Energy Efficiency measures are underutilized in the OECS despite the potential benefits that can be quickly and easily realised. The uptake of energy efficiency has been relatively slow and increased effort is needed in the region. The ‘Building Sector’ is a major consumer of electrical energy and offers a good opportunity for the application of energy efficiency measures. On average, for most Caribbean islands more than 95% of their electricity is used in buildings. Within buildings, space cooling contributes a major share to the electricity demand. This is approximately 60% for most office buildings in the OECS. Reducing the energy operating costs of buildings can help reduce operating expenditure and improve the competitiveness of the region.
The studies and analysis resulting from the Energy Performance in Tertiary Building under the ERDF Component of the ETC are expected to be valuable resources for support a move to more energy efficiency in the region. However, some of these measures may not be readily implemented due to the current lack of financial resources and hence it would be difficult to convince some persons of their potential impact. A delay in implementation of the energy efficiency recommendations would potentially result in a loss of interest. To address this, the EDF component proposes to implement some small energy efficiency retrofits through a transparent and equitable arrangement that will demonstrate the benefits and ease of energy efficiency recommendations put forward by the ERDF studies.
To demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of energy efficiency in buildings. To create a community of energy efficiency practitioners in the OECS.
The energy efficiency retrofits will be undertaken in the three countries who participated in phase 2 of the Energy Performance in Tertiary Buildings ERDF Component of the project, namely Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. The lessons learned and knowledge management resources will however benefit all the OECS countries.
A list of energy efficiency measures will be assessed and financed based on agreed criteria for selected buildings. This will facilitate the practical application and provide case studies for further analysis and reference. Visibility activities will also be produced for the project. Persons trained under the project will also be provided with the opportunity to contribute to this activity and apply their skills to support energy efficiency projects. Under this activity a simple reporting and monitoring system will be developed to allow for data analysis and exchange of information and ideas.