The Energy for Sustainable Development in the Caribbean (ESD-Caribes) project is a broad initiative that spans five states: Antigua & Barbuda; Belize; Grenada; St. Lucia; and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The main objective of this project is sustainable energy use through energy efficiency and renewable energy intervention technologies within the project territories. The ESD-Caribes activities – a mix of policy and demonstrations – are intended to reduce energy intensity from electricity use within the respective project countries by 20 % from the business as usual (BAU) scenario. It is intended that the project activities will serve as harbingers toward an “energy efficient economy” within the Caribbean and commercial uptake of successful models will be encouraged.

The ESD-Caribes activities in Belize will target sustainable Energy Efficient (EE) retrofitting of public sector buildings as demonstration projects and the private sector through the establishment of a blended-grant mechanism via the development bank for the promotion of Energy Service Companies. The project will also allow for the adoption of enforceable EE codes for the improved design and construction of buildings. Alternate measures will be considered for buildings using little or no cooling equipment, which will include the regulating and labeling of widely, used appliances via legislation and public awareness campaign.  These activities will be strengthened and collaborated through the 5Cs with the other four countries each taking the lead in a particular area.  These interventions are aimed to realise the reduction of the energy intensity from electricity use in Belize buildings by 20% within the targeted time period.