Labour Ministry Re-Launches Energy Conservation and Savings Project
By: , September 18, 2015The Key Point:
Photo: Donald Delahaye
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Derrick Kellier, presents a certificate to member of staff of the Ministry’s Ripon Road location, Dorothy Morris, at the re-launch of the Energy Conservation Awareness and Savings Project at the Overseas Employment Services office on East Street in Kingston on September 17. The Ripon Road office saved approximately $1.9 million under the project.The Facts
- Originally instituted in May 2009, the project realised savings of approximately $20 million over the first four years, at an average of about $5 million per year.
- Members of staff from the Ministry’s locations across the island are engaged in the energy-saving initiative through internal jingle competitions and a public education campaign themed: ‘Conservation is a Plus – Turn it off.’
The Full Story
The Ministry of Labour and Social Security has re-launched its Energy Conservation Awareness and Savings Project, aimed at reducing costs in the use of electricity, telephone, water and paper.
Originally instituted in May 2009, the project realised savings of approximately $20 million over the first four years, at an average of about $5 million per year.
Members of staff from the Ministry’s locations across the island are engaged in the energy-saving initiative through internal jingle competitions and a public education campaign themed: ‘Conservation is a Plus – Turn it off.’
However, since 2013/14, the savings from the programme have slowed, and the re-launch signals a commitment on the part of the Ministry to redouble its efforts to continue to realise positive results.
Savings of over $2 million were realised for the 2014/15 financial year and $1.4 million up to July 2015.
Portfolio Minister, Hon. Derrick Kellier, in giving the charge to members of staff gathered at the Overseas Employment Services office on East Street on September 17, said: “we must dedicate ourselves to finding ways to cut cost, cut waste and save jobs as we grow our economy. This is the essence of the conservation and awareness programme.”
He noted that by refocusing the efforts, the team is expected to see even greater results.
“This re-launch is of great importance to me. It represents our re-commitment to conservation and waste reduction at the Ministry and it is our pledge to actively conserve, preserve and earn. This re-launch ceremony is the action we are taking today to preserve ourselves, our Ministry and our country for the future,” Mr. Kellier said.
He further encouraged the Ministry’s Energy Management Steering Committee to work with the Jamaica Productivity Centre to measure the productivity impact of the initaitive.
The project is being re-launched under the theme: ‘Conserve, Preserve, Earn’.
Nine of the Ministry’s locations were awarded during the ceremony for the savings realised at the particular offices.