Business Barbados - 2023 Edition

this Ministry and other stakeholders to develop a new policy framework. 3R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) for Climate Resilience Wastewater Systems in Barbados Organized by the CCCCC and funded by the GCF, this project involved completing the conceptual design to upgrade the two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Barbados – the Bridgetown & South Coast WWTPs – to tertiary (the highest level) in order to improve the infrastructure’s resiliency towards climate change and use the treated reclaimed water for non- potable use such as irrigation, as well as to consider recharging the existing aquifer. Other aspects of the project also included analysing every aspect of the treatment process for energy recovery and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction opportunities, especially utilizing the sludge for a potential new biogas facility and/or fertilizer. Consultancy Services for the Development of a Sustainability Management Plan for the Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados The Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) selected Integrated Sustainability to develop a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) for the airport. This project included reviewing GAIA’s policies, strategy, systems, programs, operations, and management review process to determine the state of institutional readiness of the institution for incorporating the SMP into its strategic plan. In addition to the above, we have several other projects underway, including operating and maintaining over 30 treatment facilities throughout the Caribbean, in Bermuda, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana and Trinidad. As well as a range of consulting projects such as an Assessment of Marine and Coastal Resources in the Southeast Coast of St. Lucia, and a Technical and Economic Feasibility of Solar Units and sustainable treatment system that is the envy of most water-scarce countries that need to reuse their water. Some of the projects that we have secured recently include: Site Study and Conceptual Design for Strengthening Distance Education in the Caribbean Project Integrated Sustainability was awarded this project by the University of West Indies Open Campus (UWIOC) to complete designs required to upgrade and expand their campuses in Belize, St. Kitts, Dominica, and Trinidad. This very large, multi-disciplinary project was delivered successfully. Development and Design of National Adaptation Plans for Belize and Co- operative Republic of Guyana Integrated Sustainability was retained by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to develop National Adaptation Plans related to how climate change is affecting sectors such as the agricultural and water sectors. Preparation of an Integrated Needs Assessment: Water Usage, Accessibility and Storage in Barbados Integrated Sustainability was awarded this project by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), in cooperation with the Barbados Water Authority, to design rainwater capture and potable water storage units. Our various design configurations included incorporating solar to eliminate the electrical cost associated with running the pumps for this system. Design and Implementation of an Integrated Blue Economy Policy Framework and Strategic Action Plan for Barbados Integrated Sustainability was retained by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Barbados was the first country in the Caribbean to establish a Ministry dedicated to the Blue Economy. This project allowed us to work closely with Water Storage on Public Buildings in Dominica. And, worthy of special mention, we are also currently negotiating a large contract with the University of West Indies in Jamaica at their Mona Campus to Design-Finance-Build-Own-Operate- Transfer (DFBOOT) their existing wastewater treatment facility. The project would involve taking ownership of their treatment plant and designing necessary upgrades to bring their treatment quality to the highest standards that would allow the treated reclaimed water to be used for non-potable use such as irrigation of neighbouring sports fields. We would also look to integrate solar PV panels to reduce the overall operational costs to run this facility. This exciting and new contract marks a continued business relationship between UWI and Integrated Sustainability. Our long-term intentions are to continue focusing on the water and wastewater sectors, while providing the DFBOOT model, considering we anticipate the offering to include financing will become increasingly important. The Covid pandemic negatively impacted the economy for most, if not all countries, but especially the Caribbean region that relies so heavily on the tourism market. As such, we anticipate several Governments will need to rely more on the private sector to potentially finance much needed future infrastructure projects. We are eager to provide local assistance by including a local workforce that will stimulate the economy. Our debt financing may not be as low as what some Asian markets can offer, but we include a team that employs over 80% local work forces. This creates job opportunities in the design and construction industries that help stimulate the local economy. Surely, this should be seen as being equally or more important than only considering the low interest rates offered by other markets. integratedsustainability.com ecohesion.bb 39 BUSINESS BARBADOS 2023 I N T E G R A T E D S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y