Opportunities are being missed by overlooking environmental issues in favour of economic ones, according to environmental group Greenrock.

Greenrock president Judith Landsberg said that while environmental initiatives could help boost the economy by creating jobs and reducing expenditure, Friday’s Throne Speech failed to capitalise on the potential of such projects.

“The Throne Speech strongly suggests that this Government perceives the environment and sustainability as something ‘nice to have’ after the economy and employment prospects improve,” Dr Landsberg said.

“We need to change our, and their, mindset — using fewer resources and protecting our Island for the future has both an immediate and a long-term positive impact on the economy, many studies have shown that it also increases job opportunities, and most importantly it connects people to their environment, strengthening the bonds of community.”

The Throne Speech did detail a few environmental initiatives which Government plans to introduce in the coming months.

Government announced that the Department of Environmental Protection will develop a national strategy to revitalise the agriculture industry and improve the Island’s ability to grow its own food, while the Department of Conservation Services will develop a new system to control invasive plants and animals on the Island.

Government said: “The Ministry will specifically target the lionfish, which has the potential to destroy not only commercial fish species but all reef fish that preserve the Island’s reef system.

“Working with private companies, non-government organisations and volunteers, the Government will implement the Lionfish Management Plan.”

Government also announced it would run a pilot LED street lighting project around the two roundabouts on Trimingham Hill to access the potential of the lights across the Island to reduce energy consumption.

However Dr Landsberg said the speech otherwise failed to touch on energy conservation, even though such initiatives could mean cost savings for Government and businesses.

“It also offers job creation opportunities in the areas of energy audits and conservation technology, and increases our energy security by reducing our dependence on fossil fuel,” she said.

“The Government has shown no leadership in this area despite the $20.7 million they expect to spend on energy in 2013/14. In addition, despite consultations on new planning regulations, no progress has been made on requiring energy conservation for new and renovated buildings.

“We applaud the formation of the Bermuda Energy Working Group, but the group only covers a small part of energy policy and there is a great deal the Government can and should do on their own.”

Dr Landsberg also expressed disappointment that the Throne Speech didn’t touch on legislation regarding single-use bags or climate change, which could have a significant impact on Bermuda.

“This Throne Speech does not indicate a long-term plan for how Bermuda will thrive and pass on a healthy environment to our children and grandchildren,” she said.

“It is time we included the next ten years, or even the next 50 years, in our planning cycle, not just the next election cycle.”