Gov't focuses on renewable energy for smaller hotels

(JIS):

Some $15 million has been set aside in the 2013-14 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, to improve the competitiveness of small and medium-size hotels through the use of renewable energy.

The Caribbean Hotel Energy and Action Project is a carry-over from the last fiscal year, and is being implemented by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, with funding through the Inter-American Development Bank.

Initial targets envisaged for the project include a review of energy consumption practices in the hotel sector; developing an investment plan for improving energy efficiency in the tourism sector; and developing efficiency models for hotels in Jamaica.

It is anticipated that during the 2013-14 fiscal year, the energy efficiency models will be developed and there will be energy audits and walk-through assessments for the sector.

Other targets for the year include having a project launch with stakeholders, administrators and funding agencies; and conducting audits for ozone depleting substances.

In February 2013, a steering committee was established and a project manager engaged.