THE Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA) is gearing up to “green” the industry, implementing environmental management systems (EMS) and other similar strategies.

A group of the JMA members, representing a range of sectors including garment, paint manufacturing and meat processing, gathered at the Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston last Tuesday with representatives of the Environmental Audits for Sustainable Tourism Project (EAST) at an Environmental Leadership Forum, designed to chart the ‘green’ course for the industry.

EAST is a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded project that is being implemented in Jamaica through a co-operative effort among USAID/Jamaica, the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the JMA with technical assistance being provided by US-based PA Consulting Group.

Having achieved a track record in the hospitality and tourism industry, assisting hotels and attractions in implementing EMS and working towards Green Globe 21 (UK) environmental certification, EAST is now focusing on the manufacturing sector.

Under EAST, 10 manufacturing entities have already been audited and are well on the way to implementing recommendations to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness while protecting the natural environment.

Outcomes of these initiatives include increased revenues, reduction in waste generation, reduction in water, energy and fuel consumption.

In some instances, the protected increased annual revenue is over $26 million, reduced waste generation of over 2,349,224 kg/yr and reduced water, energy and fuel use of between 15 per cent – 90 per cent.

With EAST now preparing to audit another seven companies, JMA president, Clarence Clarke said that the industry is now well “on the path to sustainable development”.

He noted that with the many challenges facing manufacturers, it was imperative that they do what they could to ensure healthy business and healthy bottomlines. “Through EAST, we expect to improve efficiency and profitability while also preserving our country’s environment,” he said.

EAST project co-ordinator, Hugh Cresser, said in addition to the audit activity, EAST will be working with the manufacturers to help prepare them for ISO14001 Certification. Manufacturers and other consultants will also be trained to conduct audits in order to build a sustainable cadre of professionals with this expertise.

A Best Practices guide book is also to be developed while EAST will assist the JMA in developing an environmental code of conduct for members and general guidelines for policies and practices in the industry.

USAID director of environment office, Howard Batson, congratulated the manufacturers on their commitment to “greening” the industry. He noted that globally, where and how a product was made is of critical importance to the international consumer and knowledge of these conditions often drive decisions to buy or not to buy a product.