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.”