Promoting environmental wellness

Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter

It's only appropriate that an entity targeting the wellness of mind and body, should promote the wellness of the environment.

Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa, which comes under the Environmental Health Foundation (EHF) of Jamaica, has implemented the use of green technology in all operational initiatives. Michelle Samuels, assistant manager, special projects. at EHF Resource Development Limited (the commercial entity of the EHF Group), explained that the green surge began in earnest in 2011, utilising the expertise of consulting engineers Basil Nelson and Associates. The redevelopment, which cost J$63 million, includes a state-of-the-art rainwater harvesting system, variable refrigerant volume (VRV) inverter air-conditioning system and solar panels.

"Each room and passageway has been outfitted with LEDs," Samuels explained, noting all switches are motion activated and automatically switch off when the last occupant leaves a room.. "This is not only environmentally friendly, but will translate into real savings via a reduction in energy consumption."

All paper toiletries are made up of 60 per cent recycled materials, while all cleaning supplies are organic and environmentally friendly. The rainwater harvesting system consists of two underground storage tanks with a combined total capacity of 55,000 gallons. These are connected to a series of downpipes and aluminum gutters to capture all rainwater from the approximately 12,000 square feet of roofing. This water is used to irrigate the lawn and other garden areas. Samuels said Eden Gardens' water bill has been reduced from (on average) over $280,000 to about $128,000.

The VRV system utilises a technology which changes the energy requirements as per the varying heat load conditions. This delivers faster cooling, precise temperature control and savings of up to 50 per cent in energy consumption costs.

Reducing electricity

The PV system (solar panels) is designed to provide 40kW which will translate to a reduction in electrical consumption by 40 per cent. This system is to be expanded further with the installation of individual car ports and trellises with translucent photovoltaics forming the roof network of these units. Samuels noted that the light bill in areas directly benefiting from the solar system was regularly in excess of $100,000. Now, their usage is so low, Eden Gardens only pays the meter-rental fee for those sections. A recycling programme with DECS Solid Waste Management Limited comprises collections of recycled paper and plastic, the amounts measured as credits which will then be deducted from the entity's overall garbage collection bill.

"The three-phase power system is more economical than that of a singe-phase system," she said. "It uses less conductor materials (more power is transferred over less copper than in a single-phase system) and therefore has a higher output/power factor." Samuels said the system evenly distributes power consumption, is more stable and occupies a smaller footprint (think one three-phase system versus three single-phase systems and the associated cabling). At maximum utilisation, Eden Gardens requires 300kVAs (kilo volt amps) to power and operate all systems.

"It gives the flexibility to operate both industrial and domestic applications such as is used in the kitchen, versus in one of the accommodation rooms," she explained. "For the three-phase system, the daily startup capability is better, faster and lasts years longer than in single-phase system operations." Also, the upfront capital cost is less than for a single-phase system. There are less vibrations, which helps to prolong the life cycle of the equipment. This serves to positively influence the long-term cost-effectiveness by lowering maintenance frequency (and therefore cost) for the developed infrastructure across the property.

The green technology revolution is still progressing. Businesses and other EHF entities use property across from Eden Gardens, and Samuels indicated that plans are underway to make those buildings greener. There are also plans to increase the PV supply by the end of the year, and possibly the addition of a wind turbine.