Developing countries such as Jordan and Si Lanka realising the long-term benefits have as well compared, adopted and contextualized green building rating systems. Yet in the Caribbean we still remain behind although wind, solar, geothermal and so on are readily available in some capacity. It’s important to mention that the intent is not to suggest such initiatives were not in progress at the time of this article. Indeed research findings in the form of interviews and literature reviews have shown several independent initiatives are on-going. However a holistic Green Rating System such as the United States Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification (LEED) or the United Kingdom’s Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) has yet to be published for Antigua and Barbuda. Pantin (1999) made a point that regrettably due to lack of natural resources (oil, minerals etc.) countries are forced to resort to methods and policy decisions where economics over environment takes precedence. In fact Antrobus (2011, p. 238) supports his claim by stating that ‘it cannot be said that any of our governments are truly committed to a path of sustainable development when the choice is between economic growth (and accompanying increased corporate profits) and the well-being of people and the protection of the natural resource base’. Taking into account the above I do not believe going green is an easy decision to make but thinking critically, can we afford not to, and will it be supported? In October of 2013 a scientific research was conducted in the island of Antigua focusing on its construction industry (engineers, contractors, designers and architects) to determine: 1.building design and construction organisation’s perceptions of green and sustainable construction. 2.the extent to which green and sustainable techniques are currently included within construction regulations and projects. 3.whether the adoption of a system similar to the USA’s LEED approach to benchmarking would enable measurement of sustainability In summary the research findings revealed that the majority of professionals agreed there have been some measure of “sustainable practices” observed, however only 20.69 per cent were convinced there were Sustainable and or Green Buildings erected. Additionally respondents were unfamiliar with a Green rating system for Antigua and Barbuda being developed, however 78.130 per cent were of the view that we as a country should seriously look into developing same, grounded by education, incentives, subsidies and political support; despite possible high start-up cost, lack of interest from clients and lack of green legislation. Again, can we afford not to? No, we cannot, but to convince others, they must first see the effort foremost in our own homes. References Antrobus, P. (2011) ‘Challenges to Sustainability: A Caribbean reflection.’ Development, 54(2) pp. 237-239. Kubba, S. (2010) Green construction project management and cost oversight. US: Architectural Press. Yanarella, E. J., Levine, R. S. and Lancaster, R. W. (2009) ‘Research and Solutions:” Green” vs. Sustainability: From Semantics to Enlightenment.’ Sustainability: The Journal of Record, 2(5) pp. 296-302. BusinessFocus • February/March 2014
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