Solarizing the UB-North Marine and Environments Science Field Station, formerly the UN-North Main Campus

Summary & Objectives

The implementation of the solarization project at UB-North’s East Campus resulted in the installation of a 25KW Hybrid Solar Skid with Storage. Grant funds were allocated to the purchase and installation of solar plant materials, as well as consultations with industry professionals in sustainable energy. The successful completion of the initial phase will provide UB-North with a fully functional solar plant meeting 50% of the second-floor energy needs at the Field Station Facility, significantly reducing electricity costs compared to relying solely on the electrical grid. The project is expected to stimulate research and instruction in renewable energy and serve as a teaching tool in the proposed Sustainable Energy Program. The solar infrastructure will be utilized for training and certifications in alternative energy, aligning with the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and contributing to Sustainable Development Goals 7, 9, and 11.

Project Benefits

Increased utilization of the Field Station for climate change research
Support for the Climate Change and Resilience Centre
Initiation of clean energy practices across various campus sites
Promotion of equity, diversity, and inclusion by addressing environmental factors that may lead to gender disparities
Creation of a more inclusive environment for students to access tertiary education and hands-on learning

Challenges Faced

The project encountered several challenges:

COVID-19 pandemic disruptions
Shipping delays
Regulatory hurdles from the GB Port Authority
Issues with the selected electrical company, requiring engagement of a GBPA-approved electrician (still in progress)

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

UB-North actively engaged with various stakeholders throughout the project, including:

Faculty and students
Environmental organizations such as Blue Action Lab, BH National Trust, and Waterkeepers BH

Partnerships were formed with:

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT)
GB Port Authority
GB Power Company

Lessons Learned

The execution of the project provided valuable lessons, prompting:

A review of UB policies and procedures to enhance grant management efficiency
Insights into building processes in GB, informing better project timelines for future initiatives

Project Details

Start Date

End Date

Project Duration

Implementation Status

Source of Funding

CBF Funding

Total Funding

Project Resources

The Tribune – UB North embarks on solar project

The University of The Bahamas North (UB-North) has launched a solarization pilot at its Environmental and Marine Science Field Research Station in East Grand Bahama, funded by a US $100,000 Bahamas Protected Area Fund Hurricane Dorian Grant. The initial installation will power the science lab, restrooms, and second-floor sleeping quarters, with the station expected to be operational by early spring 2022. Designed to enhance sustainability, storm resilience, and climate research capacity, the project marks the first step in developing the station as a hub for innovation. UB-North also secured a grant for a vegetation seedling nursery and is collaborating with international universities on post-Dorian ecological recovery research.

Other project details

Target Countries

Bahamas

Grantees

University of The Bahamas (UB)

National Conservation Trust Fund (NCTF)

Bahamas Protected Areas Fund

CBF Projects Database

After over a decade of providing sustainable financing for the Caribbean region, the CBF has directly or indirectly funded an estimated 100 projects and initiatives that implement effective conservation actions. This database provides details of those projects.