12 October 2016 - Business View Caribbean
Opening
Lines
the region. Sound energy savings initiatives by hote-
liers make good business sense and protect our rich
natural resources which are an essential part of our
touristic appeal,” Comito declared.
Already, the partnership has resulted in the launch
of an energy benchmarking tool that followed the
agreement signing at the forum. The tool, which
was developed by USAID CARCEP, will allow hotel
operators to analyze their electricity, fossil fuel and
water usage; compare the energy and water inten-
sity with similar hotels in their area; and learn about
energy and water efficiency strategies they can em-
ploy to reduce hotel operating costs.
“The deployment of this tool in the hotel indus-
try, the biggest economic driver in the region, and
the follow-on activities developing knowledge and
awareness of energy efficiency will be a game
changer. Energy consumption in the region is as
much as three times higher per US$1 of GDP gen-
erated than other regions of the world, putting this
region at a real competitive disadvantage. Both for
climatic and economic reasons it is imperative that
we reduce fossil fuel consumption and turn those
savings into jobs and industry for the region that will
drive economic development and future growth,” af-
firmed USAID CARCEP’s energy efficiency promo-
tion specialist John Marcocchio.
To support ease of access the tool will be housed
on CHTA’s website, a strategic decision to ensure
sustainability after USAID CARCEP’s implementa-
tion period ends in 2020. Hotel owners who are
members of CHTA, including those located in non-
beneficiary USAID CARCEP nations, will be able to
access this tool at no cost, allowing them to gain
valuable insight that can ultimately
help them learn how best to maximize
their return on investments. The tool
can highlight abnormal energy and
water demands and unearth opportu-
nities for savings and investments.
The signing of the collaboration agree-
ment and the launch of the USAID
CARCEP Energy Benchmarking Tool
at this year’s CHIEF is key to the success of this
initiative. Each year CHIEF, staged by CHTA, attracts
a large percentage of hoteliers, association execu-
tives and other targeted stakeholders and as such
provides a central platform for the introduction to
and uptake of these resources. USAID CARCEP and
CHTA are urging hoteliers to take advantage of this
opportunity.
The next step is the roll out of USAID CARCEP’s
training program in each beneficiary country. The
first is scheduled to take place in Jamaica in Novem-
ber 2016 and is aimed at demonstrating how to use
the tool as well as how to implement energy saving
measures at hotels and resorts.
