By Nakasia Logan | January 8, 2025
The Department of Environment and Climate Change, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), hosted a workshop on Energy Efficiency Standards and Labeling (EESL) at Cara Lodge.
The event, part of the Low Emissions Project, aimed to raise awareness and understanding of the EESL program among key stakeholders, including importers and retailers of electrical appliances.
Attendees included representatives from the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and the Bureau of Standards.
Mahendar Sharma, Head of the GEA, spoke on the EESL program, noting it is part of a broader initiative to reduce energy consumption, promote sustainability, and improve the energy efficiency of household appliances in Guyana.
He stressed the importance of both consumers and businesses understanding the long-term benefits of energy-efficient appliances and making informed purchasing decisions.
Sharma explained that the program encourages consumers to consider the operational costs of appliances over their lifetime, rather than focusing solely on the initial purchase price.
He specifically highlighted air conditioners and refrigerators as key appliances for the program.
Additionally, Sharma emphasized the technical importance of ensuring appliances meet the correct specifications, particularly in terms of voltage and frequency.
He pointed out that Guyana’s electrical supply operates at 60 Hertz, and using appliances designed for a different frequency could lead to malfunctioning.
The Low Emissions Project seeks to reduce Guyana’s reliance on fossil fuel imports while promoting a sustainable and inclusive development pathway.
As part of Guyana’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the EESL program supports the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.
The program aligns with UNDP’s Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, and Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
The workshop underscored the significance of energy efficiency standards in achieving these goals and highlighted their role in reducing the environmental impact of energy consumption.