Electricity costs at Bahamian hotels can range from $20 to $48 per room per night, accounting for 87 percent of total building consumption, according to The Fichtner energy report.
The report was developed by the German consulting firm Fichtner, after conducting a series of audits in the Caribbean country during 2009 and 2010. In the study it is also reported that 50% of the electricity consumed corresponds to the air conditioning system, while hot water could represent 17 to 45%.
The firm's suggestion is that local operators seek to implement designs and strategies that allow them to operate with greater energy efficiency, in order to reduce their operating costs.
Among the initiatives suggested are the use of solar heaters in kitchens, taking advantage of natural shade and ventilation through architectural design and the implementation of LED lighting with motion detectors.
Phenton Neymour, Minister of State for the Environment, told local media that "research suggests that there is great potential for electricity savings in the Bahamas for small hotels."
He also added that the report highlighted the potential benefits of betting on energy efficiency and the need to work to achieve it. He also stressed that the government established a committee to develop the first National Energy Policy, which will seek to take practical measures to help citizens discover the importance of this issue and reduce energy consumption.
