Jamaica Inn wants carbon neutrality by 2026
WESTERN BUREAU:
COMMITTED TO diminishing its environmental footprint and addressing the challenges posed by the declining state of Jamaica’s environment, Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, St Ann, has taken a significant stride in its journey towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2026.
Demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices, the island’s well-established resort has added a 53-kilowatt photovoltaic solar panel plant to its robust environmental, social, and governance programme, marking a crucial milestone in its journey towards eco-friendly operations.
Unveiled last Wednesday, the new plant at Jamaica Inn is a collaborative effort involving the United States Agency for International Development, the Cadmus Project, Jamaica Energy Resilience Alliance, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), and the resort.
“This initiative is projected to save Jamaica Inn 20 per cent on its current electricity expenses,” Managing Director Kyle Mais told The Gleaner.
Addressing an audience that included notable figures such as US Ambassador to Jamaica Nickolas Perry, JHTA President Robin Russell, and Michael Belnavis, councillor for Ocho Rios in St Ann, Mais highlighted the resort’s commitment to renewable energy, aiming to both decrease reliance on traditional sources and actively contribute to global climate change initiatives.
A decade ago, recognising the Caribbean’s status as the most tourism-dependent region globally, Jamaica Inn made a conscientious decision to take responsibility for its environmental impact, aligning with industry efforts to reduce the environmental footprint.
“We’ve upgraded our motors to inverters, whether they power ACs (air conditioners) or water pumps, ensuring that all our equipment is energy-smart certified,” noted the hotelier. Their property was among the pioneers in installing electric charging stations for cars.
Not only are the rooms and offices at Jamaica Inn equipped with air conditioning units set at 22 degrees, but they have also adopted electric shuttles for their guests, with all drivers using hybrid vehicles.
Mais highlighted various aspects of conservation, including water management. Their pipes and faucets have aerators, and Mais proudly showcased their closed-loop hydroponic system. They actively recycle from laundry and reuse the water for plant irrigation.
“We harvest rainwater runoff, and some of our energy-efficient pumps run the irrigation,” Mais explained, expressing gratitude for the tremendous support from all their partners.
Perry, a Jamaica-born diplomat, provided substantial support to the hotel, reflecting on the past when he could drive a car to the mouth of the sand in the parish of Portland. Unfortunately, that picturesque beach no longer exists today.
Perr y emphasised the significance of the tourism industry actively caring for the local environment. He acknowledged the hotel’s commitment as a serious demonstration of environmental concern, underscoring the unfortunate disappearance of beaches across the country.
“I have seen across Jamaica the devastating impact of climate change that’s not mitigated by local decision to save the space,” he told the gathering.
Lauding the Cadmus Project, which is a funded programme providing free consultation to hotels and tourism entities on the usage of solar power, JHTA President Robin Russell said its alignment for the World Travel and Tourism Council criteria could potentially qualify Jamaica for membership.
“Tourism across the world is known as an over-user of resources, and it was important that we played our part in becoming more sustainable, by working with organisations who want us to do better,” Robin admitted.
According to him, Cadmus identifies projects, comes in, and speaks with the Jamaica Public Service. Cadmus puts up the meters, carries out the testing, and at the end of it is able to put a system together that is best suited for the property.
“And then they tie that property to the best person capable of doing that system,” Russell noted.
He highlighted the success of the programme among his members, mentioning the training of more than 100 individuals in solar use and its positive impact on the industry’s sustainability efforts.
Russell expressed hope for the project’s continuation into another two years.