Sustainable Communities in Central America and the Caribbean

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Sustainable Communities in Central America and the Caribbean

Community-based Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency

The Sustainable Communities in Central America and the Caribbean project seeks to support community-based initiatives that advance the use and adoption of clean, renewable energy solutions, and result in enhanced energy efficiency. The following examples of existing or previously implemented projects that would fall under this pillar are provided for reference:

Energy Efficiency:

  • Green Roof Retrofits, Lowering Temperatures and Reducing Emissions: Green roofs have been proven to cool indoor temperatures, and reduce the urban “heat island” effect that develops in cities, particularly those with minimal vegetation. By lowering temperatures, green roofs reduce the use of energy-intensive air conditioners, improving the overall energy efficiency of buildings. At the same time, they improve local air quality, reduce storm water runoff, and absorb carbon dioxide.

  • Strategic Plan for Energy Efficiency in an Urban Area or Community: The project would be focused on implementation of energy efficiency (EE) measures to promote a market transformation for the efficient use of electricity. It would enable an environment in which the private sector makes more informed decisions about development and investment activities through the implementation of three main components: (i) creating a legal and regulatory base for market transformation; (ii) securing institutional and individual capacity to implement EE; and (iii) distilling lessons learned and information dissemination. The project may also identify gender-related barriers with respect to information on the application of best practices in energy saving, technical understanding on efficient technologies, and awareness regarding the efficient use of energy among women.

Renewable Energy:

  • Photovoltaic (PV) Based Electrification: The project would assist urban municipalities in removing barriers to sustainable electrification using PV technology in off-grid areas, thereby reducing the long-term growth of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project demonstrates the viability of establishing micro enterprises to sell, maintain, and operate the PV system, as well as create incentives for increased public and private sector investment in PV-based electrification.
  • Increasing Accessibility to Solar Equipment: The project would support the renting of solar equipment to villages at affordable costs as an alternative to the electricity grid. Costs were made to be comparable to the $11 a month average spent on non-renewable energy sources such as candles, batteries, and gas. A photovoltaic solar home system is developed and distributed, including even lighting and electrical outlets for only $10 a month.
For further information on this project please contact Richard Huber at 202 458 3227 or by email at [email protected].