Media Release
07 November 2022
Just a 15-minute boat journey from Guernsey, the tiny holiday island of Herm in the Channel Islands, with a population of just 65 permanent residents, is now proactively working towards achieving carbon neutrality by implementing renewable fuel and energy efficient technologies throughout the island, in partnership with leading local energy and heating supplier, Rubis Channel Islands.
With its long stretches of beautiful, unspoilt beaches, sandy cliff paths, and wide open common, Herm is viewed as a hidden gem by those that have discovered it as a holiday destination and often likened to a Caribbean Island rather than one of the smallest British Isles, so turquoise and crystal clear is the sea. The island is a true haven of peace and tranquillity with just one small hotel, 20 self-catering cottages, a campsite, tavern, shop and a couple of restaurants and beach cafés. Herm also has no cars, and at just one and a half miles long and half a mile wide, the scenic coastal paths can be covered by foot within a leisurely couple of hours. The island employs 80+ additional live-in staff during the busier spring and summer months and attracts around 70,000 holiday makers and day trippers every year.
In 2021, the island commissioned a trial to run the ‘Isle of Herm’ ferry service exclusively on HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) which was provided by Rubis Channel Islands. It was the first and only ferry service in the Channel Islands to use renewable fuel and, after a successful trial, both companies entered a partnership with the ambition to reduce the island’s environmental impact and absolute greenhouse gas emissions.
Herm Island’s Chief Executive, Craig Senior, said, “Like many parts of the world, we arecognizant of the perils of climate change. This is the only planet we have, and we all are responsible for keeping it in shape. It won’t happen overnight, but we are slowly moving towards being a greener island. We are proud to show other island communities around the world, that if one small island like ours can do it, so can they.
And this exciting partnership with Rubis Channel Islands demonstrates our enthusiasm for taking steps towards aiding the energy transition for our island. From renewable fuels for vehicles, homes, places of business, to solar power and energy efficient technologies, we’re committed to this fight against climate change by embracing a broad range of renewable fuels and energy efficient technologies.”
Nick Crolla, Head of Sales & Marketing, Rubis Channel Islands added, “Herm is a unique destination to both the local and visiting public. The island’s leaseholders, John and Julia Singer, along with the CEO, Craig are wonderful custodians and have a passion to preserve, protect, enhance, and share all that the Island has to offer. The partnership was conceived after both parties recognised that we have a very strong alignment on community focused and environmental strategies. We are keen to support this energy transition by continuing to implement greener solutions for the island leading the way towards a world less dependent on fossil fuels.”
Rubis is leading the hydrocarbon transition in the Channel Islands, supporting the governments and community in their aim for carbon neutrality. At a local level, 100% renewable fuel can improve air quality, with a significant reduction in smoke, particulates, NOx, and carbon monoxide. Then at a global level the carbon emissions during the lifecycle of the fuel are reduced by up to 90%, because the carbon being released in the atmosphere is offset by the carbon absorbed by plants in the production of the fuel, creating a virtuous global carbon cycle.The Channel Islands is one of the few places in the world where renewable diesel is readily available for businesses and households to reduce their carbon emissions.
The full roll out programme has been carefully planned by both parties:
o Herm is a car-free island but does have necessary utility vehicles including tractors, digger, mule, manitou and chipper, which are are in the process of being converted to use Rubis100% Renewable Diesel RD100 this year.
o The teams are currently busy completing the necessary works prior to converting all island boilers to 100% Renewable heating oil. Currently 55% of the boilers have been converted. Herm Islands’ aim is to complete the transition for all self-catering and staff accommodation as well as the island’s only hotel, The White House by April 2023.
o The team also plan to gradually introduce 100% renewable fuel to the four island generators with a final goal of Herm Island utilising only renewable fuel by April 2023. Currently 25% have been converted.
o Earlier this year, solar panels were installed to supply hot water and heating to the main island campsite and grocery shop. The next phase will be to upgrade the island’s infrastructure incorporating on-island generation using solar PV, working towards Herm becoming the first carbon neutral island in the British Isles.
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Notes to editor:
HVO: Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil is the industry term for renewable diesel. Rubis brand this locally as RD100. HVO is made from 100% renewable sources such as vegetable oils from rapeseed, sunflower and soybean, and waste fats such as animal fats or used cooking oil.
HERM ISLAND: Herm Island is part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey which includes Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Herm. The island can only be reached via a ferry service from St Peter Port Harbour in Guernsey, or by private boat, and is considered as part of the parish of St Peter Port. In 2016 Herm was formally designated as a Ramsar site under The Convention of Wetlands of International Importance, in recognition of the island’s diverse wildlife and flora. Further information on Herm Island can be found at www.herm.com
For further information contact:
ORCHIDCommunications
Madhu Dhir Singh | madhulika@orchid.je | 01534 888 998
Herm Island
Kate Evans | kateevans@herm.com | +44 (0) 7781 102787