with cost-saving incentives for adoption of renewable technologies.

Greenrock said in a statement: "Government has taken more time than what had originally been forecasted but this is not uncommon when you are trying to ensure the final White Paper is well-crafted and contains the best advice.

"The key is not the release of the White Paper but rather how effective Government will be in outlining realistic goals and managing the implementation process of completing the necessary action steps.

"Greenrock has participated in Town Hall meetings and boardroom discussions regarding various aspects of the Green Paper. We feel energy conservation is just one component of the overall solution and it will require continued education and incentive initiatives.

"However, there are other components that need more public awareness that are crucial to creating a sustainable national energy plan for Bermuda.

"We hope to receive the written response from the Department of Energy within Government on our comments about the Green Paper in order to determine our next steps. And Greenrock will press on to ensure we continue to work with Government during the drafting and publicity stages of the White Paper."

The spokesman added: "We know that there are pockets of residents who understand the economic, healthy and environmental benefits of following energy conservation techniques. And we are aware there are also other groups who are not interested or could not be bothered to deal with this.

"Greenrock's goal is building a consciousness that makes energy conservation more of a lifestyle choice at the point to where people are making consumer decisions. And to provide sustainable and affordable options suitable for Bermuda's way of life.

"Our goal is to target key stakeholders in the public and private sector who are capable of making this happen."