Environmental research

The F.I.S.H. Medical Clinic, a medical NGO, seeks to employ the use of Renewable Energy, namely solar in order to reduce Carbon Emissions. In so doing the Clinic aims to contribute to the reversal of the negative effects of Climate Change and contribute to the improvement in air quality thereby boosting general health. Additionally the implementation of a renewable energy system will aid in the containment of spiralling energy cost. In so doing the prospects for the viability of the Clinic will increase tremendously, given the fact that energy costs has been rising consistently over the past 5 (five) years and accounting for a meaningful share of expenditure. The project will involve the supply and installation of 22.4 KW of solar panels, accompanying inverters and electrical wiring to facilitate the independent production of approximately 75% of the Clinic s power to supply all electrical loads. The system will seek to avoid the production of approximately 3,000 Kg of carbon emissions each month. A reduction in the electricity bill of approximately 75% will also be obtained here on. Objective To avoiding the carbon emissions of approximately 3,000 Kg of CO2 equivalent per month, thereby mitigating the effects of Climate Change and improving the air quality. This will be achieved through the consumption of approximately 3,600 kWh of renewable energy per month, which will be generated from an installed Photovoltaic System capacity of 22.4 kW which will be substituting an equivalent capacity of fossil fuel based power being supplied from the Jamaica Public Service. The Clinic does community health outreach programmes at Health Fairs, schools and various organizations. By instituting a solar energy system the environment benefits and in so doing benefits are conferred to the general health of individuals as the air quality improves. Additionally, by addressing the problem savings will be conferred to the Clinic which will be passed on to the patients. The Clinic would be able to see approximately 6%more patients in house without an increase in fees and will also be able to continue the outreach programme through out the Island. More needy persons could benefit from these savings and the Clinic could continuously improve its service and continue to assist in providing necessary health care. Given the fact that the system is essentially maintenance free, requiring only minor periodic checks it will be easily sustained. Added to this is the fact that the system is expected to provide power for the next 25 years and as a result the useful life of the project will extend well beyond the period taken for installation. The result of this is a very high level of sustainability. Warranties are also provided for workmanship and equipment. Noticeable results will be evident within the first three months. The life of the project is also expected to go well beyond its payback period.

Jamaica