At OECS level, tertiary buildings account for 53% of electricity consumption, representing an average 8% increase over the past five years.
Energy regulations for buildings vary from one member state to another. The first phase of the study did, however, highlight the following points:
- There are currently only limited demands relating to the energy efficiency of new buildings.
- The CREEBC (CARICOM Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code) is expected to be adopted in the coming years by a majority of member states, but its implementation at practical level appears difficult.
The analysis of 40 energy audits, conducted in the scope of projects funded by the Caribbean Development Bank in certain OECS member states, revealed that air-conditioning is the biggest consumer of energy in tertiary buildings.
There is very high potential for energy gains in OECS tertiary buildings: 14% through energy savings, 16% through the use of high-performance air-conditioning units, and 9% through the installation of LED lighting.
To date, the study on « energy performance in tertiary buildings for OECS Member States » has resulted in the drawing up of an energy mix overview by OECS member countries, and of the regulations in force. In addition, the review and report on the projects relating to energy efficiency in buildings have been finalised. This first phase of work has concluded with the selection of three OECS member states: Antigua & Barbuda, Anguilla and Dominica.
The second, ongoing phase of the study relates to the three selected countries and will include, among other items, a building sector market analysis and the non-instrumented audits of a number of tertiary buildings, with a view to suggesting new energy efficiency targets.