2024-02-28 –Trinidad and Tobago has made a significant step forward in promoting energy efficiency solutions for its citizens through a regional project that was facilitated by the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS).
On Wednesday 28th February, 2024, the Quality for Sustainable Energy in the Caribbean (QSEC) Project successfully concluded, marking a pivotal milestone in this country’s journey towards meeting the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals through sustainable energy solutions.
The QSEC Project was funded through partnerships with the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the Ministry of Planning and Development’s Global Environment Fund (GEF) Project and The Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) in renewable energy initiatives.
Funding from these entities has been instrumental in the establishment of the TTBS’ Energy Efficiency Lighting Laboratory, which is the first of its kind in the region. This state-of-the-art facility which was launched in2022, positions Trinidad and Tobago as the first Regional Centre of Excellence for testing the energy efficiency of lighting products.
Since its inception, the Energy Efficiency Lab has conducted rigorous testing on Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) and Light Emitting Diode Bulbs (LEDs) samples from both Trinidad and Tobago and two CARICOM Member state. The results of these tests have revealed deficiencies in both product quality and labelling practices. Notably, all LED samples tested failed to meet the standard for labelling, and 95% of LED samples failed to meet the performance requirements of the international standard. These findings underscore the critical importance of enforcing quality control measures and adherence to international standards in the lighting products industry.
To address these issues, TTBS will be presenting the data gathered from the Energy Efficiency Lab to key stakeholders via consultations later this year. Plans are also underway to mandatorily enforce the National Energy Efficiency Labelling Standard for LEDs and CFLs, with the Energy Efficiency Lighting Lab testing high risk models of bulbs on sale in the local market for conformance.
In addition to promoting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, the QSEC Project also aims to drive cost savings for businesses and consumers. Through the implementation of the Testing and Labelling Programme for CFLs and LEDs lighting products, consumers can now benefit from accurate information to compare brands.
Businesses in Trinidad and Tobago and the region can also have their lighting products tested and verified locally, eliminating the need to send them outside the region for testing.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Trade and Industry, Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon expressed gratitude to all involved in the QSEC project, especially CROSQ, INDOCAL, PTB, and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. She also extended continued support from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, collaborating with the Ministry of Planning and Development and the Ministry of Public Utilities to meet the objectives of QSEC.
For more information about the QSEC Project and the Energy Efficiency Lab, please email electrical-products.lab@ttbs.org.tt or contact 662-8827 Ext 2367, 2368, 2375
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