Abstract
M.Phil. (Energy Studies)
In recent years, the costs of electricity in South Africa have increased enormously, thus, most institutions of higher education are seeking ways to manage their utility costs by reducing consumption rates. Hampering their initiatives, however, is the fact that South Africa in general, and buildings in particular, lag the world in knowledge and implementation of demand side management strategies. This case study outlines the efforts of a large metropolitan university in Gauteng to examine the implementation of energy efficiency within the context of the green or sustainable campus movement. The study comprises three core parts: analysis of electricity consumption data; identification of institutional barriers inhibiting implementation of energy efficiency projects, and, lastly establishing key role players responsible for effective implementation. The study found that seasonality and the campus academic calendar both have profound effects on energy consumption. High demand coincides with winter and a distinct correlation was found between peak consumption and core working hours. Consumption peaked at an average of 2 500 kWh during active ‘in-session’ periods. Less active, ‘out-of-session periods’ recorded an average peak of 2 250 kWh. The lowest average peak consumption of 2 100 kWh occurred during ‘recess’ periods. Similar patterns were evident for the maximum demand. It was evident that the university had a high base load (between 1 300 kWh and 1 650 kWh). This high base load could be attributed mainly to the heating and cooling system. To stimulate decision making towards improved options, an energy savings financial model was developed to provide a tool for calculating the return on investment period for energy efficiency projects. Interviews conducted with key role players (in the university’s operations, academic and management divisions) and a staff questionnaire were used to establish the main barriers to energy efficiency implementation: a) the absence of an energy policy; b) a general low level of awareness of institutional energy efficiency activities and (c) the shortage of dedicated, skilled staff to implement energy efficiency projects. The managerial, operational, and financial divisions are arguably the key role players in energy efficiency projects. Lastly, leadership commitment from the highest levels of the university is required. The novel contribution of this thesis is through combining technological and behavioural approaches to energy efficiency at a tertiary institution through a mixed method study design. Key recommendations are presented to stimulate energy efficiency implementation.