OECS Supports CARICOM Energy Month
OECS Media Release
In the CARICOM region, November is earmarked as Energy Month to increase awareness on energy consumption and to encourage energy-saving actions. Similar to recent years, the OECS Sustainable Energy Unit contributed actively to the month-long observance.
As a compliment to the many regional activities undertaken in recognition of Energy Month, the OECS Sustainable Energy Unit (SEU) commenced a training program in “Zero Investment Energy Management.” The training involved two 2-day courses in Montserrat and Antigua. Workshop attendees came from both the public and private sectors, including representatives from the hotel sectors, architects and building officers.
Participants at the Energy Management Training received information on international best practices, proven management and monitoring techniques, in addition to practical training to introduce and maintain a simple but effective energy management programme. Experience and lessons learnt were shared from the OECS Commission’s successful energy management at its buildings in St. Lucia. The programme received financial sponsorship from the GIZ -REETA “Building Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP),” and to date the Commission has realised electricity savings of around 15% in the first year with no investment in equipment or retrofits (42,000 kWh = Approx. EC$ 35,000 in savings.)
An important part of this Zero Investment Energy Management Training was the provision of various software tools and informative media that will provide continued support to participants who want to introduce an energy management programme in their buildings.
For more information on energy efficiency and management, click on the Resources link below:
