{"id":147100,"date":"2022-02-26T11:09:48","date_gmt":"2022-02-26T15:09:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=147100"},"modified":"2022-02-26T11:09:48","modified_gmt":"2022-02-26T15:09:48","slug":"the-caribbean-commitment-antigua-and-barbudas-first-leed-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/the-caribbean-commitment-antigua-and-barbudas-first-leed-project\/","title":{"rendered":"The Caribbean commitment: Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s first LEED project"},"content":{"rendered":"
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USGBC\u2019s director for the Latin American region shares a story about firsts.<\/div>\n
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Feature image: The LEED Gold SPPARE Interpretation Centre, Antigua and Barbuda. Photo copyright CJC+Associates Inc. and Hashtag Ltd.<\/small><\/em><\/p>

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When USGBC talks about the vanguard of sustainability, we speak with reverence and respect for the pioneers in sustainable design, construction and operations. It is easy to forget, though, just how difficult it really is to be the very first\u00a0LEED professional<\/a>\u00a0in your country and to certify that very first project. The story of\u00a0Colin John Jenkins<\/a>\u00a0and Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s very first\u00a0LEED<\/a>\u00a0certification is an inspiring reminder of the commitment, courage and tenacity required to achieve LEED.<\/p>\n

Getting started is the hardest part<\/h4>\n

In 2015, Jenkins, an architect in Antigua and Barbuda, attended the\u00a0Caribbean Urban Forum<\/a>, hosted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), with the goal of bringing sustainable construction practices to the eastern Caribbean. Through IDB, Jenkins connected with me at USGBC, and we discussed various options and paths to supporting sustainable construction.<\/p>

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Ultimately, my advice was utilitarian: Get your\u00a0LEED Green Associate<\/a>\u00a0credential, and then see if you\u2019re able to convince building owners to pursue LEED. Although it would be wonderful if USGBC could fly someone to the Caribbean to help Jenkins make the case for LEED, he had to be the one to take the first step.<\/p>

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Left: Colin John Jenkins. Photo credit: Hashtag Ltd. Right:\u00a0A site meeting with the construction team and nominated subcontractors. Photo credit: CJC+Associates Inc.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 2016, Jenkins wrote back. He had not only earned his LEED Green Associate, but also his\u00a0LEED AP<\/a>\u00a0BD+C credential, and he was in the final stages of bidding to have a new government-owned environmental discovery center certified LEED. Just days later, the bid was awarded to him, and he registered the\u00a0SPPARE Interpretation Centre<\/a>\u00a0(Sustainable Pathways for Protected Areas and Renewable Energy) on behalf of the Department of Environment with the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment.<\/p>\n

Building a visitor center that teaches<\/h4>\n

The discovery center is set in the middle of Mount Obama National Park, also known as Boggy Peak, in St. Mary\u2019s Parish. Jenkins strove to design a building that would showcase the natural beauty of the surrounding park and serve as an example of innovation and excellence for the Caribbean. By 2017, the LEED design phase review was successfully completed, and Jenkins and the team were looking forward to the construction phase of the project.<\/p>

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In May 2021, the project achieved LEED Gold certification. \u201cThe SPPARE interpretation Centre is a unique building project in the sense that apart from attaining LEED Gold (a first for the country), it is entirely net zero,\u201d says Jenkins.<\/p>\n

Progress on the center as of August 2020. Photo credit: Colin John Jenkins.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Located in the last forested area in the country and created to promote biodiversity and environmental awareness, says Jenkins, the center is \u201cpowered by 100% renewable energy, captures all the potable water used for daily functions using large rainwater catchments and boasts lush panoramic views, coupled with utilizing very little air conditioning because of the large fenestration present.\u201d<\/p>

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\u201cSimply put, it is one of the most innovative government buildings in the Caribbean,\u201d Jenkins states.<\/p>

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The discovery center\u2019s grand opening has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but once visitors can come and hike Mount Obama and visit the center, Jenkins hopes, many will come to learn from its practical, measurable sustainability strategies.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the building architect on this groundbreaking project, Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s first green building recognized by International standards, I am extremely elated with this monumental result\u2026not only for my country, but for all involved [in making] this project a reality,\u201d says Jenkins.<\/p>\n

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Learn more about LEED in Latin America<\/h4>\n