Buildings upgrade to higher energy efficiency
Home » About UJ » Impact » SDG Impact » SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy » Buildings upgrade to higher energy efficiencyPlans to Upgrade Existing Buildings to Higher Energy Efficiency
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is actively engaged in upgrading its existing buildings to enhance energy efficiency, as outlined in its Energy, Resource, Waste, and Sustainability (ERWSus) Plan for 2022-2025. This plan details several initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability across the university’s infrastructure.
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installations
UJ has implemented solar PV plants across all four campuses, contributing to the university’s energy needs. These installations not only reduce reliance on the national grid but also demonstrate UJ’s commitment to renewable energy solutions.
Lighting and Occupancy Sensors
The university has undertaken projects to replace traditional lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures. Additionally, the installation of occupancy sensors is ongoing, ensuring that lighting is used only when spaces are occupied, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Water Heating Systems
To improve the efficiency of water heating in residences, UJ has increased the use of gas for water heating at the Auckland Park Bunting Road (APB) and Doornfontein (DFC) campuses. Furthermore, the university has installed heat pumps, particularly in new and refurbished residences, and energy-efficient showerheads, contributing to overall energy savings.
Load Control Measures
UJ has implemented load control ripple relays to manage and reduce peak electricity demand. This measure helps in optimizing energy usage and minimizing costs associated with peak energy consumption.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, UJ plans to introduce further solar PV systems and continue with awareness campaigns to promote energy conservation. In 2024, a new main chiller installation on the Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus is expected to significantly improve energy efficiency and reduce water usage, marking a substantial advancement in the university’s sustainability efforts.
In summary, the University of Johannesburg is proactively upgrading its existing buildings to higher energy efficiency standards through a combination of renewable energy installations, efficient lighting and heating systems, and strategic load management practices. These initiatives reflect UJ’s dedication to sustainability and responsible energy consumption.
UJ Energy, Resource, Waste and Sustainability (ERWSus) Plan
UJ Spatial Development Framework (SDF)
UJ Sustainability Report
UJ Annual Reports: Energy Management
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 2024, 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 much of the gas is used for heating on the APB Campus, a plan is being developed to trial a 2 000kW combined heat and power (CHP) power generation facility to simultaneously reduce dependence on Eskom power and to reduce the campus carbon footprint further – as well as potentially exporting energy to other UJ campuses. 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.”
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.”
UJ Facilities Management Annual Reports
UJ On-Campus Solar Power Initiative
UJ’s on-campus solar power initiative set to provide an accessible energy option
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is set to become ‘grid positive’, thanks to 4 450 solar panels that have been installed on the roofs of several on-campus buildings and carports (covered parking bays) since 2020.
Through this project, the University is demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability by reducing the electricity demand on the national power grid.
“The photovoltaic system manages over 1700 kilowatts of solar photovoltaic power and could produce as much as 4 343 500 kilowatt hours of renewable energy annually. This is close to 8.88 percent of the 48 866 044 kilowatt-hours of energy consumed across the University’s four campuses, yearly,” says Mr Mbambeleli Masala, the project manager of sustainability at UJ.
Masela pointed out that the University is seeking projects that are innovative for both university operations and for research purposes. “Installing solar power energy not only provides learning opportunities for our students, saves money by reducing the power bill, but is also a step towards achieving the country and the world’s climate goals as it also reduces the carbon emissions.”
The solar initiative was rolled out with the support of RCSOL Renewable Circle Solutions and Cronimet Mining Power Solutions, as an addition to their sustainability services in energy efficiency, water conservation and recycling.