United Nations Development Programme Jamaica

In addition to providing support for the development of Jamaica's Energy Policy , UNDP Jamaica has taken steps to achieve good energy -saving practices at its own office. This move places UNDP Jamaica among very few of the 134 country offices, which have taken this step towards a greener office by carrying out an energy audit - scientifically analysing the office energy consumption and taking concrete steps towards energy efficiency and conservation.

The energy audit investigated the way energy is being used in the office, and recommended concrete suggestions to reduce energy consumptions. The report suggests that 65% is used for air con, while 14% is for lighting - consumptions for both can be reduced significantly if we do the following:

1. Lighting - replace with LED
2. Air con - replace with inverter type
3. In addition, roof painting can improve cooling effect

The pay back period for the initial investment is estimated between 2-3 years. It's greener, and budget saving - it makes sense! UNDP Jamaica has set a target to make at least USD 11,000 savings annually by implementing the  Lighting and Air Con replacement.

Energy efficiency is a crucial objective for homes, businesses, communities and the wider society. With support from UNDP, the Ministry of Energy and Mining (MEM) has completed the National Action Plan to support the National Energy Policy and the ambitious goals, including  diversifying Jamaica's energy sources to increase the percentage of renewables from 9% in 2009 to 20% by 2030.  Additionally, UNDP has supported the MEM in the preparation of five Energy Sub-Policies.  UNDP's own energy audit, and its implementation of the auditor's recommendations, is in keeping with one of the five sub-policies, namely, "The National Energy Conservation and Efficiency Policy 2010-2030 - Securing Jamaica's Energy Future".  This policy aims to "substantially improve energy conservation and efficiency in all sectors of the economy and accelerate the introduction of new technologies.

The five draft sub-policies have been shared with a wide cross-section of stakeholders in various sectors through a robust, multi-sectoral consultation process covering the private sector, the public sector, academia and civil society.  This consultation process included the dissemination of information, to ensure stakeholder participation and feedback on the policies.  The consultation process included workshops and general public meetings, and targeted sector meetings which were held in Kingston, Mandeville and Montego Bay.  The process was augmented by the use of print and electronic media to ensure maximum coverage.  One of the several consultations staged by the Ministry of Energy and Mining was a breakfast meeting held on November 24, 2010, at which UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Minh Pham, addressed members of the private sector. 

(UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Minh Pham, addresses members of the private sector at a breakfast meeting on November 24, 2010. Seated at the head table (L-R): Permanent Secretary, Hillary Alexander (partially hidden); Consultant, Elizabeth Emmanuel; Minister of State, Hon. Laurence Broderick and Senior Director in the Ministry, Fitzroy Vidal.)

Additional actions have been taken by the Ministry of Energy and Mining including establishing a web-based Energy Clearing House Mechanism and publishing a popular version of the National Energy Policy 2009-2030, entitled Our Citizen's Guide. 

For 2011,  five-sub polices which will be completed are: National Renewable Energy Policy 2010-2030; National Energy-from-Waste Policy 2010-2030; National Biofuels Policy 2010-2030; National Policy for the Trading of Carbon Credits 2010-2030; and the National Energy Conservation and Efficiency Policy 2010-2030.

More Information on:

Ministry of Energy and Mining - Policy Development

UNDP Environment And Energy action in Jamaica