Jersey’s Local Green Activity

Case Studies

ICECAP – Carbon Trading Company 
Low Carbon Group
Jersey Trust Company
Cleantech Engineering Solutions Limited
Ogier

Jersey an environmentally committed jurisdiction

As a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, through the UK, Jersey has demonstrated its commitment to reducing its carbon emissions. Jersey is well placed to exploit its abundant marine energy resources, in particular tidal power. The exceptionally strong tidal flows around Jersey mean that there is an opportunity to supplement the Island’s existing energy resources with renewable energy and possibly even exporting this ‘green’ energy to the Continent. The Tidal Power Steering Group published a report to the Minister for Planning and Environment in December 2008, which strongly urged the States of Jersey to examine tidal power opportunities in great depth as they unanimously agreed that tidal power was the future of energy supply on the island.

A Tidal Power Commission was then established to investigate the feasibility of tidal power as well as other marine renewable energy. The Commission has actively investigated the energy resource available and has considered the socio-economic benefits and environmental issues that could arise from such developments. Although the tidal power industry is currently some time away from commercial scale deployments, the States of Jersey will put in place technology-blind regulatory and consenting regimes to ensure that swift progress can be made when the time is right.

Jersey’s Energy Policy

The Kyoto Protocol aims to achieve the “stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system” by setting each of the countries carbon emission reduction goals. Jersey forms part of the UK’s emissions allowance and has shown very impressive reductions, reaching and surpassing the UK’s reduction goals. Between the 1990 baseline year and 2007 Jersey demonstrated a fall in energy-related carbon emissions of 22%. Much of this reduction is a result of a switch to imported French nuclear generated electricity, which produces minimal emissions. This imported cleaner energy has replaced the oil-fired generation of electricity at the old La Collette power station on the Island. Jersey’s remaining energy needs are almost entirely served by the Bellozane Energy from Waste plant which is situated on the outskirts of St Helier. This is being replaced by a modern plant built on reclaimed land which is scheduled to supply around 8% of Jersey’s electricity.  

Environmental concerns are high on the political agenda in Jersey which is currently debating a sustainable transport policy and is also expected to unveil its new energy policy in January of next year. Jersey’s natural resources, exceptional biodiversity, and stunning coastline marine habitats and its diversified finance industry mean that, with good planning, it is well placed to take the lead amongst countries committed to developing a sustainable and competitive economic model.

Corporate social responsibility

As well as many renewable energy investment companies being incorporated in Jersey, the majority of local companies partake in ‘green’ activities to enhance Jersey’s green credentials. Many companies participate in recycling and varying community work so they are seen as friendly, accessible companies. One of the major projects is run by the Durrell ECO-ACTIVE and allows local businesses to offset their carbon emissions by raising money to be used for the reforestation of the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest. These sorts of activities highlight the conscious effort of the island to join the change to ‘green’ operations. 

A further example of Jersey’s community being deeply involved in environmentally friendly activities, the Grass Roots Eco Friendly Festival is a completely carbon neutral music festival. The festival runs with a number of incentives to encourage visitors to recycle and think about the environment whilst enjoying top quality music. The carbon footprint of the festival is offset by the IPE tree planting scheme in Brazil.