Project Name: Optima Energia
Project Number: ME3884A-01
Country: Mexico
Sector: Services
Approval Date: 09/28/2010
Date of First Disbursement: 02/29/2012
Type of Financing: Loan
Total Project Cost: USD $6,000,000
IIC Financing Amount: USD $6,000,000
Investment Officers:
SHTURMAN, GOLDIE
Corredera Silvan, Martin
Project Attorney: Diaz-loyola, Rafael
Environmental Engineer: Miller, Angela
Additionality Officer: Riley, Joanne
Project Name: Óptima Energía
Expected Consideration Date by the Board: 08/31/2010
Date Posted: 07/01/2010
Company: CELSOL S.A. DE C.V.
Scope Objective:
Óptima Energía is the leading Energy Service Company (ESCO) in Mexico. It is dedicated to the implementation of energy efficiency projects under a performance contracting scheme and zero initial investment from clients. Óptima Energía specializes in the optimization of electricity, fuels and water. Its main focus has been the high end 5-6 star hotel sector. More recently, Óptima Energía began targeting the public lighting sector. In December of 2009, the company signed its first energy efficiency contract with the municipality of Zamora, Michoacán, and currently has 16 other municipalities throughout the country in its pipeline. The company expects to implement more than 20 public lighting energy efficiency projects by 2013.
The IIC will be supporting the investment plan of Optima Energía with an up to US$6 million uncommitted non-revolving credit line to be used for energy efficiency public lighting projects in Mexico. The number of financed projects will depend on the total or partial investment cost of public lighting projects brought by Óptima Energía to the IIC. The IIC, through this project, aims to promote public lighting energy efficiency projects and support the energy efficiency market in Mexico in general.
Environmental Review:
Environmental and Labor Issues:
Environmental Classification: This is a category I project according to the IIC’s environmental and labor review procedure because it is designed specifically to have a positive impact on improving environmental quality. The projects will result in improved energy efficiency in public lighting in various municipalities. By reducing energy consumption by at least 50%, each public lighting project will result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The principal environmental and social issues related to this project include occupational health and safety issues and solid waste management.
Legal Requirements: Óptima Energía conducts a review of its new clients to ensure that any potential adverse environmental impacts of the company’s work are minimized. It will also ensure that all required local environmental permits are obtained. As Óptima Energía outsources its construction services, it will ensure that contractors have a legal obligation to comply with Mexican labor laws, as per their contracts. In addition, Óptima Energía will have a construction supervisor at each site during the installation process.
Occupational Health and Safety: Óptima Energía will ensure that contractors use the necessary personal protective equipment as well as fall protection, such as safety harnesses. It will also ensure that contractors have been provided with the necessary occupational health and safety training.
Solid Waste Management: Óptima Energía will ensure that solid waste debris generated during the installation process is disposed of in accordance with national requirements.
Labor: Óptima Energía has clearly defined human resources procedures and policies regarding: hiring, workers’ compensation, benefits, training, and vacation. Training is also provided to employees, particularly on technical issues related to energy efficiency improvements. Óptima Energía will also provide training related to environmental protection and health and safety aspects of the projects. Óptima Energía, a small company of 38 employees, is not unionized. However, employees are free to join a union if so desired.
Monitoring and Reporting: Óptima Energía is committed to implementing the necessary mitigation measures to reduce any environmental or health and safety impacts. The measures will be summarized in an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) to ensure compliance with the national and IIC’s environmental and workplace health and safety requirements. An annual environmental monitoring report should be submitted to the IIC on the implementation status of the ESAP.
