By Gariel Grant
In the present economic climate, at the forefront of every Jamaican’s mind are ways to best save their money. With a quickly devaluing dollar and gas at its peak, it seems like energy, whether through gasoline or electricity, is becoming one of the most expensive commodities of our time.
The American International School of Kingston (AISK) is more than aware of this fact. AISK is an institution that prides itself on being dedicated to a modern lifestyle and education fueled by the latest innovations in technology. From its 1 to 1 laptop program to its state-of-the-art facilities, it is not surprising that AISK charged ahead of the pack and recently implemented one of the largest solar energy systems not only in Jamaica, but in fact the entire Western Hemisphere. With every classroom being air-conditioned, and the continuous laptop usage by teachers and students alike, the school racks up quite an electricity bill monthly. The initiative was geared towards cutting down on these costs, but most importantly it was a part of the school’s goal in making itself more energy efficient.
In the present economic climate, at the forefront of every Jamaican’s mind are ways to best save their money. With a quickly devaluing dollar and gas at its peak, it seems like energy, whether through gasoline or electricity, is becoming one of the most expensive commodities of our time.
The American International School of Kingston (AISK) is more than aware of this fact. AISK is an institution that prides itself on being dedicated to a modern lifestyle and education fueled by the latest innovations in technology. From its 1 to 1 laptop program to its state-of-the-art facilities, it is not surprising that AISK charged ahead of the pack and recently implemented one of the largest solar energy systems not only in Jamaica, but in fact the entire Western Hemisphere. With every classroom being air-conditioned, and the continuous laptop usage by teachers and students alike, the school racks up quite an electricity bill monthly. The initiative was geared towards cutting down on these costs, but most importantly it was a part of the school’s goal in making itself more energy efficient.
Moreover, for the school that consistently “preaches”, to its students that finding long-term and sustainable solutions are the only way to be successful for the ever-changing future, the school is putting into practice the instruction of its curriculum.
The solar energy system is made up of photovoltaic cells, which convert the light energy from the sun directly into electricity for use by the school. The system is reported as having 400 250-watt solar panels, covering 7000 square feet of the school’s property. The new system is poised to save the school approximately US$60,000 per year. Although the initial setup costs were quite high, and required a loan from the Development Bank of Jamaica, it is an investment that will undoubtedly provide maximum returns to the school.
While scientists are unsure of the exact amount of fuel left on earth or how long it will continue to serve its inhabitants, it is indisputable that there is a finite amount remaining. With the earth’s population steadily rising and becoming more urban, it is also clear that renewable energy sources will be the energy of the future: from hydroelectric energy to wind energy and as AISK has shown Jamaica, solar energy. As AISK administrators often tell students, the school is in the business of training 21st century global leaders. AISK’s investment therefore goes far beyond simply saving costs, but the institution is fostering students who are aware of their world as well as their responsibility to it. When children are able to learn this and apply it to their everyday lives, then we as one world will slowly learn to sustain ourselves beyond the short-term. As AISK “goes green,” it is the wish of every environmentally aware person that others are willing and able to follow.
The solar energy system is made up of photovoltaic cells, which convert the light energy from the sun directly into electricity for use by the school. The system is reported as having 400 250-watt solar panels, covering 7000 square feet of the school’s property. The new system is poised to save the school approximately US$60,000 per year. Although the initial setup costs were quite high, and required a loan from the Development Bank of Jamaica, it is an investment that will undoubtedly provide maximum returns to the school.
While scientists are unsure of the exact amount of fuel left on earth or how long it will continue to serve its inhabitants, it is indisputable that there is a finite amount remaining. With the earth’s population steadily rising and becoming more urban, it is also clear that renewable energy sources will be the energy of the future: from hydroelectric energy to wind energy and as AISK has shown Jamaica, solar energy. As AISK administrators often tell students, the school is in the business of training 21st century global leaders. AISK’s investment therefore goes far beyond simply saving costs, but the institution is fostering students who are aware of their world as well as their responsibility to it. When children are able to learn this and apply it to their everyday lives, then we as one world will slowly learn to sustain ourselves beyond the short-term. As AISK “goes green,” it is the wish of every environmentally aware person that others are willing and able to follow.