The Guyana Oil Company Limited (GuyOil) on Friday officially commissioned its newly constructed solar-powered Green Office and Store Complex (GOSC), which is located at the firm’s Providence Terminal, on the East Bank of Demerara.
According to GuyOil’s Chief Executive Officer Renata Exeter, the project, which commenced on July 31st, 2017, initially began with the construction of a new office building to accommodate their growing workforce and for key staff to be close to the company’s operations. In addition, the project funds catered for the modernisation of the storage facilities and lubricant bond.
However, the company moved beyond the original objectives and a decision was made to construct a 100 per cent solar-powered facility.
In keeping with the energy objectives of Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy to transition to 100 per cent use of renewable and clean energy sources, GuyOil’s management team in consultation with the tender board committee, made a recommendation to the board for a 100 per cent solar-powered building. This proposal was approved.
The ‘green’ energy building was designed by Marcel Gaskin and Associates and constructed by R Bassoo and Sons. Installation of the solar electricity system was done by the Standby Power Engineering Company. The construction of the GOSC, which will house GuyOil’s marketing, inventory and procurement, and the facilities departments, reportedly cost approximately $294.7 million.
In addition to office equipment, due to past circumstances, complementary safety and security measures were included so as to ensure the safety of customers and employees. CCTV cameras with a wide range of features including off-site viewing were also installed along with inter-linked remote alarms, which will offer audible alerts for a rapid response. The walls and doors are fire-proof while a sprinkler system that can distribute both water and foam is also installed. The optimised fire alarm system will be supported by a manual fire alarm system and fire extinguishers. A trained firefighting team with supporting equipment will also be on alert and on location at all times, should safety measures fail.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of GuyOil’s Board of Directors, Mark Bender, said he is happy that the GOSC is being commissioned at a time when GuyOil is embarking on other projects that are important to the sustainability, growth and existence of the company. “The building contributes to the efforts and plans that we are putting in place to make sure that GuyOil grows and remains a viable entity,” he said.
Meanwhile, in his feature address, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said that the construction of the 100 per cent solar facility is a positive development. “I have no doubt that this investment, while supporting the country’s long term development strategy, will reduce the company’s expenditure, improve its profitability,” he added. Subsequently, the minister applauded the board of directors and management of GuyOil for taking the initiative to go green. “Transforming Guyana into a green economy requires the support of all stakeholders including GuyOil,” he said.
