Guyana: Min. Croal urges energy-efficient homes as housing sector expands

As Guyana’s housing programme continues to expand, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal has emphasized the importance of energy-efficient construction for homeowners and developers. During a seminar organized by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA) at the International Building Expo 2026, Croal highlighted that building a home involves more than just erecting a structure. He stated, “When you are building your home, you have to look at energy efficiency,” pointing out that various factors such as building materials, design, regulations, and construction choices contribute to creating sustainable homes.

With thousands of house lots being allocated across the country, Croal noted the increasing need for homeowners, contractors, and businesses to adopt smarter building practices. Dr. Mahendra Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), also spoke at the seminar, indicating that simply lowering electricity costs will not ensure savings unless consumers modify their energy usage habits. He recommended straightforward measures such as:

• Turning off unused lights
• Using energy-efficient appliances
• Incorporating proper ventilation and insulation
• Choosing appropriate roof materials and shading in building designs

Dr. Sharma pointed out that air conditioning significantly contributes to electricity consumption and cautioned that setting air conditioning units to very low temperatures results in higher energy use. He advocated for the adoption of grid-connected solar systems, which can substantially lower electricity bills while keeping homes and businesses connected to the national grid. Sharing his personal experience, Sharma mentioned that investing in additional solar capacity and battery storage led to a dramatic reduction in his monthly electricity costs, stating, “My electricity bill has moved from above $80,000 a month to $14,000 a month.” He also noted that government incentives are available for energy-efficient investments, including tax exemptions on solar panels, batteries, and inverters, while businesses can benefit from a 50 percent write-down allowance on qualifying technologies.

Source: snn.gy