The Tribune

A Bahamian renewable provider is providing energy savings upgrades to both local resorts and government health clinics, while aiding efforts to make the country more resilient post-Dorian.

Greg Uptagrafft, PowerPlus Bahamas' principal, said: "Because of our geographic location we are most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, but we now have a chance to rebuild in a way that helps protect homes and businesses. Construction standards have to change, and alternative energy should be the new normal."

The company recently embarked on a major energy efficiency project at Grand Bahama's Taino Beach Resort in a bid to replicate the significant savings previously realised by the Abaco Beach Resort.

"Reduce before you produce is our motto," said Mr Uptagrafft. "Based on our audit of the company's current usage, we set a goal to significantly reduce their energy consumption. Conversion to LED lighting and the installation of THERMX technology to reduce their air conditioning consumption has put them well on their way to achieving this goal.

"We believe the introduction of these new strategies will help create a new baseline for the company's energy consumption trends, making it a far more sustainable operation."

PowerPlus Bahamas is also aiding hospital services as well. Along with two other companies, PowerPlus Bahamas has been sub-contracted to provide energy-saving upgrades to new cooling systems being installed at the Eight Mile Rock clinic.

In addition to this work, PowerPlus Bahamas has joined forces with MESOCORE Solar Homes, a Florida-based company, to provide complete pre-built homes created solely for sustainability.

"If there's one thing Hurricane Dorian has taught us, it is that cutting corners and failing to adapt to a more sustainable standard of construction will not hold up in the long run," said Mr Uptagrafft. "Especially with Category 5 storms and the inundation of seawater."

Each MESOCORE home is designed to be hurricane and water-resilient, incorporating alternative energy options such as solar electricity and a 2,000-gallon rain reservoir with its own filtration system.

Its partnership with PowerPlus Bahamas offers the possibility of improved construction standards, including insulation for floors, walls and ceilings. It also uses grid-tied solar systems, watertight features, LED lighting and solar thermal air conditioning systems.

"Dorian brought unimaginable destruction, but it also presents an opportunity for us to do better, expect better and, of course, prepare better for future storms," said Mr Uptagrafft. "If you have to rebuild, then here is your opportunity to include efficiency standards to reduce your energy consumption and features to survive after the storm.

"Yes, it is true that some of these measures cost more upfront. But the return on all these types of upgrades is definitely worth it, as we all know our power bills are our largest consumer expense and having power and water days after a storm - is the key to survival."