Plan to reduce energy consumption

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has implemented a comprehensive energy efficiency plan aimed at reducing overall energy consumption across its campuses. This commitment is articulated through several strategic documents and initiatives that focus on sustainable energy management and the adoption of cleaner energy sources.

Energy, Resource, Waste, and Sustainability (ERWSus) Plan 2022-2025

Central to UJ’s energy reduction strategy is the ERWSus Plan for 2022-2025. This plan outlines the university’s approach to energy efficiency, emphasising the importance of reducing energy usage for services such as heating and lighting. The plan includes measures like the installation of energy-efficient lighting systems, implementation of occupancy sensors, and the use of heat pumps in residences. These initiatives aim to decrease energy consumption and promote sustainability across all campuses. 

UJ Energy Plan 2023-2030

Further reinforcing its commitment, UJ has developed the Energy Plan 2023-2030. This plan focuses on providing a reliable energy supply while prioritising energy efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. It outlines strategies for energy management, including the diversification of energy sources and the integration of renewable energy solutions to minimise the university’s carbon footprint. 

Adherence to National Energy Efficiency Standards

UJ ensures that all its buildings comply with the South African National Standards (SANS) for energy efficiency and usage. Specifically, the university adheres to SANS 204, which focuses on energy efficiency in buildings, and SANS 10400-XA, which pertains to environmental sustainability and energy usage in building regulations. By following these standards, UJ guarantees that its infrastructure meets or exceeds national energy efficiency requirements. 

Implementation of Energy-Efficient Technologies

In line with its strategic plans, UJ has undertaken several projects to enhance energy efficiency:

• Lighting Upgrades: The university has replaced traditional lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures and is in the process of installing occupancy sensors to ensure lights are used only when necessary. citeturn0search3
• Water Heating Systems: UJ has increased the use of gas for water heating in residences and installed heat pumps, particularly in new and refurbished accommodations, to improve energy efficiency.
• Solar Photovoltaic Installations: The university has installed solar photovoltaic systems across all four campuses, contributing to a portion of its energy needs and reducing reliance on the national grid.

Behavioural and Organisational Measures

Recognising the role of human behaviour in energy consumption, UJ has implemented awareness campaigns to educate staff and students about energy conservation practices. Additionally, the university has established dedicated teams and appointed energy managers within its facilities management division to oversee the implementation of energy efficiency policies and initiatives.

In summary, the University of Johannesburg has a well-structured energy efficiency plan that combines adherence to national standards, implementation of advanced technologies, and promotion of energy-conscious behaviours. Through these efforts, UJ is actively reducing its overall energy consumption and advancing its commitment to sustainability.

Energy Management

Electricity

“The various energy savings initiatives that have started showing positive results are the following:

> The own generation of power through the solar photovoltaic (PV) plants now operating on all four campuses.
> The implementation of energy saving lights (LEDs).
> Occupancy sensors (implementation still ongoing).
> The increased use of gas for water heating at residences on the APB and DFC Campuses.
> The further installation of heat pumps, especially in new and refurbished residences.
> The installation of energy efficient showerheads.
> The installation of load control ripple relays.

Continuing with these types of initiatives, including the introduction of further solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, together with awareness campaigns, will further improve on savings. Since 2018, savings have been lowest on APK overall, due to increased HVAC and the growth in specialist research equipment on the campus. In 2023, a new main chiller installation on the APK Campus with substantially better energy efficiency and no water use will change the energy and water figures there substantially.”

Natural Gas

“Egoli natural gas has a lower CO₂ footprint per gigajoule (GJ) of energy when compared to coal and  is therefore a cleaner source of energy. Egoli natural gas will in future be used at a number of residences for heating water and cooking. Since a great deal of gas is used for heating on the APB Campus, there is a plan to trial a 500kW combined heat and power (CHP) generation facility to simultaneously reduce dependence on Eskom power and to reduce the campus carbon footprint further. The continuing diversification of energy sources, from 2019 onwards, will result in a small but measurable continual reduction in the carbon footprint, especially at the residences.”