The Regional Pacific NDC Hub through SPREP, collaborated with Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (Renewable Energy Division), the Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) and the International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC) to facilitate two training sessions, focused on enhancing energy efficiency in the tourism sector. The training sessions held on 26th and 28th June, 2024, in Samoa were a crucial part of the country’s broader commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices within the tourism sector.
The request from the Government of Samoa to develop an Energy Efficiency Program for the Tourism Sector aligns with national strategies and aims to promote the adoption of energy-efficient appliances and practices, supporting Samoa’s global climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. This program is in line with Samoa’s second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), which emphasizes the tourism sector’s role in achieving greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. The initiative is further backed by the Samoa Tourism Sector Plan (STSP) 2022/2023 – 2026/2027 and the Tourism Climate Change Strategy (TCCS) 2021–2026, both of which highlight the importance of integrating renewable energy options and enhancing energy efficiency to reduce operational costs and support post-disaster recovery efforts.
The training provided an overview of the project to develop the Energy Efficiency Program for the tourism sector. Participants were introduced to simple, cost-effective energy conservation practices and energy-efficient technologies that can enhance service delivery while reducing energy consumption. The sessions included interactive energy audit training, enabling participants to conduct a comprehensive analysis of energy use within their facilities. This hands-on approach, often referred to as an “Energy Feasibility Study,” allowed accommodation providers to identify opportunities for energy savings and implement sustainable energy practices.
Vainalepa Toiata Uili, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of MNRE-RED, commented on the significance of the training: “This Energy Efficiency training program is designed to equip our Tourism Sector with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out energy audits, identify opportunities for energy savings, and implement sustainable energy practices. It is an investment in our future, promising long-term benefits for Samoa’s environment and economy.”
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