Sustainable energy solutions for the residences of Stellenbosch University

[摘要] The research objective of this assignment is to investigate technological options forsustainable energy solutions in the residences of Stellenbosch University. Conventionalenergy systems are contributing towards the degradation of global environmentalsustainability. An alternative energy future exists if sustainable energy solutions, viarenewable energy or energy efficiency, are adopted but these solutions await the political willand institutional governance to be implemented. A niche group of universities are modellingthemselves around the sustainable energy agenda. As institutional spaces of learning,research and breeding grounds for new ways of thinking, universities stand poised to engagefuture leaders with local solutions to global energy dilemmas.It is argued that sustainable energy is necessary, it is possible and other universities areimplementing it in various formats. The author of this thesis, a student at StellenboschUniversity, was prompted to ask: what opportunities exist for Stellenbosch University toimplement sustainable energy? The research objective focused on end use energy efficiencyas means, out of all the technical options theoretically possible today, to implementsustainable energy solutions in the residences of Stellenbosch University. The focus of enduse efficiency was specific to water heating, lighting and appliance use, for which technicalsolutions exist.This exploratory research was conducted via a macro, secondary data analysis of thequantitative data which detailed the energy consumption of residences in kilowatt hours aswell as a micro, case study to facilitate a qualitative and quantitative analysis of thebehavioural and leadership dynamics involved with technological implementation.The findings revealed that end use energy efficiency is a possible means for sustainableenergy use within the residences of Stellenbosch University. However, the use of heat pumpwater heating technology in the majority of the residences and the omission of airconditioning in the residences results that the greatest potential for energy efficiencymeasures are not available. The centralised kitchen infrastructure requires highly ratedequipment to deal with the swift throughput of meal times during the residences. Theremaining focus areas of energy consumption, residential living, therefore, poses the greatestopportunity for end use energy efficiency. This posits residential lighting and appliance useas the focal point of the investigation.The findings concluded recommended courses of action for the University, residential leadersand students. The holistic and integrated approach to the research objective, guided bysystems thinking and ecological design, capacitates actors at three different levels to proactively implement end use energy efficiency. A by product of the micro, case study was atool which the new Green House Committee members can now use to identify key points ofenergy efficiency and energy conservation in their residences. The local solutions generatedby this thesis significantly contributed towards taking the first step towards mitigating global,national and community problems. Sustainable energy solutions are necessary, available andbeing implemented in other universities. End use energy efficiency, as a means to sustainableenergy, is necessary, available and possible to implement within the residences ofStellenbosch University.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University