Construction Of Region’s First Net Zero Energy Building To Begin Shortly

Published

9 years ago

May 12, 2016

Construction of the Caribbean’s first Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) is to get underway at the University of the West Indies shortly.

Ground was broken earlier this week for the US$500,000 project aimed at lowering environmental impact and operating and maintenance costs, improving resiliency to power outages and natural disasters, and improving Jamaica’s energy security.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Energy, Science and Technology, Dr. Andrew Wheatley indicated that the adaptation and implementation of NZEBs should go a far way in reducing the country’s carbon footprint, ensuring future utility cost savings, and increasing worker productivity and comfort.

It is also expected that this facility, which is due to be completed by December, will influence the implementation of regulatory tools, as well as transform building policies and practices.

The project is being implemented by UWI’s Institute for Sustainable Development, with technical assistance from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and funding from the Global Environment Facility.

Senior Programme Manager for the Energy, Climate and Technology Branch of UNEP, Kenya, Geordie Colville, says the building is designed to maximise the use of natural sunlight for energy, while reducing the need for air conditioning and artificial lighting.

The 2,300-square foot NZEB will include a centre for research on renewable energy, as well as conference facilities. As a prototype, it will demonstrate emerging and best practices in the built environment as it relates to energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental design.

The structure will reduce energy consumption by 40 per cent compared to a non-zero net energy building. Excess power generated will be sold to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo) under a net billing arrangement.

The building is also to be utilised as an emergency shelter, as it will be designed to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes, and harvest storm, drainage and waste water. It is expected to save up to 30 per cent in water consumption under everyday conditions.

John Mahfood “I Listed on the JSE to Raise Capital for My Business”

Published

8 years ago

November 24, 2016

Managing Editor

JSE Online Trading Platform

Published

8 years ago

November 24, 2016

Managing Editor

Grace Stockholders To Vote On 3-for-1 Stock Split Today

Published

9 years ago

July 11, 2016

BusinesSuiteOnline

Shareholders of GraceKennedy Limited will this morning meet to consider and, if thought fit, approve a recommendation for a three-for-one stock split.

If approved, shareholders will receive three stocks for each one that is currently held.

According to group CEO Don Wehby, the stock units with a market price of J$115.00 per stock unit prior to the split will now increase threefold with an initial price of J$38.33 per stock unit

He says the stock split would allow GK’s stock to be made available to more investors while further enhancing the market for the shares.

Ahead of this morning’s Extraordinary General Meeting, GK last week issued 59,360 additional GK shares.

UK Loses S&P Triple A Rating

Published

9 years ago

June 27, 2016

BusinesSuiteOnline

The UK has lost its top AAA credit rating from ratings agency S&P following the country’s vote to leave the EU.

S&P says the referendum result could lead to “a deterioration of the UK’s economic performance, including its large financial services sector”.

Earlier the pound plunged to a 31-year low against the dollar, and UK markets closed lower for a second day. On Friday,

Moody’s cut the UK’s credit rating outlook to negative.

Caribbean Hotels Named In Jetsetters’ 2016 Best Of The Best

Published

9 years ago

June 27, 2016

BusinesSuiteOnline

Three Caribbean hotels have been named in US-based travel and lifestyle magazine Jetsetter’s 2016 Best of the Best awards.

The list which was published recently, highlighted the world’s 20 best hotels in categories ranging from Best Over-The-Top Luxury to Best Safari Lodge.

Included in the list were Antigua and Barbuda’s Barbuda Belle Luxury Beach Hotel, Anguilla’s Zemi Beach House Resort & Spa, and St Lucia’s BodyHoliday.