A design project being spearheaded by the University of the West Indies (UWI) aims to construct a prototype of the Caribbean’s first Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB). The building design could save Jamaica millions of dollars, should it be adopted by planning and construction industries. By maximizing the use of natural sunlight for lighting and air currents for cooling, the 214-sq-metre (2,300 sq ft) building will save approximately 50,000 kWh of energy, which translates to a reduction of emissions of 34.5 metric tons of CO2.
UWI’s Institute for Sustainable Development is the implementing partner, with funding from the Global Environment Facility and technical assistance from UNEP. Objectives for the pilot building will test emerging Best Practices for building; metrics including energy efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental design will determine the feasibility of a NZEB for large-scale construction.. Fossil fuel imports and the subsequent outflow of cash from the Country have long subverted development of the Caribbean island. Professor of Caribbean Sustainable Development Anthony Clayton said: “If we could make every building like this, we could eventually start closing down some of our power stations. … By reducing everyone’s light bill, we could leave everyone better off with more disposable income to be invested. And we could help to save the world.”
