(PDF) GREEN ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT POLICY FOR MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES AND COOPERATIVES Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development Republic of Trinidad and Tobago 2

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DRAFT

GREEN ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT POLICY

FOR

MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES AND COOPERATIVES

2013 TO 2016

Dr. Milan Jezic von Gesseneck, Team leader

Particip GmbH

Alan Cooper, Policy Analyst

Enterprise Development Division, Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development

Glenn Lauren Moore, Associate Professional

Enterprise Development Division, Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development

Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We wish to express our thanks and appreciation to the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO assisted us

with this process in May 2012 when it provided three (3) experts from its office in Turin, Italy to facilitate a three

(3) day workshop on Green Enterprise Development. We would like to thank Mr. Giovanni Di Cola (Office in

Charge), Mr. Kelvin Sargeant and the staff at the Caribbean sub-office in Port-of-Spain and to their colleagues in

Turin.

September 19, 2013

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CONTENTS

Abbreviations ............................................................................................................................................ 5

Glossary of Terms...................................................................................................................................... 6

1. BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................... 7

1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 7

1.1.1 The work of MOLSMED in the Green Economy ........................................................................ 8

1.2 Methodology ....................................................................................................................................... 8

1.3 Objectives and Use.............................................................................................................................. 9

1.4 Context: Policy, Legislation and Fiscal ................................................................................................ 9

1.4.4 Legislative Environment ............................................................................................................. 11

1.4.5 Fiscal Measures .......................................................................................................................... 11

2. PRIORITY SECTORS FOR GREEN MSE DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................... 13

2.1 Greening Waste Management ...................................................................................................... 13

2.2 Greening the Construction Industry ............................................................................................. 14

2.3 Greening the Tourism Industry ..................................................................................................... 15

2.4 Greening the Creative Industries and Fashion .............................................................................. 16

2.5 Greening the Energy Sector .......................................................................................................... 18

2.6 Greening Agriculture and Agro-Processing ................................................................................... 20

3. GREEN POLICY FOR MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES AND COOPERATIVES ................................. 22

3.1 Goal and Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 22

3.1.1 Goal ............................................................................................................................................ 22

3.1.2 Objectives ................................................................................................................................... 22

3.2 Key Principles .................................................................................................................................... 22

3.3 Policy Outcomes ............................................................................................................................ 23

4. TOOLS FOR SUPPORTING GREEN MSES .......................................................................................... 25

1.1 Public Information on Greening and Green Jobs .................................................................... 25

1.2 Provision of Training in Standards for Green Business Operations ........................................ 25

1.2.1 National Integrated Business Incubator System ................................................................. 25

1.2.2 FairShare Programme ......................................................................................................... 25

1.3 Certification and Labelling ...................................................................................................... 25

1.4 Green Procurement ................................................................................................................ 26

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1.5 Financing Mechanisms ............................................................................................................ 26

5. DEVELOPMENT OF GREEN MSE SECTOR BY MOLSMED ................................................................. 27

As indicated in the Situational Analysis, MOLSMED will focus on five (5) priority area where green

MSE development can have the greatest and most effective impact, viz: ......................................... 27

MOLSMED will seek out the expertise for training as well as funding for the development of these

priority sectors with the goal of ensuring that they receive the optimal amount of support. .......... 27

5.1 Waste Management................................................................................................................ 27

4.2 Construction ............................................................................................................................ 28

4.3 Tourism ................................................................................................................................... 28

4.4 Creative industries .................................................................................................................. 29

4.4.1 Creative Industries with a tourism orientation ................................................................... 30

4.5 Energy and Transportation ..................................................................................................... 31

4.5.1 Energy ................................................................................................................................. 31

4.5.2 Transportation .................................................................................................................... 31

4.6 Agriculture............................................................................................................................... 31

6. IMPLEMENTATION .......................................................................................................................... 32

7. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................... 36

8. APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................... 37

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Abbreviations

CARIRI

Caribbean Industrial Research Institute

EMA

Environmental Management Authority

EDF

European Development Fund

GORTT

Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

H&S

Health and safety

IFOAM

International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements

IMA

Institute of Marine Affairs

ISO

International Standard Organisation

MEEA

Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs

MEWR

Ministry of the Environment and Water Resource

MFP

Ministry of Food Production

MFE

Ministry of Finance and the Economy

MLA

Ministry of Legal Affairs

MOLSMED

Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development (“the

Ministry”)

MoT

Ministry of Tourism

MPSD

Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development

MWI

Ministry of Works and Infrastructure

NEDCO

National Entrepreneurship Development Company

T&TEC

Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission

TTBS

Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards

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Glossary of Terms

Carbon footprint

The quantifiable measure of carbon dioxide emitted from a particular activity

by using non-renewable fossil fuels

Cradle to grave

design

Designing goods with a view to their reuse post their initial intended use. (See

upcycling, emotional selling)

Decent Work

The standards prescribed by the International Labour Organisation for work

that is productive and delivers a fair income, offers workplace security and

social protection for family life. Additionally, it describes work that facilitates

social integration and the expression of workers’ concerns and allows for

workers’ consideration in the decisions that affect them. It must also provide

equal opportunity and treatment to men and women.

Economic Greening

The process of moving towards activities whose net effect upon the

environment and non-renewable resources is not negative, while conforming

to Decent Work standards.

Emotional selling

A marketing strategy by which an emotional or emotionally motivated social

value is attached to goods and service. For the purpose of this document the

emotional value will be related to environmental realities. (See cradle to grave

design and upcycling)

Fair Trade

A social movement usually applied to agricultural production and artisanal

work that seeks to involve primary producers in collective decision making,

wide range of value-creating activities and price-setting such that a larger part

of the final price goes to primary producers to meets their common needs.

Green

The description of activities whose net effect upon the environment and non-

renewable resources is zero or positive.

Green Economy

The United Nations Environment Programme defines the green economy as

“one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while

significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its

simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low

carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.”

Life Cycle Analysis

A system of thinking that takes into account the costs of production and

consumption activities over the life of a product or service so that it considers

all the impacts (environmental, economic and social) that said product or

service will have over its entire life cycle, i.e. from pre-implementation to

obsolescence.

Sustainable

The condition of business or business processes such that they respect the

environment. It is to be differentiated from “Sustainable Business” which

relates to the ability of a business to meet financial objectives over time.

Upcycling

The process of converting used products into new product or products of a

higher quality (See cradle to grave design and emotional selling)

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1. BACKGROUND

1.1 Introduction

Although Trinidad and Tobago has amongst the highest GDP per capita incomes in the Latin American and

Caribbean region, growth is heavily determined by the energy sector (non-renewable fossil fuels – such as

petroleum and natural gas) which contributes 45.3 per cent

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of GDP and employs no more than 3 per cent of the

labour force

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. Heavy dependence upon the non-renewable energy sector has had a significant environmental

impact: the 2012 Environmental Performance Index (EPI)

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shows that Trinidad and Tobago’s is a weak performer in

terms of attention to the environment and sustainability. The index takes into account the categories of

environmental disease, water, air pollution (effects on human and ecosystem), water resources, biodiversity,

forestry, fisheries, agriculture and climate change.

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) is committed to diversifying the economy

beyond energy sector dependence in an environmentally sustainable manner.

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This transition is consistent with

international trends whereby many countries are incorporating green business into their national development

policies.

The value of the green economy in Trinidad and Tobago has traditionally been understated. It represents a largely

uncovered realm of labour and economic activity. It holds enormous potential as it is a ready source of sustainable

employment, entrepreneurship and labour transformation in Trinidad and Tobago. “Green economy” for the

purpose of this policy focuses upon waste management activities, eco- and agro-tourism, agriculture, energy,

construction, creative industries and innovation. It therefore involves a wide range of governmental and non-

governmental, private sector agencies. The key government agencies include:

Government Ministry

Area

Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development

Cross-cutting: overarching policy and direction

Ministry of Environment and Water Resources

Cross-cutting: environmental priorities

Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills training; Ministry of

Education

Cross-cutting: human capital, skill sets and

innovation

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment; Ministry of the

Arts and Multiculturalism

All industries including the creative industries

Ministry of Food Production

Agriculture and Agro-Tourism

Ministry of Tourism

Tourism and cultural assets

Ministry of Works and Infrastructure; Ministry of Transport

Construction

Ministry of Housing

Construction

Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs

Energy and construction

Ministry of Local Government

Waste Management

For an overview of institutional landscape for greening in Trinidad and Tobago, see Appendix I.

A Green Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises will impact upon the MSEs, improve their ability to generate decent

employment and effect social change. At the enterprise level, the policy aims to create viable green businesses

which are relevant to the sustainable development and environmental priorities of Trinidad and Tobago and to

provide financial support to such businesses. At the level of labour and employment the policy aims to re-train and

1

Statistics based upon the Annual Economic Survey (2011), Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago

2

The energy sector employs approximately 20,500 workers.

3

Yale University Environmental Performance Index: http://epi.yale.edu/. The EPI absolute score worsened to 47.0 compared to 54.2 at the last

index evaluation. Trinidad and Tobago ranks among the weaker performers.

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The Medium Term Policy Framework, see Fourth principle of the Government’s social and economic transformation strategy.

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equip under-employed human resources to function within the green economy. These changes are expected to

lead to greater social inclusion based upon green activities.

1.1.1 The work of MOLSMED in the Green Economy

MOLSMED has the mandate for micro and small enterprise development and, given that most entrepreneurs begin

as a micro and small enterprise, MOLSMED is an integral institution to the process of the “green” transition.

Additionally, the development of any new economic sector must be pursued in harmony with the national

commitment to the Decent Work Agenda, espoused by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The work of the MOLSMED in green enterprise development will impact upon all micro and small enterprises.

However, it is possible to classify the groups of MSEs in the following manner:

1. All MSEs whose core activity is not economic “green” but which depend upon natural resources for

producing goods and services

2. MSEs whose core business is economic greening, that is

a. Consultancies and technical support in environmental services and training in environmental

sustainability

b. Community-based enterprises involved in management of ecosystems and resource

conservation, including waste management

c. Any enterprise involved in certification of MSEs as green and environmentally sustainable

d. Innovators and inventors whose output improves environmental sustainability

While encouraging greening of all enterprises under its influence, special support should be given to MSEs that

contribute towards economic greening, giving emphasis to those operating in sectors of strategic importance to

economic diversification.

MOLSMED will use its programmes to support greening. Details are presented in Appendix II: MOLSMED

Programmes for MSE Development.

Several changes required to support greening lie under the purview of other ministries. For this reason, MOLSMED

proposes to lead the initiative to formulate new measures, legislation, rules and fiscal policy that will impact

favourably on MSE involvement in greening. The primary partnerships are with MEWR and MPSD. The

deployment of the policy, legislative review and the social transformation will require partnership with an even

wider range of Government ministries. In addition to the two above, this partnership will include Ministry of Trade,

Industry and Investment, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs, the Ministry of Food Production, the Ministry

of Local Government, the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, the Ministry of Tobago Development,

the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Housing.

1.2 Methodology

Assistance from the European Delegation was used to identify and contract a Policy Consultant to work with the

Enterprise Development Division for producing the following:

a. Situation Analysis: a review of the state of existing policy, fiscal directives and legislation in the area of

greenness and sustainability especially as relevant to private sector MSEs.

b. An analysis of opportunities for green and sustainable businesses in Trinidad and Tobago

c. A draft Green MSE policy with the identification of key programmes

d. Implementation plan for the green policy

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e. Communications Plan

From the aforementioned, the MOLSMED produced its own draft policy which was subjected to review by various

Ministry and private sector stakeholders before being revised and completed as presented here as finalised.

1.3 Objectives and Use

The Green Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises is intended for use as a guide for deciding the priority areas for

MSE activity in economic greening and to determine how resources can be mobilised to support this important

initiative.

1.4 Context: Policy, Legislation and Fiscal

Prior to the present Policy, there were no policies specifically created for fostering enterprise development in a

green economy in Trinidad and Tobago. However, two policy documents may be considered the cornerstones of

Government’s overarching approach to greening and environmental sustainability: the Medium Term Policy

Framework (MTPF) and the Green Government Policy (GGP). The MTPF attempts to chart a course for all aspects

of sustainability for Trinidad and Tobago including environmental concerns. The environmental component is

fleshed out in Working for Sustainable Development in Trinidad and Tobago (June, 2012) – henceforth called the

“Sustainable Development Policy,” (SDP)

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.

The GGP (2011) serves as a mandate for all Ministries in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to “go green”. It

focuses primarily upon Government waste management activities, the use of alternative goods and services for

reducing environmental degradation and touches upon transportation and procurement and the role of mass

communications.

Section 1.4.1 overviews environment management under both the MTPF and SDP while Section 1.4.2 outlines

other policies that have environmental implications.

1.4.1 Environmental Management under the MTPF-SDP

There are four (4) key areas assessed for environmental management under the MTPF. These are climate change,

sea level issues (salinisation of coastal land and water, erosion and pests), natural and anthropogenic hazards and

waste management (including bio-waste for energy production). The SDP zeroes in on the resources to be used to

achieve environmental sustainability (See Appendix II: Resources to be Used for Environmental Sustainability).

Within the policies, two (2) areas speak directly to business development: renewable energy and eco-tourism.

Indications are that a large number of companies engaged in renewable energy are MSEs involved in support

activities such as assessment and evaluation, installation and maintenance. Likewise, the vast majority of tourism-

related activity involves MSEs. Details of the policy plans for the areas of renewable energy and tourism see (Box

1: Business Development in Environmental Management).

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The green economy is given specific focus in the section “Towards a Green Economy”, overviewed on pages 15 to 17 and elaborated

throughout the rest of the document. It is aligned to the two (2) themes of the Rio +20 Conference, the green economy and the institutional

framework for sustainable development.

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Box 1: Business Development in Environmental Management.

Renewable Energy

Regarding renewable energy, the policy identifies solar, wind and waste energy as crucial

areas for investment. Fiscal incentives for research and development for renewable energy,

energy efficiency, alternative energy, devices and programmes are mentioned, but not fully

developed. Key to this is the establishment of energy service company (ESCO) certification.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency are treated separately. The Framework for

Development of a Renewable Energy Policy for Trinidad and Tobago (2011) identifies and

proposes methods of introducing renewable energy into the local energy mix. According to

this policy, five percent (5%) of domestic energy should be from renewable sources by the

year 2020. The main renewable energy proposals centre on wind and solar energy for

industrial, residential and transport use. The policy makes special mention of introducing

renewable energy practices to specific sectors including the hospitality industry via the use of

solar heaters.

Eco-tourism

Under eco-tourism the MTPF highlights nature trails, wetlands, other environmentally

sensitive areas and the use of information technology. The Ministry of Tourism (MoT),

through the TDC also manages the Small Tourism Enterprise Project (STEP) which develops

the technical skills of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in accommodation. Another

relevant programme is the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Industry Certification Programme

carried out in conjunction with the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards, intended to

improve standards across the sector. MoT is also currently rolling out Green Globe 21

standards, an international standard for greenness.

1.4.2 Environmental Policies

Trinidad and Tobago has produced a number of policies related to environmental sustainability. These may be

grouped as follows: 1) Climate change, 2) Ecosystems and Wildlife, 3) Resource Management, 4) Culturo-

environmental assets, eco- and agro-tourism, and 5) Waste Management. (See Appendix III, Table 1: Overview of

Environmental Policies.) These policies include the National Climate Change Policy (2011), National Environmental

Policy (2006; edited in 2009), National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2001), National Forestry Policy

(2011), National Tourism Policy (2010), the National Protected Areas Policy (2011), Integrated Water Resources

Management (2005), and Sustainable Development Policy (2012), to name the most relevant ones. The National

Spatial Development Strategy (2012), An Integrated Solid Waste/Resource Management Policy for Trinidad and

Tobago (2012), Renewable Energy Policy (2011), Wildlife Policy (2013) remain in draft form. A comprehensive list

of policies and their related fiscal measures and laws is presented on Appendix III, Table 2) Policies and Related

Laws

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. While none of the policies refers explicitly to the role of MSEs, whether incumbent or potential, some

reference to the MSE sector is made in the tourism facet of the Sustainable Development Policy (2012) and the

Integrated Water Management Policy (2005).

1.4.3 Areas of Greening Support

There are several institutions involved in the process of greening Trinidad and Tobago. They can be grouped as

follows:

1. Policy development and legal review

2. Awareness and sensitisation

3. Training in “greenness”

4. Technical support and consultancy

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The Beverage Container Bill, aimed at making enterprises responsible for the bottles that they sell, is yet to be passed.

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5. Financing

6. Environmental oversight

7. Implementation

These are detailed on Appendix IV: Institutional Environment.

None of these groups represents institutions directly involved in the development of businesses or MSEs in the

green sector. However, these agencies can use some of their existing services to support MSE development in the

green sector. These include support in the areas of technical support and consultancy, financing, environmental

oversight, general business development and agri-business. These agencies are shown in Appendix V: Business

Development Agencies.

1.4.4 Legislative Environment

The environmental laws applicable in Trinidad and Tobago are listed on Appendix VI: Key Environmental

Legislation. They apply to the areas of biodiversity and ecosystems, water quality, environmental management, air

quality and noise pollution, forests, climate change, land management and space, renewable energy solid waste

and tourism. None of these laws address enterprise development (nor MSEs in particular) involved in

environmental and green sector.

1.4.5 Fiscal Measures

At present there are limited measures in place to directly support green enterprises in Trinidad and Tobago whose

core activity is greening. Nevertheless, there is the Green Levy of 0.1% on all companies’ gross sales which is used

for creating the Green Fund (currently at TT$3 billion), a fund used for enabling grants to community groups and

organisations primarily engaged in activities related to the remediation, reforestation and conservation of

environment; and for incidental work conducive to the attainment of aforementioned work. Since establishment

of the Fund in 2001, approximately 13 organisations have received funding which has totalled no more than 5% of

the value of the Fund. The Fund is not available to the profit oriented private sector involved in similar work.

Apart from the Green Fund, there are tax concessions for encouraging the use of energy efficiency (not for

supporting green enterprise development per se). These incentives are outlined on Appendix VII: Fiscal Incentives

for Greening in Trinidad and Tobago. These have not had the desired effect because the incentive does not offset

the subsidy on non-renewable energy.

Financing Facilities for Green Business

In addition to the aforementioned measures, there are several funds which exist for funding activities in economic

greening, environmental management and sustainability. In addition to these specific funds, there are multi-

purpose funds, which, though not specific to green enterprises, also represent a source of funding for such

enterprises.

Sources of Finance for Green Enterprises

Environmental Funds

The Green Fund

 Ministry: MEWR

 Currently valued at TT$3 billion; funded by the taxes

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 Usage: Disbursements made to non-profit community groups and

organisations (NPOs/NGOs/CBOs) engaged in environmental remediation,

reforestation or conservation.

 Restrictions: Private sector companies are not eligible for grants from the

fund.

 Grants may be disbursed smoothly within 3 months after applying;

nevertheless, many applicants find the application process lengthy and

complicated.

Environmental Trust Fund

 Ministry: MEWR, managed by EMA

 Allocations to the Fund arise from annual appropriations from the

Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, EMA permit application

fees and fees for services rendered and international grant funding and loan

funds.

 Usage:

a. Incentive measures for reducing environmental pollution.

b. Demonstration projects of innovative technologies toward the

reduction of pollution.

c. Emergency Response Activities including remediation of degraded sites.

d. Public awareness and education programmes in environmental

protection and natural resource management issues.

Multi-Purpose Funds

Community Development

Fund

Ministry of Community Development

Ideas to Innovation (i2i)

Competition

Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development

Micro Loan Facility

Ministry of the People and Social Development

Research Development

Facility

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment

See Appendix VIII: Multi-Purpose Funds in Trinidad and Tobago.

There are also plans to establish an Enterprise Investment Fund (EIF), managed by the MOLSMED. The EIF will be a

project-based funding mechanism that aims to support MSEs through public-private partnerships with non-MSE

intermediaries. The Fund’s eligible projects include those that provide business development services (training)

and technology services (ICT upgrade) to the MSEs, among others.

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2. PRIORITY SECTORS FOR GREEN MSE DEVELOPMENT

The following sectors have been identified as key areas for the development of MSEs in the green economy:

1. Waste management

2. Construction

3. Tourism

4. Creative industries and fashion

5. Energy

6. Agriculture

2.1 Greening Waste Management

At present Trinidad and Tobago has notable challenges in the area of waste management. See Box 1: Facts on

Waste Generation in Trinidad and Tobago. The chief challenges of MSE involvement in the sector are:

i. Inadequate funding for waste management activities and in low compensation for activities along the

value chain

ii. Undeveloped value chain waste collection industry

iii. Lack of knowledge in how to deal with different kinds of waste.

iv. The absence of relevant health and safety standards within the waste collection activity

Box 1: Facts on Waste Generation in Trinidad and Tobago7

 50 million plastic bottles per month

 1 million glass bottles per month

 Each person accounts for 2.2 kg of waste per day

 95 % of all domestic waste ends in landfills in Trinidad.8 The landfills are already past full capacity and

should have been terminated in the 1980s

 According to SWMCOL the life of a landfill is 20 years, while most landfills in Trinidad and Tobago have

been in operation since the 1960s

 It is estimated that up to 40% of waste in Tobago is recyclable.9

 Two-thirds of all waste is from households. Up to 80 % of all household waste is recyclable.

 There is no official system for managing hazardous waste. These include batteries, fluorescent lights,

needles, cell phones, radios, computers and televisions.

Community-Based Environmental Protection and Enhancement Programme (Trinidad and Tobago) Company

Limited (CEPEP)

 Attempts have been made to establish a waste management system through the CEPEP (established in

7

Taken from Trinidad Express (April 5, 2012) NGO Fishermen and Friends of the Sea www.ffostt.com.

8

The landfills are located along the Beetham Highway near Port of Spain, Forres Park in southern Trinidad and Guanapo, obtained from

Minister S. Rambachan, Minister of Local Government. An additional landfill in Guapo, Point Fortin, is managed by the Point Fortin Borough

Council through a sub-contracting agreement. There is one landfill located at Studley Park, Tobago.

9

Akili, K., Eco Industrial Development Company, Tobago (E-IDCOT)

14

2007 and currently managed by the MEWR).

 CEPEP employs between 7 and 10 thousand low-skilled workers. There has been the intention to train

employees in various areas including agriculture.

 Roadside workers earn up to $200 per day while contractors may earn up to $10,000 per month.

2.2 Greening the Construction Industry

Greening of the construction sector encompasses a wide range of activities. Each is geared towards some

aspect of resource efficiency, waste reduction from the building, respect for ecosystems surrounding the site

of construction and health and safety of human occupants. These translate into four (4) classes of business

activity:

1. Planning, site selection and building design

2. The assessment of biological and other impacts

3. Audit and assessment of resource usage (e.g. water, energy, air and materials)

4. The disposal and management of building waste, that is, threefold waste generation

a. Waste arising from the construction activity

b. Waste generated during the life of the building

c. Disposal of the building itself as waste material post usage

The main challenges of MSEs in the green construction industry are:

1. The general lack of awareness of green construction by both the MSEs and the wider public and a

consequent lack of interest in standards, standardisation and certification

2. The cost of individual certification is often considered formidable for:

a. Individuals seeking green certification and

b. MSEs in the construction sector that seek to build capacity for green construction, design, management and

disposal

3. The wider public often does not respect the premium that green construction carries because of a failure

to understand the lifecycle approach to products and services

4. A general lack of financial support for inventors and innovators in the area of green construction materials

Box 2: Facts on Construction and MSEs in Trinidad and Tobago

MSEs in Construction

Between 1,000 and 1,800

12% of all MSEs

No. MSEs of all construction

cos. (%)

77%

Construction Industry -

Contribution to GDP

Estimated 5%

Generally carried out in

environmentally sustainable

manner

No

Contribution to environmental

degradation

Not yet quantified. However, when not carried out sustainably, construction

represents both a significant contribution to waste and a massive depletion of

the quantity and quality of natural resources including land, water and

ecosystems.

15

Standards

Standards exist. They include

 ISO 14000: Environmental Management

 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification

 EMAS standard originating in the European Union

2.3 Greening the Tourism Industry

Tourism represents a nexus for a wide range of economic activities. These are illustrated on Chart 2: Green

Activities in the Tourism Industry. At present the Ministry of Tourism recognises the Green Globe 21 certification

for lodging in the tourism sector. MOLSMED will begin with enterprises registered with the Small Tourism

Enterprise Project (STEP), TDC, of the Ministry of Tourism. STEP applies to lodging up to 75 rooms, tour guides and

tour operators and taxi operators.

The main challenges to going green in the tourism can be outlined as follows:

1. The absence of training support for new and existing businesses in the tourism sector towards going

green

2. The absence of certification and standardisation of green products and services within the tourism

industry

3. The cost of acquiring certification for green products and services within the tourism industry

4. The absence of customer awareness regarding the value of green products and services within the

tourism industry

Sustainable

Tourism

Sustainable

Transport

Sustainable

Building and

Construction

Improved

Waste

Management

Energy

Efficiency +

Renewable

Energy

Organic

Agriculture

and Agro

Tourism

Sustainable

Creative

Industries

Figure 1: Green Activities in the Tourism Industry

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Box 3: Facts on Tourism and MSEs in Trinidad and Tobago

Contribution to GDP

Approximately $6 billion or around 3% of GDP.

Contribution to Labour (direct)

An estimated 31,500 jobs or 5.2% of total employment.

Contribution to Labour

(indirect)

$12 million or 7% of GDP

9% of the labour force.

MSE Involvement

Tourism includes:

Distribution of tourist-related goods and services

Personal services

Transportation, communication and storage

MSEs in tourism sector

No accurate data. Estimates: 10

Distribution of tourist-related goods and services: 64.2%

Personal services: 71.2%

Transportation, communication and storage: 51.6%.

Impact of Tourism Upon the

Environment

Significant: If left unchecked, tourism can lead to lasting environmental and

natural resource degradation. For instance, air, road and rail transport are

continuously increasing in response to the rising number of tourists, producing

excessive CO2 emissions and air pollution. Tourism has also been linked to

disruption of ecosystems.

Standards

Several standards exist for greening in the tourism industry. Global Sustainable

Tourism Council and its Americas branch office, the Sustainable Tourism

Network of the American recognises several regional and regionally recognised

standards. These include:

 United States-based Green Globe 21 (already adopted in Trinidad and

Tobago by Ministry of Tourism)

 Blue Flag for beaches designation of the Foundation for Environmental

Education

2.4 Greening the Creative Industries and Fashion

The creative industries in Trinidad and Tobago refer to a wide range of activities that use creative talent in the

areas of the performing, visual arts and fashion and artisanal work. See Chart 3: The Creative Industries. In this

Policy, greening of the creative industries refers primarily to reducing the carbon footprint of the sector.

It has been established that creative industries have enormous potential for alleviating poverty and addressing

social needs precisely because of the high level of involvement by micro and small enterprises, especially in

developing countries. Creative industries have also been targeted by state for diversifying the domestic economy.

Trinidad and Tobago has a well-established heritage; with a vibrant community of artists and practitioners

operating across a multitude of fields. In 2012, the majority of businesses operating within these sectors are

MSEs

11

operating in the creative sector are informal companies

12

or employ informal labour. See Box 4: Facts on

the Creative Industries in Trinidad and Tobago.

There are many opportunities for greening of the creative industries. These include

10

Central Statistical Office survey of businesses

11

Culture and Creative Industries (Building Competitive Advantage: Six Strategic Business Clusters and Enablers, 2012)

12

Of the twenty-five (25) businesses that participated in the survey, at least seventeen (17) are likely to be classed as MSEs. Eight (8) of these

companies also indicated that they were operating individual proprietorships.

17

 Identification of suitable areas for special creative activities that need space for “upcycling” and “cradle to

cradle” activities. Suitable locations should take into account geological factors, risk of contaminating

water, capacity and the proximity to other man-made facilities and amenities.

 Reuse of waste for transformation into artistic commercialisable forms

 Sustainable waste disposal related to cultural and/or creative activities

 Use of indigenous, natural and sustainable materials to create commercialisable alternatives to non-

sustainable ones where the end product is deemed artistic or creative output

 Development and review of accepted or acceptable health and safety standards (H&S) for workers within

involved in creative sector work

 Training or retraining of MSEs in any of the aforementioned activities

Figure 2: Creative Industries

The main challenges for greening the creative industries include:

1. A general lack of awareness of the potential for environmental sustainability in creative industry work

2. The general lack of green innovation and invention in the creative industries

3. A lack on incentives (incentives and disincentives) for reuse of specific elements of creative waste, e.g.

carnival costumes, Hosay waste tajas and cultural artefacts such as candles and propitiation items related

to religious festivals

4. Lack of health standards for workers in creative industry work

5. Lack of green standards for site selection for creative industry activities

Broadcasting

Literature

Dance,

Theatre and

Visual Arts

Film

Music

Fashion

Carnival

18

Box 4: Facts on Creative Industries in Trinidad and Tobago

Contribution to GDP

At least 5% to GDP.13

MSEs

Unknown, estimated to be high

Employment

Estimated to employ 10,854 people14 (number is highly underestimated)

Measuring contribution by copyrights alone, 4.8% employment (direct)15

Trend

Value of creative goods rose from $15.6m in 2004 to $17m in 2008, constituting a

growth rate of 9%16.

Standards and

Certification

There are no broad international or regional standards for creative industries.

There are, however, fair trade labels.

The principles of the fair-trade movement are provided in Box 4.1.

Box 4.1: Fair Trade Principles

Creating opportunities

for peripheral producers

Inclusion of individuals of traditionally marginalised and/or disadvantaged producers

for uncovering opportunities and for self-governance and democractic decision-

making.

Transparency and

accountability

Transparent management of workers so that they have a voice in commercial

relationships, including pricing.

Capacity building

Fairtrade mean working with producers to develop their independence,

management skill development and their access to new markets

Fair pricing

Fairtrade emphasises social dialogue for fair pricing so that both producers benefit

from a price that they deem adequate. Fair Traders works to ensure prompt

payment for goods and services and the pooling of resources to give producers

access to finance, especially in down-time (out-of-season). It lends itself to the

cooperative model.

Gender equity

Fairtrade means that men and women are treated with equity and empowered

where necessary.

Working conditions

Fairtrade means that work conditions are safe and healthy and conform to relevant

UN Conventions in the local and international context.

The environment

Fairtrade activities try to be environmentally sustainable and carried out in a

sustainable manner.

2.5 Greening the Energy Sector

The main challenges facing MSEs in green business in the energy sector are:

13

WIPO Studies on Economic Contribution of the copyright Industries (2012), World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)

14

Creative Industries Sector Survey, Trinidad, (January 2012) National Training Agency

15

WIPO Studies on Economic Contribution of the copyright Industries (2012), World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO

16

Culture and Creative Industries (Building Competitive Advantage: Six Strategic Business Clusters and Enablers, 2012)

19

1. The subsidised cost of energy for Trinidad and Tobago discourages the investment in renewable energy

and energy efficient practices.

2. A general lack of public awareness and information regarding renewable energy, energy efficiency and

access to related goods and services

3. A general lack of information on energy efficiency and renewable energy within MSEs, especially where

cost savings are concerned

4. Lack of training in renewable energy and energy efficiency, the absence of standards, standardisation and

training for attainment of certification and the formidable cost of certification for MSEs

Box 5: Facts on Energy Sector and MSEs in Trinidad and Tobago

MSEs in Energy Sector

56.2% of petroleum companies17.

Renewable Energy Cos.

0.0%-0.05%18

Currently, the few companies involved in renewable in Trinidad and Tobago are

micro and small enterprises19

Contribution Non-Renewable

to GDP

45.3%

Trinidad and Tobago

International Ranking

Trinidad and Tobago is a serious perpetrator regarding GHG emissions. In 2009,

TT ranked 54th in global GHG emissions and 2nd in both GHG emissions per capita

and per unit of GDP20. This data implies that TT represents an important player

in reducing global GHG emissions, and by extension cutting climate change and

its disastrous effects.

Standards

ISO 50001:2011 (Energy Management System) for energy companies.

The ISO 50001 may be used for better use of energy and setting energy targets

and the development of an energy policy.

ISO 9001 (for quality management)

ISO 1400 (for environmental management).

Since 2007, the USA introduced a renewable fuel standard (RFS2), implemented

in 2010. Its major tenets relate to:

1. Usage of renewable fuels over a horizon through to 2022.

2. Classifying renewable fuels into four (4) separate categories: —total

renewable fuels, advanced biofuels, biomass-based diesel, and cellulosic

biofuels—each with its special volume requirement and standard.

3. Qualifying biofuels according to minimum thresholds of lifecycle

greenhouse gas emission.

4. Renewable fuels which are made from “feedstocks that meet a revised

definition of renewable biomass, including certain land use

restrictions.”21

These rules relate to the United State only. No standards for renewable

fuels exist in Trinidad and Tobago.

17

Computed from CSO (Central Statistical Office) data: No. of employees in various sectors, 2011.

18

BP Statistical Review of World Energy, June 2013

19

Information gathered from meetings with private renewable energy companies in Trinidad and Tobago

20

Statistics obtained from Dr. Donnie Boodilal’s (UTT) research on GHG emissions in Trinidad and Tobago.

21

Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), Schnepf and Yacobucci (March 14, 2013). Congressional Research Service

20

2.6 Greening Agriculture and Agro-Processing

The “greening” of agriculture refers to organic farming and other organic food production techniques. Organic

farming is considered green because its farming techniques do not use pesticides, herbicides or other artificial

substances. The farming process is fully natural, which preserves soil and water quality. While the nutritional

benefits of organically grown food over non-organically produced foods have not been clearly established, the

everyday consumer believes that organic produce is healthier. Regarding fishing, greening and sustainability refer

to restricting the use of artificial chemicals and hormones in man-made fisheries, harvesting of healthy fish from

open waters and avoidance of overfishing. The market for organic produce is one of the fastest growing segments

of agriculture in the world today.

PRINCIPLES OF ORGANIC FARMING22

 Crop rotation to support the efficient use of on-site resources

 Very strict limits on the use of:

 Synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilisers

 Antibiotics for livestock and

 Other food additives, processing aids and other inputs

 The absolute prohibition on using genetically modified organisms

 The use of on-site resources, such as livestock manure for fertiliser or feed produced on the farm

 The use of plant and animal species that are resistant to disease and adapted to local conditions

 Free-range livestock and poultry with open-air systems and organic animal feed

The main obstacles to “greening” the domestic agricultural sector are:

1. The lack of awareness regarding the benefits of organic farming and agro processing

2. A lack of technical skill and the availability of training in organic food production and processing

3. A lack of development of export markets for domestically grown organic produce

4. A lack of financial resources available to micro and small landholders and farmers

5. A failure to operate at international standards

While there is some indication that the market for organic food in Trinidad and Tobago is increasing, the subsector

is not controlled, that is, there are no established organic markets or recognised certified, green enterprises.

Box 6: Facts on Agriculture and MSEs in Trinidad and Tobago

Contribution to GDP

1 % to GDP

Contribution to

Employment

22,000 workers23

MSEs

Sector primarily comprised primarily of MSEs which tend to be farmers working small

landholdings

Importance to Economy

Despite small contribution agriculture is strategic sectors.

For the purpose of food sovereignty, the Ministry of Food Production has identified

legumes and vegetables,24 rabbits, sheep and goats, minor fruits25 and roots and

other crops.26

22

Source: European Commission on Agriculture and Rural Development http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/organic/organic-farming/what-

organic_en

23

Central Statistical Office, data as at 2010.

21

Objectives of Ministry of

Food Production

i. Boost both the quality and quantity of output

ii. Organise the sector to improve entrepreneurship and innovation

iii. Improve financial viability in domestic and international markets

Organic Farming

In May, MEWR and the Ministry of Food Production established an organic fruit and

vegetable farm on 400 hectares of land in Couva

24

These legumes and vegetable category included pigeon peas (cajanus cajun), bodi (vigna unguiculata), black eye peas (phaseolus vulgaris),

seim (lablab niger), pumpkin (cucurbita moschata), dasheen bush, ochro, tomata, sweet corn (zea mays), sweet peper, hot pepper, cucumber

(cucurmis salivas), pak choi (brassica chinensis), melongene and lettuce.

25

The minor fruits are avocado, sucrier bananas, citrus, coconuts, bananas, pommcythere, mango, pawpaw, pineapple, watermelon and minor

fruits

26

Roots and other crops include cassava, sweet potatoes, dasheen, eddoes, plantain, breadfruit and rice.

22

3. GREEN ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT POLICY FOR MICRO AND SMALL

ENTERPRISES AND COOPERATIVES

3.1 Goal and Objectives

3.1.1 Goal

To create an active, viable green enterprise sector for micro and small enterprises that strengthen economic

diversification in Trinidad and Tobago.

3.1.2 Objectives

The policy’s key objectives are as follows:

a. To encourage new micro and small enterprises to participate in the green economy.

b. To support micro and small enterprises whose core activity is economic greening.

c. To provide a support system for transitioning micro and small enterprise sector to the green economy.

d. To encourage various Government Ministries, Department and Agencies to create opportunities green

enterprise development.

e. To facilitate the greening of micro and small enterprises using recognised international standards.

f. To create a system of green certification.

3.2 Key Principles

The following principles guide the current policy and all subsequent actions that extend from it.

a. Alliances

Alliances with stakeholder partners from the public, private and non-

Governmental organisation (NGO) sectors will be encouraged to advance green

MSEs. This will include both private service provider coordination and

cooperation for common objectives between ministries.

b. Equality and Equity

Absence of discrimination as is consistent with the Decent Work Agenda and

the use of mainstreaming techniques to recognise and reduce/eliminate

disparities affecting vulnerable groups and gender disparities.

c. Information Availability

The recognition that structures must be established for the accurate and

relevant dissemination of information to all active stakeholders on both on the

environment and resource usage and micro and small businesses involved in

the sector.

d. Innovation

The Green Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Policy will embrace a greater

number of higher value-generating and innovative businesses. Innovation in

this context is not limited to science and technology, but also extends to the

creation and/or improvement of a new product, service, business process or

system that will support sustainable social benefits and/or economic returns.

e. Social concerns

Integration of the MSE sector into the socioeconomic fabric of Trinidad and

Tobago so that entrepreneurship can be seen as a viable and credible avenue

23

of employment and wealth creation.

f. Sustainability

The initiatives included in the policy emphasise value creation, thus increasing

the capability and competitiveness of MSEs and their support agencies,

resulting in support for their long term viability and less dependence on

Government involvement.

3.3 Policy Outcomes

Greening will be accomplished via the provision of:

1. Establishment of green enterprise network

2. Technical support and information system

3. Assistance to MSEs in meeting standards

4. Green Certification

5. Incentives for green innovation

6. Adequate financing mechanisms

3.3.1 Establishment of Green Enterprise Network

The Ministry will work through its programmes and business development services to establish a network of green

enterprise partners, including the International Labour Organization, United Nations Environmental Programme,

other Ministries and social partners.

3.3.2 Technical support and information System

The Ministry will increase the capacity of its direct and indirect business development services (IBIS, FairShare and

NEDCO) to support the greening of MSEs. Where necessary, relationships will be established with specialised local

and international agencies to support technical capacity and information dissemination. Additionally, capacity will

be strengthened for recognising viable green enterprises and business ideas.

3.3.3 Assistance to MSEs in meeting standards and certification

The Ministry will seek to provide information on recognised green standards for priority areas. The training

provided will integrate assistance in meeting standards using international best practice.

3.3.4 Green Certification

Ministry will collaborate with MEWR and other relevant agencies to establish a Green Certification system that

identifies the level or stage of greening at which a business operates, taking into account its inputs, processing and

output.

3.3.5 Incentives for Green Innovation

Greening often entails process of product innovation. This includes the use of biodegradable materials, the

alternative materials and/or the creative of new materials. MOLSMED through its direct and indirect business

development services will therefore assist MSEs in green innovation by:

(i) Supporting local inventors and innovators to commercialise innovative green technologies

(ii) Supplying adequate information on intellectual property protection for new green innovation

24

(iii) Providing assistance for prototyping and standardisation of commercialisable, new green products

and services

3.3.6 Adequate financing mechanisms

MOLSMED will use its programmes and business development services that provide funding to recognise green

and sustainable MSEs and to prefer them over those which operate unsustainably. Also, it will seek preferential

arrangements with funds managed by other ministries and implementing agencies, including the Research and

Development Fund (ExporTT Trinidad and Tobago Limited, MTII), the Innovation Fund (MPSD) and the Green Fund

(the Green Fund, MEWR). In the case of NEDCO, the MOLSMED will establish a seed capital facility that will be

used to invest in these projects using the appropriate type of financing instruments.

25

4. TOOLS FOR SUPPORTING GREEN MSES

The MOLSMED will support MSEs in the green economy through:

1. Public information on greening and green jobs

2. The provision of training in standards of green operations

3. Certification for green enterprises and green products and services

4. Green Procurement via the FairShare Programme

5. Financing the Greening of MSEs

1.1 Public Information on Greening and Green Jobs

The MOLSMED recognises that the demand for and supply of green entrepreneurship, green jobs and for

enterprise greening is partly a function of the lack of relevant information on the sector, opportunities and its

importance to Trinidad and Tobago. Therefore, MOLSMED commits to partnering with the relevant line Ministries

to improve access to quality information on the greening, green opportunities and environmental management in

Trinidad and Tobago.

1.2 Provision of Training in Standards for Green Business Operations

The MOLSMED will use public-private partnerships to introduce green training to MSEs in Trinidad and Tobago.

Similarly, it will seek to align with business development programmes offered by other ministries and the private

sector that target MSEs so that the concept of greening can be introduced. The objective of such training will be

the establishment of standards among green enterprises. Such standards will include health and safety standards

and activities in waste management.

1.2.1 National Integrated Business Incubator System

The IBIS will educate all its clients through generic workshops in green business methods.

It will be proposed that special "Green" Business Incubators be established to encourage full greening of

these businesses. IBIS will also partner with standard-setting organisations both in Trinidad and Tobago

and internationally to identify and assist in the green certification of these enterprises. Additional funding

will be proposed to support the establishment of these businesses to assist with full green certification as

well as for assisting them with achieving viability.

1.2.2 FairShare Programme

The FairShare Programme will use its training component to inculcate green technologies and

mechanisms to its registered MSEs. These will apply to all business activities but will prioritise the areas

listed in 4.2 above.

1.3 Certification and Labelling

MOLSMED will promote certification on two levels throughout its programmes:

1. Company:

26

This is a holistic certification analysing company inputs (traceability) and international certification for

company processes in efficiency of resource usage. Such standards include the European Eco-Management

and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and the International Standards Organization (ISO) 14001.

2. Products

Ecological labelling: Ecolabels are green labels on products, foods and medicines that are meant to facilitate

easy consumer recognition of items that have met approved environmental standards. These are widely used

in the European Union and North America.

a. The use of ecological labels for products (non-edible and non-medicinal). Initial labels will address:

i. Cleaning products

ii. Appliances

iii. Paper products

iv. Home and garden products

v. Clothing

vi. Tourism related activities

vii. Lubricants.

b. Edible produce and medicines: international health and safety standards (Hazard Assessment and Critical

Control Point (HACCP), ISO22000 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Safety

Modernisation Act) and organic food standards as deployed by the International Federal of Organic

Agricultural Movements (IFOAM)

Where ecolabels do not exist, the MOLSMED will work with the relevant Ministries to develop Trinidad and Tobago

Ecolabels for MSEs’ products and educate the public the importance of branding and eco-labels.

1.4 Green Procurement

MOLMSED will give full support to the implementation of the Green Government Policy that encourages green

procurement from all Government ministries and state board agencies. Green procurement means that all

outsourced goods and services are mandatorily compliant with a certain minimum standard of “greenness”, in

harmony with national sustainable development objectives. This practice should eventually be extended to state-

board agencies and the private sector.

Additionally, MOLSMED will integrate the green procurement policy into the FairShare Programme. The

Programme will be the primary source for Ministries seeking to source green MSEs. Also, the Programme will

identify opportunities for companies that have green certification.

1.5 Financing Mechanisms

a. The MOLSMED will assist the National Enterprise Development Company Ltd (NEDCO) in developing focal

areas in green business development for financing, technical training and business development.

b. The MOLSMED will explore international funding for green MSE activities in Trinidad and Tobago in

conformity with its focal areas.

As much as practicable, the MOLSMED will explore financing green MSE activities in the context of public private

project-based partnerships where there is a special purpose vehicle.

27

5. DEVELOPMENT OF GREEN MSE SECTOR BY MOLSMED

As indicated in the Situational Analysis, MOLSMED will focus on five (5) priority area where green MSE

development can have the greatest and most effective impact, viz:

a. Waste Management

b. Construction

c. Tourism

d. Creative Industries

e. Energy

MOLSMED will seek out the expertise for training as well as funding for the development of these priority

sectors with the goal of ensuring that they receive the optimal amount of support.

5.1 Waste Management

The areas of support will be:

i. Waste collection, sorting and transportation (national and international)

ii. Provisions of green waste disposal systems and sorting

iii. Waste repurposing and manufacturing for commercial use

MOLSMED will actively promote waste collection work through several routes, such as collaboration with CEPEP.

Figure 3: Activities targeted by MOLSMED for Supporting MSEs in Waste Collection

Actions of the MOLSMED to develop green MSEs in waste management

Waste

collection/

recovery

Sorting and

cleaning

Baling,

transportation

Processing

(cleaning,

compressing,

transforming

Re-purposing

(transforming

to reusable

product)

Resale to end

user and

waste

generation

28

In order to create a climate for green enterprise development, the MOLSMED will provide the financial and

technical support to MSEs to:

1. Encourage MSEs to expand its activities along the value chain in waste management to increase their

profitability.

2. Identify suitable locations for waste collection activities by MSEs by the creation of waste management

incubation for MSEs and the development of cooperative structures to support waste management.

3. Support training in waste collection activities and standards for MSEs involved in such activities.

4. Champion the use of H&S standards for all enterprises involved in waste management activities.

4.2 Construction

The areas of support will be:

i. Sustainable planning in site selection and building design.

ii. The assessment of biological and other impacts in the construction sector

iii. Audit and assessment of resource usage (e.g. water, energy, air and materials)

iv. The disposal and management of building waste, that is, threefold waste generation

a. Waste arising from the construction activity

b. Waste generated during the life of the building

c. Disposal of the building itself as waste material post usage

v. Providing training and/or international certification related to construction and procurement by

encouraging the adoption of the following standards among all businesses within the domestic

construction industry (EMAS, LEED and ISO 14000; and other standards recognised by CARIRI, the

TTBS or Trinidad and Tobago legal authorities through the granting of intellectual property rights for

new and innovative green technologies)

vi. The adoption of existing green technologies recognised by any other Trinidad and Tobago presiding

authority.

Actions of the MOLSMED to develop green MSEs in construction

The MOLSMED will provide the technical and financial support to MSEs to:

1. Encourage integration of recognised international certification to training and development programmes

related to construction.

2. Assist MSEs to access green standardisation and certification in green certification for construction

companies such as EMAS, LEED and ISO 14000 or other certification that is considered internationally

relevant and sound.

3. Partner with the MEWR and the MWI to create an awareness of the life cycle approach to building, i.e.

stimulate demand for green construction by highlighting its longterm cost and environmental benefits.

4. Offer additional support for inventors and innovators in the areas of intellectual property rights for new

and innovative green technologies, when such technologies are recognised as new and innovative by

CARIRI, the TTBS or legal authorities qualified to recognise new marketable technologies both in Trinidad

and Tobago and internationally

4.3 Tourism

MOLSMED will recognise and support MSEs involved in sustainable tourism activities. These will be defined as:

29

1. Sustainable transport (both energy efficient and renewable energy based)

2. Sustainable building and construction related to tourist facilities and lodging

3. Waste management for tourism facilities or in areas designated for tourism

4. Energy efficiency and renewable energy

5. Organic agriculture in the context of agro tourism

Actions of the MOLSMED to develop green MSEs in tourism

The MOLSMED will provide the technical and financial support to MSEs to:

1. Target incubation and business development efforts to greening of specific tourism related activities

which are in harmony with the TDC development goals. These are:

a. Carnival, Tobago Heritage Festival and other national and/or regional cultural festivals

b. Events related to local cuisine or cuisine in areas frequented by tourists (international tourists)

c. Creative industries where it can be reasonably estimated that products and services are up to

50% destined for tourists and visitors (local and international)

d. Tours to historical sites

e. Natural attractions (especially beaches, rivers, forests and seas)

f. Agro tourism with organic agriculture

2. Encourage certification of “green” tourism activities. Special emphasis will be placed upon Green Globe 21

and other certification recognised by the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Development Company.

3. Give financial support for certification in the following areas:

a. Green construction of visitor lodging

b. Energy efficiency in tourism facilities

c. Sustainable disposal of waste from tourist facilities

4. Partner with the Ministry of Tourism and the MEWR to promote customer and business awareness of the

value of going green

4.4 Creative industries

The MOLSMED will support greening of the creative industries in Trinidad and Tobago by focusing upon MSEs that

are characterised by:

i. Creating indigenous products with Trinidad and Tobago branding

a. The sustainable use of local and indigenous materials

b. Distinguishing goods by Trinidad and Tobago manufacture, giving consideration to

sustainable use (sourcing, production and/or rendering) of local content.

c. Preference for local materials where the import burden and carbon footprint may be

simultaneously reduced.

ii. Encouraging the adoption of sustainable business practices

a. “Upcycling” to increase the value of reused materials

b. “Cradle to Cradle” design, which considers holistic sustainability throughout a product

lifecycle, have enhanced the perception of environmental consciousness within the context

of enterprise

c. “Emotional Selling Propositions” (ESP) assist in educating the consumer about the respective

brands

30

iii. Providing information underscoring Fair Trade movement and ethical practices within creative

industries geared towards export. Where applicable, the use of ‘fair trade’ practices in the industry

and fair-trade labelling. For the purpose of Trinidad and Tobago, fair-trade labelling will be

domestically oriented and will serve to assure customers that good and services are produced at

‘agreed upon’, ‘fair prices’ that serve to benefit small producers more directly. It may be linked to the

cooperative movement and structure.

4.4.1 Creative Industries with a tourism orientation

MOLSMED will also support MSEs involved in capacity development and training for the tourism sector in the areas

of:

27

1. Sustainable management

2. Socioeconomic impacts

3. Cultural impact of tourism

4. Environmental impacts (including consumption of resources, reducing pollution, and conserving

biodiversity and landscapes)

5. Standard setting for international green standards or recognised local bodies.

Actions of MOLSMED to develop green MSEs in the creative industries

The MOLSMED will focus upon:

1. Reuse of waste for transformation into artistic commercialisable forms

2. Sustainable waste disposal related to cultural and/or creative activities

3. Use of indigenous, natural and sustainable materials to create commercialisable alternatives to non-

sustainable ones where the end product is deemed artistic or creative output

4. Training or retraining of MSEs in any of following:

a. Fashion

b. Carnival and costumery

c. Festivals and celebrations including religious festivals (as outlined by the Ministry of Tourism)

and

d. Visual arts

Given the aforementioned, the MOLSMED commits to:

1. Partner with the MTII and the Ministry of the Arts and Multiculturalism to create national awareness of

green and sustainable practices within the creative industries

2. Develop creative sector incubators for the areas targeted for greening.

3. Partner with the Ministry of Finance and the Economy and the Ministry of the Environment for developing

fiscal incentives for creative industry practices that are in harmony with greening of the industry

4. Champion the creation of H&S standards within the creative industries; and to develop and support

FairTrade relationships where necessary

5. Identify suitable areas for special creative activities that need space for “upcycling” and “cradle to cradle”

activities. Suitable locations should take into account geological factors, risk of contaminating.

27

Numbers 1 to 4 come from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council

31

6. Work through business incubators and NEDCO to collaborate with:

 Academic institutions

 Registered associations and idea generation agencies with a track record of work with creative

industries.

4.5 Energy and Transportation

4.5.1 Energy

MOLSMED will support energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in MSEs in Trinidad and Tobago. It will

support the following energy-related activities:

1. Renewable energy generation

2. Renewable energy awareness

3. Renewable energy services (installation, maintenance and education related to renewable energy

facilities and equipment)

Special emphasis will be placed upon the aforementioned in the area of transport.

4.5.2 Transportation

Additionally, MOLSMED will give special emphasis to MSEs involved in sustainable and energy efficient transport.

MSEs in the private sector dominate the transport industry, such as taxis, private buses, chartered transport

services for tours, in addition to transport via boat along inland watercourses particularly for tourism and inland

fishing.

MOLSMED will support private transport encompassing:

 Alternative fuels: ethanol, methanol, electricity, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural

gas, liquefied petroleum gas, bio-diesel, hydrogen, or hybrid fuels. MSEs can function anywhere along the

value chain from the production to distribution of these fuels.

 Alternate modes of transport, such as bicycles, rickshaws and the like, which can link to tourism-related

Actions of MOLSMED to develop green MSEs in the energy and transportation sectors

i. Partner with the MEWR to support public awareness of the need for renewable energy and energy

efficiency, in the wider society

ii. Partner with the MEWR to support public awareness of the need for renewable energy and energy

efficiency within MSEs

iii. Support through incubation services:

a. small enterprises involved in renewable energy production

b. Alternative energy and/or non-fuel based transport systems

c. Training in internationally recognised standards for energy efficiency and renewable energy

iv. Assist in financing the cost of acquiring international certification in energy management

4.6 Agriculture

The MOLSMED will support MSEs involved in:

32

1. Organic farming (as defined by IFOAM)

2. Agro tourism in organic farming

3. Agro-processing using organic produce or other produce recognised to have been produced using

certified sustainable practices

There is some evidence that organic farms employ greater numbers of workers while their produce can sell up to

30% more than non-organic produce.

28

Action of MOLSMED to develop green MSEs in agriculture

The MOLSMED will:

1. Partner with the MEWR and MFP to sensitise the population to the environmental benefits of organic

farming;

2. Provide technical assistance to small and micro farmers and agro-processors through existing and new

incubators facilities where clients are engaged in primary agriculture or agro-processing activities

3. Collaborate with other ministries to promote opportunities in organic farming especially geared towards

export markets

4. Provide special financing through financial programmes to support micro and small commercial organic

farming activities

6. IMPLEMENTATION

The implementation of the Policy is detailed in a separate Implementation Plan for Legislative Landscape, Fiscal

and Funding Measure and Institutional Framework (July 2013).

The current policy must operate within a broader national context. It must be supported by Government

commitment, private sector training institutions, effective funding and an aligned legislative framework. (See

diagram below.)

28

In the United States of America, food labelled as organic can cost up to 30 per cent more than non-organic foods and, in developed countries,

organic farms tend to produce up to 20 % less than their non-organic counterpart farms. Statistics for the aforementioned are not yet available

for Trinidad and Tobago. Datum taken from an investigative article by CBS news: http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500194_162-2636253.html.

An article from Institute of Food Technologists, Rutgers (2006), Winter and Davis, reports a premium between 10 and 40 %. “The Road to 2020:

Towards Healthy, Humane and Sustainable Food, Farming and Land Use”, Soil Association (2012) United Kingdom.

http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-500194_162-2636253.html

33

Figure 4: Model of Sustained National Greening

To develop this sort of ecosystem, the Policy depends upon three (3) levels of support:

(i) Level 1: A decision from Government at the highest level to give force to:

a. Green procurement across all ministries

b. Green building processes.

(ii) Level 2: The MOLSMED and all activities that fall within its direct purview:

a. IBIS

b. Fairshare

c. The EIF (pending)

(iii) Level 3: Entities and agencies providing standards certification across all economic activities

a. Green products and services

b. Qualifications related to greening

These are represented diagrammatically on the following chart.

Green and

sustainable

enterprise sector in

Trinidad and Tobago

Government

commitment

Facilitative

education

and training

institutions

Effective

fiscal and

private

funding

mechanisms

Strong and

enforced laws

34

Figure 5: Platforms for Green Implementation

The highest level is the Government’s decision to recognise greening in all activities of all Ministries. The actual

outworking of this will likely be phased and stepwise. Key areas for MSEs are green buildings and green

procurement. This office must operate in tandem with the MPSD, MFE and MEER.

These levels define the following roles for MOLSMED:

a. Leading by example: MOLSMED greening its own operations and programmes

b. The development of green business incubators (in the 6 target areas) to channel training,

c. Using NEDCO and IBIS the training and finance greening

d. The use of Fairshare to support green procurement

The role of other Ministries implies the adoption of Government green initiatives beginning in green buildings and

green procurement. Specific collaboration will be necessary for line ministries dealing with the six (6) key areas

highlighted by the MOLSMED for green MSE development. The main ministries and private sector stakeholders

and listed as follows:

Area

Government

Tourism

Ministry of Tourism

Construction

Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and Ministry of Housing

35

Energy and transport

Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs

Ministry of Transport

Creative industries, carnival and

fashion

Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment

Waste Management:

Ministry of Local Government

Agriculture

Ministry of Agriculture

Ministry of Tourism

Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment

Other

Ministry of Education

Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training

Ministry of Science and Technology

Ministry of Communication

36

7. CONCLUSION

The National Green Enterprise Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises and Cooperatives (2013-2016) is a decisive

move from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in the direction of sustainable development through

diversification by including the private sector at its most granular level. It is designed to provide a framework for

the activities that will be targeted by MOLSMED for greening while providing guidance on the mechanism for such

support. The present policy document is therefore supported by its Implementation Plan, Communications Plan

and Monitoring and Evaluation Plan which are also available from the Ministry of Labour and Small and Enterprise

Development.

Figure 6: Framework for Implementation

In order to implement and manage the policy and its ensuing programmes the Ministry will rely upon the support

of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development,

the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Tobago House of Assembly as key policy drivers. These will comprise the

Implementation Committee. Other line Ministries and their agencies will support depending upon the area of MSE

development under focus; these will comprise the Green Working Group. Two technical groups will handle 1) the

formal and informal education systems and 2) innovation and green technologies. A separate unit will be charged

with interministerial and national communications regarding green business. The proposed structure is shown on

Figure 6. The Ministry recognises that the greening of the MSE sector is best rolled out in the context of a national

green movement. This is the approach that will be adopted as much as possible.

The National Green Enterprise Policy for Micro and Small Enterprises and Cooperatives recognises the value of the

environment and sustainability in Trinidad and Tobago and the role of the private sector, focusing upon the micro

and small enterprise sector. The policy not only charts the course towards a green economy but promises to do so

in harmony with the tenets of decent and dignified work.

INTERMINISTERIAL

COMMITTEE:

MOLSMED; MPSD; MEWR;

MLA; THA

TECHNICAL GROUP 1:

All Ministries: Formal and Non-

Formal Education

TECHNICAL GROUP 2:

TEST & Ministry of Science and

Technology

Innovation, Research and

Development and Certification

COMMUNICATIONS:

Public Sensitisation of green

issues

GREEN WORKING GROUP

Composition dependent 6

areas selected for greening

37

8. APPENDICES

Appendix I: Overview of Institutional Landscape for Greening in Trinidad and Tobago

Area

Overview and Key Players

Policy Development

and Legal Review

This comprises exclusively of Ministries and government agencies. While all

Ministries are involved, the key ones are perhaps the Ministry of the Environment

and Water Resources, the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development, the

Ministry of Food Production, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Energy and

Energy Affairs, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Ministry of Works and

Infrastructure and the Ministry of Tobago Development.

 Under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the

Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the Institute of Marine

Affairs (IMA) have crucial functions. 

 Under the Ministry of Tourism, the Tourism Development Company (TDC)

has an important implementation role

 For water and energy management, the Regulated Industries commission

(RIC) is the enforcing and implementing agency.

Awareness and

sensitisation

The agencies and their respective awareness areas are listed below:

 EMA :freshwater resources

 IMA : marine resources

 Forestry Division (Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources):

environmentally sensitive areas and species. 

 The Bureau of Standards: standards

 The Green Building Council: standards in the construction subsector

 The Tourism Development Company (TDC) : tourism and accommodation 

 The Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs, Powergen and Trinidad and

Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC): energy-related matters

 Solid Waste Management Company Limited (SWMCOL) : waste

management

38

Training in

“greenness”

 Premier Quality Services Limited (PQSL): assists buildings in obtaining

energy certification and provides training for individuals for receiving

energy auditor certification. Other institutions that offer similar services to

PQSL are Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, Caribbean Institute

of Quality (CIQ), School of Business and Computer Science (SBCS) and

Caribbean Industrial Research Institute, CARIRI. 

 Trinidad and Tobago Green Building Council (TTGBC): provides training for

receipt of energy audit certification for individuals and training for

individuals in architectural and civil engineering for Leadership in Energy

and Environmental Design (LEED), US standard introduced in 1994 by

Green USA Business Council

 Ministry of Tourism through TDC : provides certification of tourism

activities, through the STEP programme

 Degree and short-course programmes in environmental management,

energy efficiency and other related areas, under various tertiary education

institutions including but not limited to the University of the West Indies

(UWI), University if Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) and the School of Business

and Computer Science (SBCS). 

 Other service providers such as small businesses offer training in

sustainability related areas. 

Technical support and

consultancy

This area is typically dominated by the private sector, and consists of numerous

NGOs, NPOs and private, for profit consultants offering technical assistance and

consultancy services in environmental and sustainability affairs.

Financing

Grants

 Green Fund (MEWR) and Small Grants Programme (UNDP) for community-

based organisation and non-governmental organisations

 Environmental Trust Fund (EMA)

 Community Development Fund (MOCD)

 Innovation fund (i2i) (CCI)

Loans

 Commercial banks

 Credit unions

 Other commercial lenders

Equity

 Venture Capital Incentive Programme

Environmental

oversight

 Environmental Management Authority (MEWR)

 Institute of Marine Affairs (MEWR)

 Forestry Division (MEWR)

 Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs

 Ministry of Housing

  Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Works and Infrastructure 

39

Implementation

The Government has implemented programmes which meet some of its greening

objectives, including the following:

 Community-based Environmental and Enhancement Programme (CEPEP):

focuses on the environmental protection, enhancement and

beautification, and has been operational since 2002.

 Unemployment Relief Programme (URP): provides short-term employment

to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, designed to enhance the

entrepreneurial skills of individuals and community groups, and to assist in

the delivery of small-scale projects in various communities. These small-

scale projects may be geared at addressing environmental and

sustainability matters. 

 Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM): concentrates

on building national Disaster Risk Management and

Climate Change Adaptation capabilities with our partners and

coordinate response and recovery operations in order to protect the

people, environment and economy and ensure a disaster resilient nation.

In addition to the above, the private sector (NGOs, NPOs, CBOs and for-profit

businesses) also has programmes with meet environmental and sustainability

objectives.

40

Appendix II: MOLSMED Programmes for MSE Development

The FairShare Programme is a set-aside programme for MSEs in Trinidad and Tobago managed by the Enterprise

Development Division of the MOLSMED. The Programme provides procurement opportunities up to $1 million for

qualifying MSEs and co-operatives and aims at promoting the development of MSEs and assisting their holistic

capacity development. The FairShare Programme manages an electronic database of MSEs and opportunities, and

operates across an electronic platform. It also provides routine training to all registered MSEs in any area deemed

important to successfully developing the MSE sector. Cabinet reiterated its approval of the FairShare Programme

in 2011. The FairShare Programme is supported in the revised procurement legislation (which is currently under

review by a special parliamentary committee). The legislation also indicates that the environment be considered in

public procurement. It therefore makes some reference to green procurement.

The National Integrated Business Incubation System (IBIS) is a programme developed by the Ministry of Labour

and Small and Micro Enterprise Development (MLSMED) that aims to provide a unique mix of business

development support, infrastructure and operational and financial support to assist the growth and success of new

and existing micro and small enterprises (MSEs). IBIS provides approximately 6 months of training through

workshops, seed capital up to $40 thousand and facilities for operation with mentorship for 2 to 3 years. Cabinet

granted approval for IBIS in August, 2011 and the project began in October 2011. The National Entrepreneurship

Development Company Limited (NEDCO) is responsible for implementing IBIS.

41

Appendix III: Resources to be Used for Environmental Sustainability

 Coastal and marine resources (including coral reefs, animal habitats and human livelihoods),

 Freshwater resources

 Land resources (and the land itself, vis-a-vis erosion, landslides and soil quality, with the associate

problems of quarrying, shifting agriculture, urbanisation, deforestation and squatting)

 Energy resources

 Tourism resources

 Biodiversity resources

 Transportation (improved transport infrastructure and the mixing of fuels)

APPENDIX III: TABLE 1: OVERVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES

POLICY AREA AND POLICY

Climate Change

The National Climate Change Policy (2011) outlines the steps needed for Trinidad and

Tobago to progress along a low carbon-path development.

Ecosystems and

Wildlife

The National Environmental Policy ((2006) edited in 2009) looks at the impact that

economic, social and ecological changes are having upon the natural environment. The

policy defines environmental conservation by defining environmentally sensitive areas,

species, invasive species and vulnerable forests, wetlands, and coastal areas as well as

water, mineral and energy resources.

The Draft Wildlife Policy (2013) supplements the National Wetlands Policy (2002),

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2001) and the National Climate Change

Policy (2011). It stresses the importance of sustainably managing terrestrial gaming and

ecotourism related to indigenous wildlife and the protection of flora and fauna from

invasive species, especially entering from ports. The policy’s subsequent laws define which

wildlife species are protected and which are gaming animals and it states the specific

gaming seasons. The policy articulates with the National Biosafety Framework Project

(2007?) in that it echoes the intention of distinguishing between natural animals and

plants and those that are genetically modified, with a view to assessing what impact these

can have upon domestic ecosystems before introducing them to the domestic system.

Limitations exist in the Wildlife Policy and the laws with which it articulates: the

Conservation of Wildlife Act (1958) and the Fisheries Act restrict the policy's applicability

to freshwater fish, shellfish and marine mammals, which are considered freshwater fish in

existing legislation. Additionally, special licences are needed for hunting on state lands but

not for private lands. Finally, while Trinidad and Tobago is also a signatory to Convention

on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) all enforcement

mechanisms appear to be weak.

The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2013) proposes a strategy for

sustainably utilizing Trinidad and Tobago's biodiversity in the context of socioeconomic

development.

National Protected Areas Policy (2011) recognises certain areas as important tools for

achieving environmental sustainability.

Resource

Management:

The Integrated Water Resources Management (2005) focuses upon the nation's

freshwater resources with an aim to manage it so as to improve or maintain its quality

42

Water, Land and

Trees

while supporting both human development (socio-economic) and natural eco-systems.

The policy underscores the importance of maintaining quality groundwater, restoration of

the same via reforestation, the introduction of a strong “polluter pays” principle deployed

through CECs and EIAs.

National Spatial Development Strategy (2012) provides the framework for decisions about

the ways land will be used and developed over the next decade. It prioritises space for

food security (agriculture and fisheries), sustainable use of natural resources, managed

landscapes, culture, sport and recreation, sustainable transport, energy efficiency and

waste management.

The National Forestry Policy (2011) places emphasis upon the function of forests in

reducing greenhouse gases. The policy objectives are the optimization of the use of forest

resources for supporting livelihoods (related to cultural activities including religion while

ensuring sustainable extraction of timber and use of wildlife), the protection and the

enhancement of the natural productivity of forest ecosystems.

Culturo-

Environmental

Assets, Eco- and

Agro-Tourism

The National Tourism Policy (2010) is the only policy that speaks directly to the role of

business activities to the economy of Trinidad and. Some emphasis is placed upon eco-

and agro-tourism.

Waste Management:

Reduce, Reuse and

Recycle

An Integrated Solid Waste/Resource Management Policy for Trinidad and Tobago (2012)

sets out the foundation for effective nationwide waste management. It revolved around

waste prevention and minimisation, awareness promotion and stakeholder involvement

and collaboration. It proposes a system of incentives and disincentives to encourage

prudent waste management. These include a deposit-refund system, institutionalised buy-

back systems and disposal bans. The policy recognises six (6) categories of waste.

Appendix III: Table 2: Policies and Related Laws

Related Policy

Legislation

National Biodiversity Strategy (2001)

Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) Rules (2001)

Plant Protection Act (63:56) (2001)

Marine Areas (Preservation & Enhancement) Act (Chap

37:02) (revised in 2011)

Integrated Water Management Policy (2005)

Water and Sewerage Act (Chap 54:40) (2006)

Regulated Industries Commission Act (Ch. 54:73)

(updated 2011)

Also related to the National Renewable Energy Policy

(2011)

Water Pollution Rules (2006)

43

National Environmental Policy (2006)

Environmental Management Act (2001, revised in 2009)

Miscellaneous Taxes Act Ch. 77:01 (updated in 2011)

Related to all other environmental policies, including

National Biodiversity (2001)

Water Management (2005)

Certificate of Environmental Clearance Rules (2001)

Draft Air Pollution Rules (2010)

Noise Pollution Control Rules Ch 35:05 (Under the

Environment Management Act (2000)

Tobago House Of Assembly Act (Ch 25:03) (updated

2011)

National Tourism Policy (2010)

Chaguramas Development Authority Act (35:02) (1995);

National Forest Policy (2011)

Forests Act (Chap 66:01) (revised in 2011)

Agricultural Fires Act Ch 63:02 (reviewed in 2011)

National Climate Change Policy (2011)

Fisheries Act (Chap 67:51) (reviewed in 2011)

DRAFT Renewable Energy (2011)

Finance Act No. 30 (2010)

No policy, but the policy impacts upon draft

Renewable Energy Policy (2011))

Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act (Chap 48:50)

(reviewed in 2011)

Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Act (Chap 54:70)

(reviewed in 2011)

DRAFT Integrated Solid Waste/Resource

Management Policy (2012)

Draft Waste Management Rules (2008)

Waste Management Rules contributed to Solid Waste

Management Policy (2012)

Draft Beverage Container Bill (2012)

Litter Act Ch 30:52 (updated in 2011)

DRAFT National Spatial Development

Strategy (2012)

Town and Country Planning Act (Chap 35:01) (revised in

2011)

Land Acquisition Act 73 (2001); (See 58:01)

State Lands Act 25 (2006); (See 57:01)

State Land (Regularisation of Tenure) (Act 25 (1998);

(See 57:05)

44

Appendix IV: Institutional Environment

Policy Development and

Legal Review

This comprises exclusively of Ministries and government agencies. While all

Ministries are involved, the key ones are the MEWR, MPSD, MFP, MOT, MEEA,

MLA, MWI and the Ministry of Tobago Development.

 MEWR: EMA and the IMA

 MOT: TDC

 For water and energy management, the Regulated Industries

commission (RIC) is the enforcing and implementing agency.

Environmental

Jurisprudence and Judiciary

The Environmental Commission, a court for environmentally-related litigation.

Conceptualised in 1995, under the Environmental Management Act, the

Environmental Commission is currently guided by the Environmental

Management Act 2000. http://www.ttenvironmentalcommission.org

Awareness and

sensitisation

The agencies and their respective awareness areas are listed below:

 State-led: MEEA; EMA (freshwater resources) and IMA (marine

resources); Forestry Division (MEWR): environmentally sensitive areas

and species; the TTBS (awareness and implementation of international

standards regardless of industry); TDC (tourism and accommodation);

Powergen and T&TEC (energy-related matters); SWMCOL (waste

management)

 Private sector: The Green Building Council: standards in the construction

subsector; numerous NGOs

45

Training in “greenness”

 Premier Quality Services Limited (PQSL): assists buildings in obtaining

energy certification and provides training for individuals for receiving

energy auditor certification. Other institutions that offer similar services

to PQSL are Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, Caribbean

Institute of Quality (CIQ), School of Business and Computer Science

(SBCS) and Caribbean Industrial Research Institute, CARIRI.

 TTGBC: provides training for receipt of energy audit certification for

individuals and training for individuals in architectural and civil

engineering for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED),

US standard introduced in 1994 by Green USA Business Council

 MOT through TDC: provides certification of tourism activities, through

the STEP programme

 Degree and short-course programmes in environmental management,

energy efficiency and other related areas, under various tertiary

education institutions

 Other service providers such as small businesses offer training in

sustainability related areas.

In March 2011, Trinidad and Tobago has signed on the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (ETTI).

29

Besides stating that the operations of extractive industries must be fully reported, ETTI guidelines hold companies

responsible for the replacement of and/or compensation for negative net effects of their operations.

Environmental restoration (land rehabilitation, pollution control etc.) and social remediation open the way for the

private sector.

29

The ETTI is based in Oslo, Norway. Details of the T&T entrance to ETTI are found here: http://www.tteiti.org.tt/about-tteiti/

46

Appendix V: Business Development Agencies

Technical support and

consultancy

This area is typically dominated by the private sector, and consists of numerous

NGOs, NPOs and private, for profit consultants offering technical assistance and

consultancy services in environmental and sustainability affairs.

Payment for Environmental

Services

Miscellaneous consultants (such as the Cropper Foundation, CANARI and Veni

Apwan etc.) involved in community development.

Financing

Grants

 Green Fund (MEWR) and Small Grants Programme (UNDP) for

community-based organisation and non-governmental organisations

 Environmental Trust Fund (EMA)

 Community Development Fund (MOCD)

 Innovation fund (i2i) (CCI)

 Research Development Facility

Loans

 Commercial banks

 Credit unions

 Other commercial lenders

Equity

 Venture Capital Incentive Programme

Environmental oversight

 Environmental Management Authority (MEWR)

 Institute of Marine Affairs (MEWR)

 Forestry Division (MEWR)

 Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs

 Ministry of Housing

 Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Works and Infrastructure

47

Implementation

The Government has implemented programmes which meet some of its greening

objectives, including the following :

 Community-based Environmental and Enhancement Programme

(CEPEP): focuses on the environmental protection, enhancement and

beautification, and has been operational since 2002.

 Unemployment Relief Programme (URP): provides short-term

employment to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, designed to enhance

the entrepreneurial skills of individuals and community groups, and to

assist in the delivery of small-scale projects in various communities.

These small-scale projects may be geared at addressing environmental

and sustainability matters.

 Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM): concentrates

on building national Disaster Risk Management and

Climate Change Adaptation capabilities with our partners and

coordinate response and recovery operations in order to protect the

people, environment and economy and ensure a disaster

resilient nation.

In addition to the above, the private sector (NGOs, NPOs, CBOs and for-profit

businesses) also has programmes with meet environmental and sustainability

objectives.

General Business

Development

 The National Entrepreneurship Development Company (NEDCO),

MOLSMED

 The National Integrated Business Incubator System (IBIS) and FairShare

Programme, MOLSMED (detailed in Appendix I)

 Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago (YBTT)

 The Community Development Fund, Ministry of Community

Development

Agri-business

 Youth Apprenticeship Programme in Agriculture, Ministry of Food

Production

 Youth Training and Employment Partnership Programme (YTEPP)

 Various courses offered by tertiary institutions such as the University of

Trinidad and Tobago and University of the West Indies.

 Agricultural associations such as Trinidad and Tobago Agri Business

Association and Trinidad and Tobago Association of Small Agro-

Processors

48

Appendix VI: Key Environmental Legislation

Area

Legislation

General laws

 Shipping Act (1987): Registration and licensing of ships, matters relating to crews,

safety of life at sea and matters incidental thereto.

 Standards Act (1997): To provide general authority to promulgate standards that

improves environmental performance.

 Minerals Act (2000): Regulation of mining and treatment of matters connected to

mining. This act does not apply to hydrocarbon exploitation.

 Petroleum Act (Chap 62:01) (revised in 2011): To consolidate and amend the law

relating to petroleum so as to make better provision for the exploration for, and the

development and production of, petroleum, and for matters consequential or

incidental thereto.

 Disaster Measures Act Ch 16:50 (updated in 2007): To take prompt measures to

alleviate the effects of a disaster.

 Trade Ordinance (1958): To prohibit or regulate the importation into Trinidad and

Tobago, by creating a “negative list”. The law impacts upon Wildlife Policy (2013)

Biodiversity and

ecosystems

 Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) Rules (2001): To provide the EMA the

authority to designate environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) in Trinidad and

Tobago.

 Plant Protection Act (63:56) (2001): Marine Areas (Preservation & Enhancement)

Act (Chap 37:02) (revised in 2011)

To protect and manage Trinidad and Tobago’s marine areas through special steps for

(a) preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of marine areas, (b) the protection of

the flora and fauna of such areas;(c) the promotion of the enjoyment by the public of

such areas; and (d) the promotion of scientific study and research in respect of such

areas.

Water quality

 Water and Sewerage Act (Chap 54:40) (2006): Management of water distribution in

Trinidad and Tobago.

 Regulated Industries Commission Act (Ch. 54:73) (updated 2011): Regulating water

and electricity markets in Trinidad and Tobago.

For a Regulated Industries Commission to perform certain functions with respect to

service providers including the licensing of service providers and making

consequential amendments to related Acts.

Water Pollution Rules (2006)

Environmental

Management

 Environmental Management Act (2001, revised in 2009): To make provision for the

management of the environment within Trinidad and Tobago and the protection of

its natural resources; To establish the Environmental Management Authority (“the

Authority”), an Environmental Trust Fund and the Environmental Commission of

Trinidad and Tobago

 Miscellaneous Taxes Act Ch. 77:01 (updated in 2011): To raise revenue by the

imposition of certain taxes. Related to all other environmental policies, including

National Biodiversity (2001) and Water Management (2005)

 Certificate of Environmental Clearance Rules (2001)

To regulate the process for obtaining a certificate of environmental clearance,

supported by two other pieces of subsidiary legislation being the Certificate of

Environmental Clearance (Designated Activities) Order 2001 as amended and the

Certificate of Environmental Clearance (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2001.

49

Air quality and noise

pollution

 Draft Air Pollution Rules (2010)

To regulate air pollution in Trinidad and Tobago by limiting the release of specific air

pollutants from stacks and non-point sources.

 Noise Pollution Control Rules Ch 35:05 (Under the Environment Management Act

(2000)

 Tobago House Of Assembly Act (Ch 25:03) (updated 2011)

To provide the Tobago House of Assembly legal power to formulate and implement

environmental policies in Tobago.

Forests

 Forests Act (Chap 66:01) (revised in 2011)

The management of forests and forest produce; the regulation of the extraction of

balata gum, the timber industry and designation of forest reserves

 Agricultural Fires Act Ch 63:02 (reviewed in 2011)

To designate a fire season, regulate agricultural fires and appoint of fire control

officers and guardians.

Climate change

 Fisheries Act (Chap 67:51) (reviewed in 2011): To regulate fishing in the waters (all

rivers, whether tidal or otherwise, and to the Territorial Sea of Trinidad and Tobago)

of Trinidad and Tobago.

Land management and

space

 Town and Country Planning Act (Chap 35:01) (revised in 2011): The orderly and

progressive development of land in both urban and rural areas and to preserve and

improve the amenities thereof.

 Land Acquisition Act 73 (2001); (See 58:01)

 State Lands Act 25 (2006); (See 57:01)

 State Land (Regularisation of Tenure) (Act 25 (1998); (See 57:05)

Renewable energy

 Finance Act No. 30 (2010): To provide for the variation of certain duties and taxes

No policy, but the policy impacts upon draft Renewable Energy Policy (2011))

 Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act (Chap 48:50) (reviewed in 2011): To regulate of

motor vehicles and road traffic in Trinidad and Tobago.

 Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Act (Chap 54:70) (reviewed in 2011): To establish

electricity commission for Trinidad and Tobago, to enable the commission to

generate and supply electrical energy and for other purposes in connection

therewith.

Solid Waste

 Draft Waste Management Rules (2008): Waste Management Rules contributed to

Solid Waste Management Policy (2012)

 Draft Beverage Container Bill (2012)

 Litter Act Ch 30:52 (updated in 2011)

Tourism

 Chaguaramas Development Authority Act (35:02) (1995)

50

Appendix VII: Fiscal Incentives for Greening in Trinidad and Tobago

Area

Non-renewable energy

Gradual phasing out of fuel subsidies starting with gasoline.30 There was a 44

percent increase in the price of gasoline in 2012. Diesel prices have remained

unchanged.

Renewable energy

Amendments to Miscellaneous Taxes Act (2011) to support deployment of

renewable energy technologies (as per National Climate Change Policy).

 25% tax credit on solar water heaters, household installation

 There is a conditional duty exemption for solar water heater

manufactures

 150% wear and tear allowance for solar water heaters, solar water heater

plants, machinery and equipment and solar photo voltaic systems

 No VAT on wind turbines

 No VAT and motor vehicle tax on vehicles less than 2 years old which run

on compressed natural gas (CNG)

 No percent VAT on SWH and solar PV Systems

Energy Service Companies (ESCO)

 150% allowance for the design and installation of energy saving systems

by an ESCO

 ESCOs can write off the value of assets in 2 years at 75 percent

depreciation (plant, machinery and equipment acquisition) and 25

percent for wear and tear.

The Environment and

Ecosystems Management

To fund environmental projects, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago extracts

the green levy (0.01 percent) from all corporate revenue. The Green Fund is

currently estimated at $2.9 billion TTD. (See Green Fund, below)

See Appendix VIII: Multi-Purpose Funds in Trinidad and Tobago Community Development Fund –

Ministry of Community Development

The Community Development Fund is managed by the Ministry of Community Development (MOCD). The CDF is

allocated funds from Trinidad and Tobago’s national annual budget. The CDF has been apportioned 15 million TTD

in the fiscal years 2013- 2013 and 2011- 2012, and 10 million TTD in the fiscal year 2010-201.

According to the MOCD, "the Community Development Fund was first established 1996 under a Loan Agreement

with the Inter American Development Bank (IABD). The GOTT established the Fund as a bridging mechanism for

tackling poverty and assisting with the delivery of services to the poor and vulnerable population. The following

key objectives were established:

30

As a consequence of the reducing, in October 2012, the price of premium unleaded gasoline price rose to $5.75

per litre, a 44 per cent increase over the previous $4 per litre. Subsidies exist on diesel, $ 1.83, and for super

gasoline, $2.71, with the majority of the fuel subsidy affecting the price of diesel. Prior to the reduction of the

subsidy on premium unleaded gasoline, the total fuel subsidy amounted to an estimated $4 billion TTD per annum.

51

1. The establishment of an efficient complementary mechanism for delivering basic social services and

infrastructure to the poor, using the initiatives of NGOs, community organisations and other agencies.

2. Strengthening the institutional capacity of NGOs and community based organisations; and

3. Increasing beneficiary participation in poverty alleviation efforts."

The Fund may be used to alleviate poverty through activities related to environmentally and energy efficient

sustainable development.

Ideas to Innovation (i2i) Competition - Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development

The Council for Competitiveness and Innovation (CCI) was founded in 2011 by the Government as an advisory body

for the Ministry of Planning and the Economy. The CCI created the i2i (Idea 2 Innovation) competition as a vehicle

for the development of ideas with commercial potential. This competition represents an investment in the

creativity, potential and ingenuity of citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to conceive new inventions and innovative

projects. In 2012, the first i2i was executed, and a total of 4.7 million TTD was granted to wining projects, with the

most innovative project winning $200,000 TTD. The annual financing available to i2i depends on Trinidad and

Tobago’s national fiscal allocation to the initiative. Innovative, commercially viable projects related to greenness

are eligible for funding.

Micro Enterprise Loan Facility - Ministry of the People and Social Development

The Ministry of the People and Social Development describes the Facility as follows: “The Micro Enterprise Loan

(MEL) Facility, managed by Ministry of the People and Social Development and the United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP), offers assistance to under-privileged persons who wish to establish a micro business but are

unable to do so due to limited financial resources. This service is administered by various community-based

organisations. [sic.] A maximum loan of TT$10,000 is available.”

Research Development Facility

The Research and Development Facility (RDF) aims to stimulate and support investment in new and advanced

technology and innovation for businesses in the non-energy manufacturing and service sectors. The Facility is

designed for businesses that need to acquire specialised technology or generate new ideas in order to maintain

viability and improve profitability.

The RDF is implemented by the Business Development Company Ltd. (BDC), with the support of the Ministry of

Trade and Industry.

Businesses that intend to pursue research and development projects as an integral component of their strategic or

business plan must meet the following criteria to qualify for funding from the RDF:

1. Be locally owned and operated.

2. Operate in the non-oil manufacturing or services sector.

3. Have been in existence for a minimum period of two years.

4. Can contribute at least one third of the cost of the proposed project.

5. Have annual sales turnover between TT$50,000 and TT$5,000,000.

6. Have investments in non-property assets (e.g., machinery, equipment, working capital, etc.) valued from

TT$50,000 to TT$5,000,000.

Quoted from Government of Trinidad and Tobago: www.ttconnect.gov.tt

52

GREEN ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT POLICY FOR MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES AND COOPERATIVES Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development Republic of Trinidad and Tobago 2

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