NEWSLETTER Issue 2 / August 2014
Francois Chalifour: Recycling Means Partnerships
GREEN
Opportunities
Healthy Workplace
Green Tips
RESPECT FOR COMMUNITY. RESPECT FOR ENVIRONMENT
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GREEN Opportunities: Climate Change & Business Many Jamaican business people, like Jamaicans in general, are still down there at the bottom of a learning curve, when it comes to climate change. It’s quite understandable. This is a complex issue, there is lots of science in it, and there are many variables. Scientists themselves don’t have all the answers. A Climate Change Learning Conference held in Kingston on July 17 and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) sought to fill some of the knowledge gaps and to provide a catalyst for action. This was not a “talk shop.” The meeting shared a great deal of information and was, surprisingly, inspiring. Now, the notion of running a thriving business on a warming planet may seem fraught with unknown dangers and unimaginable challenges. But, as the old cliché goes, there is indeed opportunity in adversity. “The Business Case for Climate Change,” a morning conference attended by many Jamaican business leaders and a scattering of Government representatives, underlined this truism. The audience learned that firms can not only save oodles of money by establishing carbon-free, “green” practices; they can also make money. Audience members sat up and paid attention.
The Conference clearly presented current Jamaican Government strategies; in particular the Draft Climate Change Policy Framework and Action Plan, developed under the Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Project funded by the UN Environment Programme and the European Union. Minister of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change (yes, the “Ministry with the long name”) Robert Pickersgill is seeking public-private sector partnerships, especially for “flagship programmes” focusing on water resources management, low carbon development, disaster risk financing, eco-system protection, land use planning, and health and marine systems. Minister Pickersgill also urged a change of mindset.“With climate change, we must change” was his simple slogan. There is a mental process involved, and that is critical. No matter how preoccupied people are with the day-to-day running of their businesses, they simply must factor climate change into their decision-making and practices. So, how do we finance climate change resilience? Edison Galbraith, of the state-owned Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ) and the new climate Green Your Biz Newsletter • August 2014
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Future generations will judge our action on the issue of climate change. In 2014, we have the chance to step over to the right side of history. Let’s take it. change consultant at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) office in Jamaica Anaité Mills provided useful information on loans and grants available – not only to business people, but in some cases to households too. It was interesting to note that the IDB is funding a “huge” solar power project in Barbados; what about Jamaica? Expressing “disappointment” at the slow uptake of energy loans, Mr. Galbraith urged firms and households to consider obtaining grants (yes, grants) from the DBJ for energy audits. Business people – both these financial institutions are open for business and willing and able to talk to you about energy financing. Get in touch with them today! Keynote speaker Ms. L. Hunter Lovins is President of Natural Capitalism Solutions in Colorado, which “works with companies, communities, and countries to implement genuine sustainability more profitably” according to its website. Ms. Lovins wears a cowboy hat atop her long blonde hair; she has a no-nonsense, yet optimistic manner. With a disarmingly cheerful smile, she presented disturbing statistics and numerous examples of the devastating impact of climate change on our planet and humankind. The expected social and economic impacts are severe, and more so for countries in the tropics. Climate change will disrupt
Green Your Biz Newsletter • August 2014
and destroy coastal activities such as tourism, fishing and traditional power generation. Ms. Lovins predicted Kingston “will lose its airport” due to sea level rise. Climate change will exacerbate poverty and income inequality. “Climate change is not about polar bears; it’s about business!” Ms. Lovins declared. Governments don’t have all the solutions – but business does. It’s already happening. Diageo, which owns Red Stripe, is one of many businesses that have set and achieved goals to reduce their carbon footprint, become energy-efficient and create wealth from innovative “green” practices. Local firms must start “thinking green.” Offices and factories can implement simple energy-saving measures that will save even the smallest firm substantial sums, and in the long run create jobs – installing LED bulbs, for example, and turning off all electronics at night. The cities of Chicago and New York are drastically reducing their carbon emissions from hundreds of buildings. So why does Jamaica spend billions of dollars importing oil every year? Ms. Lovins (who believes “coal has no future”) finds our island’s continued dependence on fossil fuels inexplicable. There is “so much energy all around us,” she exclaimed. Jamaica has plenty of sun and wind. Ms. Lovins urged an immediate switch to renewables. The new hybrid wind/solar power installation, on the roof of the Myers, Fletcher building in downtown Kingston, is a great example, she suggested. And did you know that in May this year, renewables met over 74% of Germany’s energy needs, a new record? It can be done. The Learning Conference also heard perspectives from Jamaican business people. Hotel Mockingbird Hill in Portland practices sustainable eco-tourism. This is the best model for Jamaica, Ms. Lovins suggested. For her as a visitor, watching a Doctor Bird feed on the verandah was a uniquely Jamaican experience – truly “Brand Jamaica.” Mockingbird Hill’s Barbara Walker shared several best practices, including waste and water management, energy conservation, and working with the community (public education). “Eco-tourists,” she noted, have money to spend;
it’s good business. Nestlé’s Jürg Blaser discussed the huge multinational’s “shared values” philosophy (Nestlé Mexico’s factory runs on 85% renewable energy; now there’s sustainability for you). “It only makes sense to encourage energy conservation as a matter of practice and policy,” said Vaughn Morris of SEAL Sprayed Solutions, manufacturers of insulating roof materials. The UNDP recommends businesses take greater responsibility for the environment and for a sustainable future. They can lobby for changes to legislation and for policies that will encourage climate change resilience, suggested Dr. Elsie Laurence-Chounoune, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative. Most importantly, the Jamaican private sector must act – by creating partnerships with Government; keeping climate change discussions on the front burner; thinking long-term; and seizing funding opportunities for climate-friendly projects, new green business and green job creation. As the Conference progressed, the ongoing, unprecedented drought seemed to weigh heavily in the room. There was an unmistakable note of
urgency in the presentations. “Climate change is really upon us now,” stressed Albert Daley, Principal Director of the Government’s Climate Change Division. We don’t have the luxury of preparing for its arrival. While it will take a little time to adjust to the strange and uncertain world we now live in, businesses really don’t have that time. Firms must adapt or run the risk of steady decline. UNDP Jamaica pledged its support for adaptation efforts. There’s no time like the present. The UNDP’s Dr. Arun Kashyap quoted remarks by the UN Secretary General: “Future generations will judge our action on the issue of climate change. In 2014, we have the chance to step over to the right side of history. Let’s take it.” The Jamaican business sector needs to take action now, to create a prosperous, safe and healthy future for generations to come. It’s doable.
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Francois Chalifour:
Recycling Means Partnerships The offices of the Wisynco Group, just off Lakes Pen Road in St. Catherine, are appropriately painted a soft green. On a warm, hazy Friday afternoon, ECCO met with the vice chairman of the island’s new recycling partnership, the affable François Chalifour. We can see for ourselves that plastic waste has become an unwelcome feature of the Jamaican landscape. Plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles are left on the beach, thrown on the roadside, dumped into gullies. They float in the sea after heavy rains. Plastic is harmful to the island’s environment, both land and sea. It is a public health hazard, and a threat to tourism, the marine Green Your Biz Newsletter • August 2014
environment and to business. A recently released report, “Valuing Plastic,” produced by the Plastic Disclosure Project and Trucost and funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) found that globally, the estimated overall cost of plastic use in the consumer goods sector each year is US$75 billion. (Read it here: http://www.unep.org/pdf/ValuingPlastic/) So when Recycle Now Jamaica was launched in February as a public-private sector partnership, there was a collective, almost audible sigh of relief. Now, François Chalifour tells ECCO, the non-governmental organisation that is part of this broader initiative is up and running – as of August 1. Recycling Partners of Jamaica has just employed a General Manager, Marlon Farquharson. Ann Marie Rodriques, the Business Development Manager, is spearheading the all-important public education thrust. “We are starting small,” says Chalifour. They are building on already established relationships, and will be gradually adding more. “Within the first year,” he notes, “we will plant a few seeds in communities.” This will be the “learning phase” for Recycling Partners, progressing steadily and expanding their reach island-wide.
Consistency and sustainability are major concerns, Chalifour concedes. The business of recycling is a complex one. In the past, Wisynco’s involvement in recycling programmes has been fraught with challenges. In 1995, Wisynco Environmentals set up a recycling plant, with a 4,000 square-foot grinding operation that turned PET into “plastic confetti.” The tiny pieces of plastic were shipped off to China and the United States. Between 1996 and 2000, first one, then two Wisynco trucks would collect from schools (300-400 of them) once or twice per month. The schools received points for the amount of PET collected, which would then go towards the purchase of educational equipment. Then between 2000 and 2001, Wisynco, Pepsi, Coke and a number of smaller firms got together to form Recycle for Life. This partnership worked well until 2006, when the Government imposed an Environmental Levy. This was “a spoke in the wheel” for the fledgling organization, says Chalifour. Recycle for Life folded because of the levy, and since then Wisynco and others sought to engage the Government on the urgent need for a new recycling programme, before the island became overwhelmed with plastic. Finally, in 2013, Minister Omar Davies and Wisynco both agreed to invest in Recycle Now Jamaica. So how will Recycling Partners work? The organization is setting up collection points for PET waste across the island on land donated by the Government. Chalifour tells ECCO that St. Mary Parish Council in Port Maria, for example, is making a property available for this purpose. 300 participants in the Jamaica Emergency Employment Programme (JEEP) Project administered by the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing will be trained and employed as collectors. The JEEP workers and other designated collectors will receive payment for the plastic, according to weight. The PET waste will be transported to the Recycle Now hub in Kingston for baling, consolidation and shipping to markets such as the United States, China and elsewhere. Chalifour talks about Wisynco’s plan to provide small baling equipment so that this process can be done on the spot; the cost for such a machine is roughly US$10,000. A 100-pound bale, he suggests, is not too heavy to handle at local level. Wisynco will provide what he calls “starter kits” to designated and approved collection points: the kits will include a small baler (which can also handle paper and other material), promotional materials and large reusable bags, for which it is seeking sponsors. All of this activity, one notes, could tie in with the planned logistics hub.
Chalifour's real hope is that the people of Jamaica - in communities across the island - will begin to take recycling as seriously as he does. And who are the partners? They are private sector companies of all sizes, including Wisynco (manufacturers of Wata and Bigga, among other drinks), Pepsi Jamaica, Jamaica beverages, Grace Kennedy, Tradewinds Citrus, Seprod; schools (especially those with environment clubs); churches; neighborhood groups – residents’ associations and youth clubs, for example; and non-governmental organisations such as the Jamaica Environment Trust. Recycling Partners also plans to have an established presence at every garbage dump and landfill on the island. Chalifour thinks it would be best to focus on one school at a time (some high schools already do recycling, but not always in a sustainable way). He wants to ensure a firm foundation for these programmes, so that each community or institution is a reliable partner for the future. Chalifour recognises the challenges, but believes Recycling Partners can achieve critical mass. “We must also create habits, change behaviour,” he asserts. The logistical details are one thing. But he also knows how important it is to reach those Jamaicans living in more humble circumstances – to help them recognise the benefits (whether financial or otherwise) of recycling. So how does Chalifour see the future of recycling in Jamaica? “We have to hope. We have to do it,” he says, with emphasis. Wisynco and its public and private sector partners will provide the impetus, the motivation, and some of the tools to start the recycling process in earnest. Chalifour’s real hope is that the people of Jamaica – in communities across the island – will begin to take recycling as seriously as he does (“I don’t smile much,” he concedes during the interview with ECCO). Rather than wait for others to organise a recycling project, he wants Jamaicans to get proactive on recycling. Because, as Chalifour adds with one of his rare smiles, “Real change occurs when people do it on their own.”
Green Your Biz Newsletter • August 2014
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Striking a Healthy Balance in Today's Workplace Businesses operate on the basis of getting value for money not only from the perspective of goods and services, but in terms of output from employees. While workers may be considered the cogs that keep the wheels of business turning, it is important to look at their contribution to profit making and how their efforts can be maximized for additional growth of the business. With the economic challenges faced by many in Jamaica, it is easy to understand how the stresses of the job, plus the challenges of coping on a fixed salary can contribute to low performance in the work place. A smart employer is one who not only looks at the profit margin, but also realizes the important role played by all team members. The savvy business owner recognizes that a happy employee is also a productive one, which in turn means increased benefits for the organization.
On his part, the worker should also appreciate the fact that a wholesome balance has to be struck between the demands of the job and how time is spent outside the confines of the office. Technology has made it easy for us to take the job home with us via smart phones and tablets, but how healthy is it to be tied to the workplace after hours? Experts warn against confusing our psyche by taking home the pressures of the work place—whether it be documents, files or projects—and allowing them to encroach on what should be a time of relaxation and renewal. The inability to separate and properly manage our work and social life inevitably results in burnout, which can be avoided. Businesses can play their part in providing a healthy work environment by implementing programmes that contribute to increased productivity. There are various time-tested and Green Your Biz Newsletter • August 2014
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innovate ways in which this can be achieved to the benefit of both employee and employer.
Retreats
This is a common strategy among large corporations and mainly takes place on a weekend in a relaxed environment, such as a hotel or resort. Retreats facilitate employees interacting in a fun and relaxed atmosphere that is rejuvenating to the spirit. Time away from home and office forces people to take a break from the frenetic pace of life and focus on their wellbeing. From the perspective of the employee, it is a positive signal that the company is invested enough in its workers to put aside this time for staff rejuvenation. The result will be a renewed commitment on the part of the staff to the team and the vision of the company especially if this activity becomes a set part of the company's activities. The results can only be positive as employees will appreciate the willingness of the company to invest in the productivity and sustainability of the business through its staff.
Time & Stress Management Workshops
Much time and productivity are lost on a daily basis as people focus on the things that need to be achieved but are not necessarily at the top of the priority list. An inability to manage the stress that comes with a high-pressure job can result in low productivity as persons struggle to get everything done while operating in less than ideal conditions. One way of dealing with the demands of a high-intensity job is through targeted workshops, where workers learn how to prioritize and focus on tasks according to their level of importance. These workshops equip people to manage time stealers that include an overload of correspondence and information, lack of organization and the knowhow to efficiently conduct meetings. If managed improperly, all of these factors induce stress which leads to the need for setting aside time to train staff Green Your Biz Newsletter • August 2014
how to develop decision-making skills, learn to delegate and so avoid getting to the point where they experience overwhelming stress, which in turn leads to burnout.
Recreational Activity
As the adage says, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy or Jill a dull girl. By the same token, many employers recognize the need to provide recreational activity that promotes good health and a spirit of team building. Some companies form sports clubs and participate in inter-company competitions, such as business house football and netball leagues. Others adopt charities through which their employees undertake projects that benefit these charitable organizations.
Reward Systems
In keeping with benefits packages, some companies offer membership to gyms and sporting clubs, including golf, badminton, squash as well as social memberships that may be affiliated with these organizations. Some also offer cash incentives and getaways to top performers. This reward system inspires friendly competition among co-workers, while establishing the concept that those who work hard are compensated for their dedication. While the core concern of business enterprise is to earn a return on investment, the smart employer understands the need to maintain a comfortable working environment and encourage working practices that ensure maximum output from employees. A focused and motivated team will achieve much and remain committed to performing well in a business environment that is not only competitive, but challenging and focused on the welfare of those it employs.
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CONSERVING SAVES! ECCO Magazine recently caught up with Byron Ward, Business Development Manager at Alternative Power Sources. We asked him for a few tips anyone can practice to save big. The tips can be used in your home and office:
Unplug electronics when not in use, especially cable boxes, they use the same amount of power whether they are “ON” or “OFF”. • Use a power strip/surge protector that you can turn off all the appliances in that area at once; Replace incandescent, halogen and high intensity discharge lights with LED or fluorescent equivalent to save up to 60% on lighting consumption; Green Your Biz Newsletter • August 2014
Personally, my freezer is at the “hottest” setting as it must be at 0-degrees Celsius, anyway, and I do not store meat for any extended time; the refrigerator section is one notch below the default setting and works well to keep beverages cool and vegetables fresh;
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Invest in inverter-type refrigerators, air conditioners or any other motor-driven appliance to reduce the total power consumed during operation (consult with your supplier for the correct model for your use, as incorrect units will show no savings in energy);
Seal windows and doors for all air conditioned spaces to prevent loss of cool air; Tint windows to reflect heat gain;
Adjust your refrigerator settings to “warmer” settings to decrease the number of times the compressor engages. Experiment with this so as to not cause any spoilage! Personally, my freezer is at the “hottest” setting as it must be at 0-degrees Celsius, anyway, and I do not store meat for any extended time; the refrigerator section is one notch below the default setting and works well to keep beverages cool and vegetables fresh;
Set air conditioning units to 24-25 degrees Celsius to regulate/cycle the compressor efficiently; Keep all windows closed securely in an air conditioned space. If louver windows are present, ensure there are no cracks or openings between louver blades If using an electric water heater, invest in a solar water heater. o Turning off the heater before use will prevent the coil from continuously heating the cold water, therefore reducing energy consumption o Ensure the electric heater is serviced regularly. Refer to the manufacturer or supplier’s recommended schedule.
These tips are so simple any one can start practicing. Remember to unplug appliances when not in use. It’s that simple.
Turn off fans if you have left the room. Fans only circulate ambient air, they do not create cooler air! Green Your Biz Newsletter • August 2014
CONTRIBUTORS: Joy Campbell, Emma Lewis, Byron Ward Publisher:
Email: info@eccomagazine.com