A Green Expo was also held here recently, and since that time, there has been growing interest among persons who want to access ‘green options’ under the Home Enhancement Loan Plan (HELP), a special plan that Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) currently offers.

The option allows persons to access loans to make their homes more energy efficient, and covers the purchase and installation of energy-efficient fixtures, such as roofing, windows and photovoltaic cells.

The terms of this HELP loan are very similar to those of existing loan products on offer at JNBS, with very competitive interest rates.

In addition to the ‘Green Option,’ the Alternative Power Source company also offers a five per cent discount to Jamaica National members, under the JN Rewards Programme. The company provides solutions for renewable sources of energy ranging from installing residential and industrial lighting equipment to providing wind, solar and hydro energy systems.

Want to learn more about JNBS’ HELP? Visit your nearest JNBS branch, or telephone 1-888GET-JNBS.

Increased temperatures result in a need for additional use of air conditioning, especially if a home does not have properly placed windows. It has been well documented that energy is lost through glass and by warm air escaping through gaps in and around the window frames.

Proper Insulation
This, therefore, gives rise to the need for proper insulation, especially in Jamaica and other tropical countries, where when a building is air conditioned, insulation reduces the quantity of energy which is needed to make the atmosphere comfortable.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the placement of windows is a principal means of assuring adequate air circulation.

“Louvered windows can provide excellent ventilation and are common in the tropics, but are difficult to seal against rain and insects, and their use is best combined with other window treatments. The best results are obtained by placing windows on opposite walls to insure cross ventilation”, UNESCO notes.

Other experts say one of the most effectual ways to reduce the heat penetration is to stop direct sunlight from striking the windows, by using external shading. This can be done by selecting and placing trees or shrubs and trees to shade the windows and sections of the wall.