Participants to a recent Workshop on Energy Efficiency were treated to site visits to buildings where green building and energy efficiency technologies have been implemented in Grenada – the True Blue Bay Boutique Resort and Beacon Insurance Building.

The participants to a recent Workshop on Energy Efficiency were treated to site visits to buildings where green building and energy efficiency technologies have been implemented – the True Blue Bay Boutique Resort and Beacon Insurance Building.

The True Blue Bay is a truly unique and colorful resort, set among tropical gardens and overlooking the waters of True Blue Bay. Over the past several years, green initiatives have been at the core of its operations. Having had the opportunity to walkthrough and discuss some of the many of the upgrades with owner Mr Russ Fielden, he noted that energy conservation and waste reduction were the right things to do, having recognized the long term impacts of climate change. He affirmed how important it was that they lived the way they talked.

Highlighting previous challenges with high energy and operating costs, True Blue was able to reduce its overall energy usage by 75%. As a result, costs were reduced, savings passed onto their guests, and occupancy rates increased- results which demonstrate that energy saving initiatives do offer long term economic benefit. Some of strategies employed included the use of LED lighting, more energy efficienct HVAC units, introduction of variable speed pumps and equipment, the installation of photovoltaic panels and solar water heaters, and the education of guests which brought about desired behavioural changes.

Recycling is also important. Shredded paper is given to funeral homes, food waste to farmers for their animals, the use of plastics kept at an absolute minimum and recycled when used, waste water is collected to irrigate gardens, and rain water is collected and stored for the dry season. In an effort to actively pursue, review, develop, and evaluate these and other green initiatives, the resort has its very own Green Team, which keeps monthly meetings for this very purpose.