RESEMBID PROJECT GAINS MOMENTUM WITH NEW PROJECT MANAGER AND STEERING COMMITTEE
Thursday, Jun 15 2023
The University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) has announced the recruitment of a Project Manager to lead its €1.1M grant for the development of its new RESEMBID Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Planning program.
The project will be led by Mr. Cleveland Julien, who has been hired as the project manager for this important endeavor. Mr. Julien is the Project Officer in the Professional & Technical Education and Training Division of UCCI and is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of UCCI's RESEMBID project.
This initiative will move the university towards leading sustainability efforts in the region by developing a comprehensive environmental sustainability plan (CESP) that focuses on responsible resource consumption and improved use of renewable energy technologies among the campus, its students, and the wider community.
The grant was awarded by the European Union (EU) The Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) Resilience, Sustainable Energy and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID), and the university will be receiving a significant amount of funding to support this initiative. The Ministry of Sustainability and Energy will also work with the university on this project, along with various departments within the university.
The success of the RESEMBID Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Planning program will be overseen by a steering committee, which has been carefully selected to ensure that the project meets its goals and objectives. The committee is composed of experts from various fields, including environmental science, engineering, and renewable energy. They will work closely with the project manager, Mr. Cleveland Julien, to ensure that the project is implemented successfully. The steering committee members are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the development of a comprehensive environmental sustainability plan for the university and wider community and are looking forward to working with Mr. Julien to achieve the project's goals.
The project outputs will include a comprehensive environmental sustainability plan (CESP), which will include an American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) level 2 energy audit. The introduction of energy efficiency measures in 5 buildings on the campus, including Sir Vassel Hall, will also be implemented. A maximum installed 150 kW DC solar array will be established for Sir Vassel Hall, which also acts as a hurricane shelter. The University campus will be established as a Living laboratory, monitoring energy and environmental parameters, including air, water, and energy. Additionally, students and the capacity of the public in sustainable energy knowledge and environmentally friendly practices and methodologies will be developed.
The project is expected to begin in April 2023 and be completed by April 2024. Updates on the project's progress will be shared with the university community and the public as it moves forward.
Mr. Julien emphasized that this second RESEMBID grant represents a significant milestone in the University College of the Cayman Islands' (UCCI) strategic plan to become a leader in technology and innovation in the Caribbean. "We are thrilled to have this opportunity to demonstrate our applied leadership in creating a module for what a sustainability plan or a sustainability initiative looks like for a territory-level education," he said. "This project will inspire regular individuals to live their lives in a more environmentally responsible way, encourage businesses to conduct themselves more sustainably, and promote government partnerships that result in long-term sustainable outcomes."
With a firm belief in UCCI's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility as an integral part of its strategic plan, Mr. Julien noted that the grant awarded to the university will play a pivotal role in achieving its goals in this area. "Through this project," he asserts, "we have the opportunity to develop a comprehensive environmental sustainability plan that will not only benefit our institution but also serve as a guiding blueprint for other institutions and organizations in the Caribbean." Mr. Julien's overarching hope is that their work will serve as an inspiration, encouraging others to join the movement and collectively create a more sustainable future for all.
Bringing a wealth of expertise as a seasoned management consultant with extensive experience collaborating with large and mid-size organizations, Mr. Julien possesses a profound understanding of sustainable practices. His academic background includes a master's degree in public health from the University of Michigan, with a specialized focus on behavioral interventions. Deeply rooted in his values, Mr. Julien's unwavering passion lies in empowering individuals and organizations to achieve long-term goals that create a positive impact on both local communities and the global stage.
"We are thrilled to have Mr. Julien leading the charge on this important project. His extensive experience and passion for sustainability and community impact make him the ideal candidate to oversee the development of UCCI's comprehensive environmental sustainability plan. We believe that this project will not only benefit our university but also serve as a model for others in the Caribbean to follow in creating a more sustainable future for all."
For more information about the RESEMBID Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development Planning project, please contact uccimarketing@ucci.edu.ky.
