Guyana Standards Bureau working with CROSQ on Energy Efficiency Standard

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is working collaboratively with the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and other CARICOM countries to develop a standard that will address Minimum Energy Performance for Refrigerators, Air Conditioners and Lighting.
This energy efficiency standard is expected to ensure that all appliances imported into Guyana and the CARICOM Region are labelled, that is, the labels must contain information regarding the energy consumption of the appliances such as, an energy guide or rating, brand name and country of origin.
Energy efficiency labels offer guidance to consumers on the energy consumption of their appliances, which will allow them to make wise decisions and conserve their energy use and spending on electricity.
For consumers, understanding energy efficiency is the first step. The International Electro-technical Committee (IEC) defines energy efficiency as the ratio or other quantitative relationship between an output of performance, service goods or energy, and an input of energy. In other words, the amount of performance gained verses the amount of energy inputted.
Energy efficiency can be achieved in many ways, including the use of less energy to achieve the same outcome, using the same amount of energy to achieve a better outcome, and by improving the conversion of primary energy into usable energy, including electricity with more efficient technologies.
Energy efficiency is very important and it is the biggest untapped energy source in the world. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy efficiency is the largest “fuel” before all fossil and renewable energy sources combined.
No doubt, the use of energy efficient appliances reduces energy demand, creates a reduction in Green House Gas Emissions, increases energy security, enhances health and well-being through lower air pollution, and creates a positive impact on public budgets and disposable incomes.
However, despite the benefits of energy efficient practices, there are many barriers including the lack of awareness of the savings potential, inadequate information about performance efficiency, and the tendency to focus on lowest initial cost rather than life cycle cost.
Guyana’s adoption of the energy efficiency standard will support Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy thematic area number three ‘Energy – Transition to renewable energy and greater energy independence.