THE Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GM&SA) Energy Efficiency Project sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is entering its final phase.

The completion of this third and final part will see innovative strategies developed as a result of the first two phases of an energy efficiency rating study (EERS) morphed into a national guide of proven energy efficiency measures (EEMs) that the GMSA will disseminate to most, if not all, categories of businesses countrywide.
A source close to the GMSA said the dissemination of the EEMs to businesses will help them to avoid spending excessive amounts of money for energy and ultimately save and improve their profitability.
The message of the programme is that a proper energy management plan can reduce by 40 percent the amount of a company’s expenditure on electricity.
The energy efficiency scheme was crafted by GMSA in 2010 to help companies in the manufacturing and services sectors to utilise their applications, with conservation being the prime focus.
It was subsequently adapted by the IDB which granted its approval in 2011 to fund 70 per cent of the costs and the agreement was signed on June 6, 2012.
The first consultant, Mr. Eaton Haughton renowned in the Caribbean for his extensive knowledge of energy efficiencies and audits, successfully conducted the initial of the two parts EERS last year.
Together with a locally based team, headed by the project’s technical coordinator, Mr. Lloyd Rose of Dynamic Engineering Ltd., Haughton visited four of the five companies, serving as pilots in the scheme, to observe and analyse their installed systems for electricity and water, fuel consumption, air- conditioning and other refrigeration and heating.

Pilot companies
The pilot companies were Edward B. Beharry Company, National Milling Company, GTM Fire & Life Insurance Company, Brass Aluminium & Cast Iron Foundry and Barama Company.
Haughton and Rose observed and analysed their installations for delivery of the various amenities and another international consultant, Dr. Carl Duncan visited Guyana, subsequently, and conducted an online energy audit at the four pilot companies.
Duncan also facilitated two workshops aimed at helping local businesses to become more effective at monitoring energy input and consumption.
The second aspect of the programme comes to an end early next month with workshops for businesses in Georgetown, on Essequibo Coast and Corentyne, Berbice, leading up to the final compilation and dissemination of the national guide on EEMs.

(By Clifford Stanley)