Big payoff - Labour ministry saves $9 million on energy bill

 (JIS):

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security, through its energy-conservation programme, has saved approximately $9 million on its energy bill for its offices during the 2010/11 period.

This disclosure was made by chief technical director in the ministry, Errol Miller, during the ministry's Energy Conservation Awards Ceremony, held Tuesday at the ministry's North Street office.

Individuals and departments were recognised for their contribution to lowering the ministry's energy bill.

"We started with behavioural changes, and we have been continuing with those and we have been reaping great rewards from that. As a matter of fact, in 2009/10 our savings were approximately $6 million, but in 2010/11, we saved approximately $9 million," Miller informed.

The ministry's energy-conservation programme, which commenced in 2009, followed a directive from Prime Minister Bruce Golding for all ministries to devise ways to cut costs.

Workers at the ministry's North Street and National Heroes Circle offices took a number of steps to conserve, including turning off lights and computers when not in use, removing unnecessary lighting, keeping the air-conditioning temperature at 24 degrees Celsius, using the stairs rather than the elevator, when able, as well as conserving water as much as possible.

The staff members were also encouraged to go further in their cost-saving measures, by cutting down on phone calls and carpooling when going on official business.

The chief technical director pointed out that the first year focused on energy programmes at the major offices, but was expanded last year to include all locations across the island, "and it is because of that extension why we have achieved the level of savings that we have."

In commending the participants, he encouraged them to continuously engage in conservation methods, both in the workplace and at home.

He lauded the energy monitoring members for their sterling contribution in the drive to ensure that the 'Turn it Off' campaign works effectively.

During the ceremony, staff members were entertained by skits, dance pieces from the 'Recycled Teenagers', including members of the National Council for Senior Citizens, and the 'JAD Dancers', comprising members from the Jamaica Association for the Deaf.

A prize of $25,000 was awarded to the ground floor south, and fourth floor north, at the North Street location, and the first floor, at the Heroes Circle location.