Energy audits were carried out in a sample size of eight schools to determine the energy usage and to identify energy conservation opportunities and efficiency measures. The measures identified will then be implemented in the schools. The programme will be expanded to carry out more energy audits in the remaining educational institutions and implement energy efficiency measures.
Walk-through energy audits were conducted for a sample size of eight (8) schools consisting of primary, secondary and small tertiary institutions located both in the rural and urban areas of Jamaica. These eight (8) schools will be referred to as “A”. Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECO’s) & Efficiency Measures (EEM) were identified and recommended in the audit. These ECO’s 
& EEM will then be implemented in the eight (8) schools. After the implementation phase, an assessment of the measures implemented will be done to ensure that the actual savings achieved is as close as practically possible to the savings identified in the audit. Another batch of twelve (12), then ten (10) schools (referred to as “B” and “C” respectively) will be identified to receive attention under the energy efficiency programme.
The recommended ECO’s and EEM for the schools include fluorescent lighting efficiency improvement, replacing existing Freon (R22) refrigerant with hydrocarbon (R22a) in ac units, replacing existing refrigerant R134a with hydrocarbon refrigerant for refrigerators, installing occupancy sensors and ac controls, installing solar water heaters, replacing electric stoves with LPG stoves and maintenance and operational changes.
The installation of the solar photovoltaic (PV) system to supply electricity in the educational institutions is an extension of the energy efficiency programme in schools. As a result of the installation of these PV systems, the schools that have successfully completed the energy efficiency programme will then be transformed into a renewable energy self sufficient school.
An assessment of the solar PV system will then take place and opportunities for carbon trading to generate income will be explored.
Return to Previous Page