UTech, Jamaica 2016-17 Annual Report

University of Technology, Jamaica ANNUAL REPORT 2016-2017 Page 44 Excellence Through Knowledge CARIBBEAN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AND INNOVATION INSTITUTE (CSEII) The CSEII continues to pursue initiatives that enhance the University’s capacity. The launch of the new MSc in Sustainable Energy and Climate Change (MSECC) in collaboration with the Faculty of the Built Environment (FOBE) is the outcome of one such initiative and the Institute’s most significant achievement for 2016-2017. This initiative was realized with German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) technical support (through its REETA – Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance programme at CARICOM). The course is a pioneer accomplishment for UTech, being the first graduate programme in the region to cover energy, climate change and green entrepreneurship in an integrated course. Course Launch The MSECC course was launched March 2, 2017, at the UTech, Jamaica Papine campus. University President, Professor Stephen Vasciannie, welcomed the guests, among them the Hon. Dr Andrew Wheatley, Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, who performed the symbolic unveiling of the new course. The German Embassy was represented by Mr Michael Dumke, Chargé d’Affaires, while Dr Devon Gardner, Programme Manager, Energy, CARICOM Secretariat represented REETA-CARICOM. The keynote speaker was Professor Thomas Bruckner, member of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UN-IPCC) and Lead Consultant of the Fraunhofer Centre for International Management and Knowledge Economy. Consultants from the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) conducted a Green Business Start-up Clinic from 2-3 March 2017 in which 34 people participated. The consultants also conducted a series of knowledge exchange and capacity building sessions on 4, 6 and 7 March with faculty from different specializations who will be teachers in the MSECC course. Dr. Ruth Potopsingh Associate Vice President