Barbados Works toward a Green Economy

Historically, the economy of Barbados had been dependent on sugarcane cultivation and related activities, but since the late 1970s and early 1980s it has diversified into the manufacturing and tourism sectors. According to the World Bank, Barbados is classified as a mixed economy and as being in its 66 top high income economies of the world. A 2012 self-study in conjunction with the Caribbean Development Bank revealed 20% of Barbadians live in poverty, and nearly 10% cannot meet their daily basic food needs. A primary goal of a Green Economy besides sustainable development is poverty reduction.
 In partnership with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Barbados has created a National Strategic Plan (NSP) to transition Barbados to a green economy. The National Strategic Plan of Barbados 2005–2025: Global Excellence, Barbadian Traditions provides the blueprint for the realization of Barbados’ vision of becoming a “fully developed society that is prosperous, socially just and globally competitive.” The NSP recognizes there exists tremendous potential for greening sectors of the economy such as agriculture, energy, transportation, tourism, building/housing and management of wastes as well as coastal and marine resources. Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart, has defined a green economy in the Barbadian context as: “An integrated production, distribution, consumption, and waste assimilation system that, at its core, reflects the fragility of our small island eco-systems”.  But no vision or plan will be successful unless the people fully embrace it and commit themselves to its realization. That is why this Plan places people at the center of its development efforts. “There has to be a renewed effort at creating greater equity and social justice, strengthening national identity, and at building a truly inclusive society of genuine opportunity for all. Restoring optimism among the poor is as critical as energising the rich to take risks and to invest.”

The NSP  seeks to correct Barbados’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. By 2025, the government hopes to increase Barbados’s renewable energy supply by doubling the use of solar water heaters. Solar waters heaters are now a widely used renewable energy technology in Barbados, with installations in nearly half of the inland’s dwelling units. Back in 2002 Barbados saved 15,000 metric tons of carbon emission and over US $100 million in energy saving from the 35,000 hot water systems that had been installed at the time. As of 2008, approximately 40,000 solar water heaters were in operation in Barbados – 75% of which represent domestic installation. Given recent estimates that there are 91,406 dwelling units on the island in total, it is clear that solar water heater have successfully penetrated the domestic market. Their growing presence in this island nation illustrated how a resourceful initiative can both stimulate economic growth and promote renewable energy awareness and activity. More recently, the Barbadian government has implemented several schemes to further stimulate the construction of solar water houses. As results solar panels and water heaters are sprouting from government building, hospitals, police stations, bus shelters as well as thousands of gaily colored private homes throughout the Caribbean island. Their growing presence in this island nation illustrated how a resourceful initiative can both stimulate economic growth and promote renewable energy awareness and activity.  Barbados also has the only solar-powered desalination plant in the region.   

                                                                   Public education efforts, such as the establishment of the Solar House in 2007, also serve an important role in promoting renewable energy forms and energy conservation. Furthermore, the Barbados Training Board has made available vocational opportunities for local skill enhancement in the sector, such as instructional training for prospective Solar Water Heater Technicians.  Other initiatives, such as The Caribbean Hotel Energy Efficiency Action Program in conjunction with several other agencies , have also investigated alternative ways of incorporating energy-efficient practices within the tourism sector.

 

Businesses of all sizes and types are integrating environmental sustainability into their operations and products The range of certified green businesses range from renewable energy provide to restaurants, organic farmers, insurance companies and wellness products providers. Other green businesses include natural hair care companies, architectural groups, waste management companies and local artisans. International  Crop Over festival exhibitors (below) display their commitment to being “green” and environmental preservation supporters create educational campaigns about sustainability.