JMMB Goes Green at its Portmore Location

The JMMB Group continues to expand its Go Green strategic initiative, by rolling out its second solar panel system, this time, at its Portmore location, to the tune of approximately J$4.6 million.

This new system is expected to allow the company to reduce its energy dependency by approximately 35%, at that location, after net billing, totalling over J$1.1 million in annual savings. The Portmore location houses one of the Group’s integrated branch operations and client care centre. The new 23.1 kilowatt-solar panel system, which was recently installed, consists of 70 panels and is expected to generate clean renewable energy.

Norman Simpson, corporate manager, facilities, JMMB Group, in explaining further notes, “This location was selected based on a cost analysis and the expected savings versus the amount to be invested. The system is expected to have a payback period of up to five years, after net billing. The project will expand over time, through the exploration of other renewable resources, at other JMMB Group locations, where possible”.

This continued build-out of the company’s solar panel system, is a part of its plans to extend its renewable energy plan across its Jamaica operations; having installed over 130 solar panels at its Haughton Terrace head office, in the 2016/17 financial year. Thus far, JMMB Group has saved over J$3.1M on its energy bill since piloting the project. A grid-tied solar panel system is one where the system is connected to the external electricity grid, as opposed to batteries; therefore, the system uses electricity from both the solar panel system and the electrical grid, as needed.

JMMB’s Go Green strategic initiative is designed to reduce its carbon footprint, increase operational efficiencies and reduce expenses.

In addition to the installation of solar panels, at selected JMMB Group locations, the company has implemented: additional digitisation processes in its business operations; installation of smart power strips and occupancy sensors; inverter air conditioners; and LED lighting company-wide. Its commitment to ‘green practices’ has also filtered throughout the organization as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, engaging in several Earth Day campaigns, through partnerships to plant trees. Those campaigns are also designed to assist in generating public awareness of the importance of trees and their contribution to the ecosystem, with a focus on the urban areas, which tend to have higher levels of pollutants and carbon dioxide, while also beautifying these spaces.