Sustainable energy solutions for the residences of Stellenbosch University
Date
2009-03
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
The research objective of this assignment is to investigate technological options for
sustainable energy solutions in the residences of Stellenbosch University. Conventional
energy systems are contributing towards the degradation of global environmental
sustainability. An alternative energy future exists if sustainable energy solutions, via
renewable energy or energy efficiency, are adopted but these solutions await the political will
and institutional governance to be implemented. A niche group of universities are modelling
themselves around the sustainable energy agenda. As institutional spaces of learning,
research and breeding grounds for new ways of thinking, universities stand poised to engage
future leaders with local solutions to global energy dilemmas.
It is argued that sustainable energy is necessary, it is possible and other universities are
implementing it in various formats. The author of this thesis, a student at Stellenbosch
University, was prompted to ask: what opportunities exist for Stellenbosch University to
implement sustainable energy? The research objective focused on end use energy efficiency
as means, out of all the technical options theoretically possible today, to implement
sustainable energy solutions in the residences of Stellenbosch University. The focus of end
use efficiency was specific to water heating, lighting and appliance use, for which technical
solutions exist.
This exploratory research was conducted via a macro, secondary data analysis of the
quantitative data which detailed the energy consumption of residences in kilowatt hours as
well as a micro, case study to facilitate a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the
behavioural and leadership dynamics involved with technological implementation.
The findings revealed that end use energy efficiency is a possible means for sustainable
energy use within the residences of Stellenbosch University. However, the use of heat pump
water heating technology in the majority of the residences and the omission of air
conditioning in the residences results that the greatest potential for energy efficiency
measures are not available. The centralised kitchen infrastructure requires highly rated
equipment to deal with the swift throughput of meal times during the residences. The
remaining focus areas of energy consumption, residential living, therefore, poses the greatest
opportunity for end use energy efficiency. This posits residential lighting and appliance use
as the focal point of the investigation.
The findings concluded recommended courses of action for the University, residential leaders
and students. The holistic and integrated approach to the research objective, guided by
systems thinking and ecological design, capacitates actors at three different levels to pro
actively implement end use energy efficiency. A by product of the micro, case study was a
tool which the new Green House Committee members can now use to identify key points of
energy efficiency and energy conservation in their residences. The local solutions generated
by this thesis significantly contributed towards taking the first step towards mitigating global,
national and community problems. Sustainable energy solutions are necessary, available and
being implemented in other universities. End use energy efficiency, as a means to sustainable
energy, is necessary, available and possible to implement within the residences of
Stellenbosch University.
Description
Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
Keywords
Sustainable energy, Energy efficiency, Energy audit, Dissertations -- Public management and planning, Theses -- Public management and planning