Facilities Management

Environmental sustainability at Stellenbosch University

 

 

Our aim:

Buildings contribute to 75% of the carbon in the world, which means that there is a massive need for more environmentally friendly buildings to be constructed. With this in mind, Stellenbosch University aims to include sustainable design principles aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the construction, refurbishment, and operations on the campuses, in a drive to ensure four-star rated buildings.

Projects and programmes

Portfolio precinct Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) ratings (photos Neelsie precinct and BMRI) 

A precinct of 19 buildings has been identified, from which utility data is being collected, and on which audits have started in a move towards receiving a green-star portfolio rating.

This exercise includes measuring the effects of all Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning Systems, indoor quality, lighting, noise, and temperature in the precinct’s buildings. Plans have been drawn up for implementation towards the desired rating.

The BMRI building was certified as a GBCSA four-star rated building and needs to be operated as an Environmentally Sustainable building. A training manual and a programme for behaviour change have been developed in a bid to operate the building accordingly to a four-star rated building.

Cillar performance audit

The GBCSA EPWW rating tool is used to audit the performance of 50 buildings. This tool is used to rate buildings according to performance using a scientific methodology. These buildings will be benchmarked against other buildings of similar size and usage.The gathering of information and data on these buildings has already started.

Green Building Specialist

A green building specialist has been appointed to help SUFM to assure all new projects and major upgrades are designed and constructed to green-star principles.  This is part of SU’s drive to carbon net zero.

What can you do to help:

  • Reduce your use of utilities and materials to lower your impact on the environment.

 

Contact the Service Desk (021 808 4666) for further information or send an e-mail to groen_green@sun.ac.za.