Interview with Graeme Jones, Charity Coordinator & Volunteer, RESSCOTT, Trinidad & Tobago

23 Feb Interview with Graeme Jones, Charity Coordinator & Volunteer, RESSCOTT, Trinidad & Tobago

Could you introduce RESSCOTT and describe the services you offer in Trinidad and the U.S.?

Graeme Jones: RESSCOTT is a Trinidad-based solar energy, energy efficiency, and energy management company dedicated to advancing the local energy landscape. Our mission is to offset carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency across sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial manufacturing, cold storage and agriculture. Our approach to energy transition goes beyond direct emissions, considering supply chain impacts to achieve a comprehensive path to net zero. We collaborate closely with the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Energy Engineers—a local chapter of the global AEE network—to build technical expertise and support workforce development, preventing structural unemployment in the energy sector. RESSCOTT also partners with corporate entities, setting decarbonization targets that align with national goals, accelerating these aspirations on both a micro and macro level. We are working through the AACE to set individual decarbonization targets for both private and public sectors. We are proud of the tangible impact we have made in Trinidad, building a more resilient energy sector and reducing carbon emissions. In Georgia, our focus is less on implementation and more on creating decarbonization strategies to help clients achieve carbon-neutral or net-zero goals. Large corporate clients, often Fortune 500 companies with high energy demands across North America, approach us for tailored solutions. We conduct site visits, review historical data and audits and establish energy baselines. From there, we identify key projects—like solar installations or ISO 50001 energy management systems—to reduce emissions. While we primarily offer strategic guidance, clients often engage us for implementation, including renewable energy projects and securing environmental commodities. ISO 50001 is an emerging standard promoted by the U.S. Department of Energy, especially beneficial for energy-intensive industries, where it highlights efficiency opportunities. This approach not only serves North America but is now something we’re beginning to promote in Trinidad as well.

Given Trinidad’s low, subsidized energy costs, how do you convince people of the value of switching to solar power?

Graeme Jones: For many corporate clients like Shell, BP or BHP, meeting decarbonization targets is non-negotiable, regardless of electricity costs. Beyond sustainability, renewable energy provides resilience, ensuring consistent power—critical for many operations. However, for clients outside the large corporate sphere, financial feasibility is essential. We address this by integrating solar within broader engineering solutions, presenting a holistic view of electrical systems. This approach not only highlights potential savings but also supports sound financial decision-making. While there is an upfront cost, we demonstrate how these systems pay for themselves over time and can finance projects up to $8 million.

The Trinidad government has pledged 30% renewable energy by 2030, as highlighted by Colin Imbert in the recent budget. To what extent are you involved with government efforts and could RESSCOTT contribute to the transition at a national level if asked?

Graeme Jones: Our plan is replicable, and we would welcome collaboration with the government to accelerate carbon reduction. Although our previous attempts haven’t aligned with their agenda, we respect their work with the U.N. on large-scale solar initiatives. RESSCOTT has a framework that could fast-track energy transition efforts. We would be eager to share our approach to help achieve the 2030 targets, especially as corporate clients often push back their carbon-neutral goals. I believe reaching this national target is possible and we are open to discussions with public stakeholders to make it a reality.

What is your final message to the readers of the Miami Herald and the South Florida region and what would you say about renewable energy in Trinidad and RESSCOTT’s place in Trinidad and the U.S.?

Graeme Jones: I am ambitious about Trinidad’s future in energy. There is much to learn from North America’s progress, and RESSCOTT, with operations in both regions, can help bridge that gap. For instance, we can introduce ISO 50001 to commercial clients and bring our environmental commodities model to industrial clients in Trinidad. This approach allows them to access renewable energy at reduced upfront costs. We are already implementing these strategies elsewhere and I would love to replicate them in Trinidad, guiding industrial clients as owner’s engineers to achieve lower-carbon operations.