By now everyone is aware of the predicament GEBE finds itself in as well as the efforts to remedy the situation. Constant load shedding has a detrimental effect on our economy, visitors, employees and the community generally.
The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) conducted a survey to assess impact on businesses, met with GEBE sent 20 recommendations for peak time energy savings to its membership.
The survey indicates that 19% of the respondents indicated it lost stock, whereas 41% stated it has lost business due to the crisis. Power outages and surges have led to loss of equipment amongst over half of the respondents, whereas some expect this to still happen. Amongst answers to a question “ what the key needs of businesses were given the challenges”, fuel, availability of generator parts and financial support / affordable fuel were recurring themes.
To its member businesses and the community in general, the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) suggests the following tips for energy conservation:
Company and Office Spaces
1. Many companies want to be as inviting to customers as possible by opening their doors whilst cooling their store. Either closing doors or an air curtain could directly reduce energy consumption.
2. Reconsider if your spaces needs artificial light or can do with natural light only.
3. Closing blinds, shades, and drapes helps to keep your space’s temperature lower and reduces energy use for your AC.
4. “Smart” thermostats and sensors can reduce power use on many appliances throughout the day.
5. Cleaning of air filters and tuning of HVAC systems is a globally advised way to reduce energy use
6. Only some degrees change in settings of air conditioning temperature provides energy and cost savings. Don’t set your air conditioning to a low temperature that will never be achieved (e.g. 16*C); your air conditioning will run constantly since it will never achieve that level.
7. Inform your employees about all suggestions above and below for optimal effect.
Office Appliances
8. Unplug computers, printers and other appliances if they are not in use. Next to saving energy, it avoids damage when the net surges back after a power outage.
9. Appliances like cell phones and laptops need only a few hours to charge, so there is no need to plug them in over the full night. Cells battery life is better if only charged up to 80% instead of 100%.
10. LED / energy efficient light bulbs instead of traditional ones do not just save money, they also last longer
11. Switching off lights, air conditioning and other appliances in rooms not being used are a way to reduce energy and costs
12. Planning to and running run your generator during peak times, can reduce the pressure on the grid during peak hours.
13. Running high energy appliances outside peak hours will alleviate grid pressure during peak hours.
Restaurant and office kitchens
14. Fridges are amongst the most energy consuming appliances. See if your fridge temperature can be adjusted and remove food you are going to cook timely to save possibly needed electricity for cooking / heating food later on. Ensure fridge doors to remain tightly closed.
15. Like with aircos, cleaning filters and servicing your fridge saves energy.
16. Whilst baking or broiling, try to avoid “peaking” in the oven as it directly increases energy use
17. When cooking with electricity, keep lids on pans for less use of energy.
18. Microwaves use far less energy than electric ovens; reconsider which one to use.
19. Do dishes when you have a full load, as both manual and dishwasher washing cost energy.
20. When you normally use a dryer, see if you can use the summer heat instead of the dryer. Try to use a full load if you still want to use the dryer.
