Caribbean Countries Embrace Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

The Caribbean Efficient and Green Buildings Project (CEGEB) gathered participating countries in Saint Lucia to discuss lessons learned from its Preparation Activities. The project, financed by the World Bank (US$131.7 million), aims to reduce energy consumption, increase renewable energy use, and enhance regulatory frameworks for energy efficiency and renewable energy in participating countries. The OECS Commission, a project partner, facilitated pooled procurement and sustainable energy expertise.

Key Takeaways:

• The CEGEB Project aims to save energy, increase renewable energy use, and enhance regulatory frameworks for energy efficiency and renewable energy in participating Caribbean countries.
• The project supports investment and technical assistance for energy efficiency retrofitting and the installation of distributed renewable energy systems in public buildings and facilities.
• 33 buildings underwent investment-grade energy audits to identify energy efficiency measures and develop design specifications for solar systems and energy efficiency measures.
• Key lessons learned by participants include the need for strong visibility and communication among stakeholders and at all levels of the project.
• The energy retrofit of public buildings under CEGEB is a demonstration of government leadership in reducing public sector expenditure while improving the working environment.
• Some energy efficiency measures have a payback period of less than two years, making them a practical investment.
• Project partners hope to inspire businesses and residential building owners to adopt energy efficiency measures, transforming the building sector into an efficient, green, and healthy one.

Statistics:

• The World Bank is financing the CEGEB Project with US$131.7 million.
• 33 buildings underwent energy audits as part of the CEGEB Preparation Grant (PPG) Activities.
• The energy retrofit of public buildings under CEGEB has a payback period of less than two years for some energy efficiency measures.
• The CEGEB Project supports investment and technical assistance for energy efficiency retrofitting and distributed renewable energy systems.

Sources:

• Programmme for the Environment of the OECS Commission Press Release: Caribbean Countries Embrace Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
• World Bank Financing: CEGEB Project
• Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: CCREEE Supports Regulatory Aspects of the CEGEB Project
• OECS Commission: CEGEB Project Supports Sustainable Energy Transition in the Caribbean