BASSETERRE St. Kitts, July 3rd, 2013 – New energy initiatives by S L Horsford’s saves more than just electricity, it brings a continued promise of better prices and service while proving it’s facilities to be environmentally friendly places of business.
ValuMart and other S L Horford’s locations are expected to significantly reduce their annual energy use through recent upgrades to energy-efficient lighting air conditioning and the introduction of solar power generation.
“We want to look after our customers and exceed their expectations when they shop with us. It’s a competitive industry, so we are always looking for ways to keep our costs down to ensure our customers get the best we can offer without sacrificing quality,” said Mr Anthony Kelsick, S L Horsford’s Chairman.
Over one year ago, their S L Horsford Board and Management team put plans in place to significantly reduce their energy consumption and energy footprint. This initiative increases the performance of the business as a whole and results in placing the company in an even better position to pass on benefits and savings to their loyal customer base.
“Our energy audit and green energy retrofit program helps to reduce the carbon footprint of our business, thereby resulting in less overhead costs, more savings for our customers and positive performance for our shareholders.” Said Mr Kelsick.
Horsford’s commenced the excercise with the engagement of local energy consultant Alfonso OGarro of Caribbean Energy Consulting to execute energy audit reports and also engaged local engineer Nick Brisbane of Green Edge Technologies Ltd to provide general advice and lighting retrofitting solutions and Chris Mason of Comet Systems Ltd of Anguilla to provide the solar energy installations.
Mr Edmund Tross of ARES Energy Solutions provided air condition retro-fitting services while Mr Ullson Mulley of Mulleys Electrical performed the required Electrical works. Mr Bicknell Thompson provided General Contractors services including overall roof repairs and preparation.
Honourable Dr. Earl Asim Martin, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Housing Public Works, Energy and Public Utilities and his Permanent Secretary Mr Lenrick Lake on June 14th visited the Valu Mart Supermarket to observe the installation process taking place there. Mr. Kelsick lauded the efforts of the government in promoting energy efficiency and expressed appreciation for available incentives.
Kelsick said “The Horsford’s Group of Companies would like to express appreciation to the Government for the incentives available on energy saving equipment , including solar equipment , and in their efforts to promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. S.L Horsford and Co. Ltd looks forward to governments continued development of their energy policies to further enhance these efforts.”
St Kitts and Nevis, along with many other OECS countries consume and use large quantities of fossil fuels in order to generate electricity and thereby utilizing large resources of foreign exchange reserves in order to purchase these fuels.
S L Horsford locations benefitting from these energy reduction initiatives includes ValuMart St. Kitts and Nevis, the Building Centre, Avis Car Rental, Credit Department, Furniture and Appliances, Ocean Cold Storage, Automotive Division, Insurance, The Nevis Building Center, Warehouses and the Main General Offices.
