Charging ahead with sustainability at Unisa

You can find this solar electric vehicle charging station at the e-garden on Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus.

Sustainability is no longer just a bright idea at Unisa as University Estates systematically rolls out advanced technologies and management practices for improved energy efficiencies.

Following the installation and commissioning of a 10 kW hybrid standalone/grid supported photovoltaic (solar) plant complete with respective loads required for the Unisa e-garden and amphitheatre, the project was proudly handed over to the university in September last year.

You can find this solar electric vehicle charging station at the e-garden on Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus.

The Unisa Sustainability Framework Guiding Statement relating to the theme and principle of energy and the abundant supply of renewable natural resources states as follows: ‘Unisa embraces the use of renewable energy and employs clean and advanced technology and the appropriate management practices in its continued efforts to improve energy efficiency.’

Heeding the Sustainability Framework Guiding Statement

In light of the Sustainability Framework Guiding Statement, the Environmental Sustainability Committee recommended that an electric vehicle charging station be installed and powered by solar energy available on the (then) newly commissioned e-garden grid. The scope of the project included the design, engineering, purchase, delivery, installation, commissioning and handover of a 32A dual solar electric vehicle charging station and solar distribution board upgrade at the Muckleneuk Campus e-garden.

Following the inclusion of low emissions technology (replacement of 400 Watt spotlights with solar power LED spotlights)  the installation of the solar electric vehicle charging station is yet again taking the e-garden to the next level, progressively moving forward towards reaching the sustainability targets set for University Estates.

Possible purchasing of electric/hybrid vehicles

Going forward, Unisa will be looking at the feasibility and efficacy of purchasing electric/hybrid vehicles as part of the Unisa fleet based on performance and need.

This unique project continues to be a tangible reminder of the innovation and vision that reside at the core of university business and is also an affirmation of what Unisa is able to achieve, even under the most challenging circumstances.

*By Kirosha Naicker and Christine Meyer (Charged car image source: Echo-ca.org)

Source UNISA