Steps to go GREEN

Jamaica may be facing a drought over the next few months – or at least lower than normal rainfall, and the British High Commission has started to prepare now, by taking steps to cut water consumption at its premises in Trafalgar Road.

We are adjusting all the taps so that the flow of water will be reduced; we are also storing drinking water for use in a drought; and we are looking at ways of using storm drain water for watering the gardens.

The High Commission is firmly committed to reducing its environmental impact in Jamaica. Over the past few years we have been making our staff more aware of the consequences of ignoring the effects of climate change. We have introduced recycling of paper, glass, aluminium and plastic, and raised awareness about energy costs.

Sensors in the High Commission switch the lights off automatically when offices are vacated, and most electrical systems such as air conditioning and fans work on timers, so that we are not using up power when there is no one in the building.

In 2011 we set ourselves a target of reducing our carbon footprint by between 10 and 30 per cent by April 2013 – and we have achieved it: on energy alone, we have reduced consumption in the High Commission by 21% a month.

We also try to make sure that staff get the chance to learn about global issues concerning the environment, such as Earth Hour, and International Ozone Day, so that everyone realises they have a part to play by being are of our environment and preparing for climate change.