A half-day sensitization workshop aimed at advancing energy efficiency standards and labelling in Guyana was held on Wednesday at Cara Lodge in Georgetown.
The event brought together importers, retailers, and other stakeholders in the energy and manufacturing sectors to discuss the country’s evolving standards for electrical appliances.
Importers, retailers, and other stakeholders attend the workshop to learn about Guyana’s evolving appliance standards (Kirth Cadogan/News Room)
The workshop is part of the “Mainstreaming Low-emission Technologies to Build Guyana’s Green Economy” project—a Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded initiative managed by the Government of Guyana through the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), Office of the President, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The project aims to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, ultimately reducing Guyana’s reliance on fossil fuels while steering the nation toward a more sustainable and inclusive development pathway.
New energy efficiency standards
In 2021, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) introduced three key standards:
GYS 576:2021 for refrigerating appliances,
GYS 577:2021 for compact fluorescent and LED lamps, and
GYS 578:2021 for air conditioners.
These standards, underpinned by the mandatory GYS 9-1:2017 labelling requirements, form the backbone of an emerging Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling (EESL) programme.
Over time, compliance with these standards will be mandated to support low-carbon development goals under Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030.
Focus on capacity building
Delivering the opening remarks, Raja Gokul, Climate Change Officer at the DECC, underscored that the workshop was part of the Low Emissions Project’s fourth objective: capacity building.
He highlighted the importance of energy efficiency in meeting national climate goals.
“The objective is to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and advance Guyana’s transition to a more decentralized, inclusive, and resilient development pathway,” Gokul said.
He also emphasised collaboration with partners such as the Guyana Energy Authority (GEA), GNBS, UNDP, and GEF, thanking them for their involvement.
Raja Gokul, Climate Change Officer, DECC highlighted the importance of energy efficiency in meeting national climate goals (Kirth Cadogan/News Room)
Colin Mattis, Programme Analyst for Energy, Environment and Extractive Industries (EEEI) at UNDP, explained the core objectives of the workshop.
He noted that robust energy efficiency standards and labelling systems serve not only to reduce energy consumption but also empower consumers to make sustainable purchasing decisions. “These standards not only drive economic and environmental benefits but also empower consumers with the information needed to make sustainable choices,” Mattis said.
The half-day programme covered:
National actions to address climate change, providing insight into Guyana’s broader climate policy framework.
An overview of the current energy landscape and progress in sustainable energy by the Guyana Energy Authority.
Presentation on the EESL programme by GNBS, clarifying regulatory requirements, stakeholder roles, and the pathway to compliance.
UNDP Consultant, Jacob Kurian offered participants a perspective on the energy efficiency standards and labelling programme.
Building a low carbon future
According to workshop organisers, the event represents a crucial step in raising awareness around EESL and spurring collective action among key stakeholders in Guyana’s energy market.
Long-term capacity building and public engagement remain central to ensuring the programme’s success in helping the country achieve its commitments under international agreements, including the Paris Agreement and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
“By embracing energy efficiency labelling, we not only accelerate Guyana’s transition to a greener economy but also position the nation as a leader in sustainable consumption and production,” said Mattis, encouraging attendees to continue active dialogue and collaboration beyond the event.
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