7.2 – University Measures Towards Affordable and Clean Energy

7.2.2 – Upgrade Buildings to Higher Energy Efficiency

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is committed to transforming its campus into a model of energy efficiency by upgrading buildings with advanced, sustainable technologies. Through the integration of energy-efficient HVAC systems, smart lighting, renewable energy installations, and enhanced insulation, UKM is significantly reducing energy consumption, cutting costs, and lowering its carbon footprint. This initiative not only aligns with global sustainability standards but also reinforces UKM’s role as a leader in creating eco-friendly, future-ready educational environments.

1. Energy Efficient

UKM is dedicated to advancing energy efficiency across its campus, implementing sustainable upgrades that reduce energy consumption while enhancing environmental impact. By adopting energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting, high-performance HVAC systems, and renewable energy sources. UKM is actively lowering its carbon footprint and operational costs. These initiatives embody UKM commitment to sustainable growth, creating a healthier, greener campus for future generations. Table below shows the energy efficient appliances usage at UKM.

No.	Energy Efficient Appliances Usage	Percentage Of Energy-Efficient Appliances to the Total Appliances (%)
1	Use of High Efficiency LEDs in the Campus Street UKM has upgraded campus buildings and street lighting by replacing conventional lighting with high-efficiency LEDs, significantly reducing energy consumption while enhancing visibility and safety. This shift to energy-efficient lighting reflects UKM commitment to creating a sustainable, eco-friendly campus environment.	62.8%
2	Use of High Efficiency LEDs in the Campus Building UKM has upgraded campus buildings by installing high-efficiency LEDs, significantly reducing energy consumption while enhancing visibility and safety. This transition to energy-efficient lighting reflects UKM commitment to building a sustainable, eco-friendly campus environment.	75.3%
3	Use of Eco-friendly Air Conditioner / Energy-efficient Appliances are A/C with Inverter Technology UKM has upgraded campus buildings with inverter technology air conditioners that optimize energy use by adjusting power based on cooling needs. This enhancement ensures efficient operation, minimizes energy waste, and underscores UKM commitment to higher energy efficiency across campus facilities	47.43%
4	Use of Energy-saving Computer / Star-certified Computers UKM prioritizes ENERGY STAR-certified computers and promotes the use of energy-efficient notebooks over traditional desktops, aligning with the university’s commitment to upgrading buildings for higher energy efficiency and reducing overall power consumption.	82.72%
5	5-Star Energy Consumption Fans at Residential To enhance energy efficiency, UKM has upgraded all fans, especially in student residences, by replacing AC motors with energy-efficient DC motor fans with a 5-star energy rating. These fans consume only 5-8 kWh, significantly contributing to reduced energy consumption and supporting UKM commitment to building a more sustainable campus.	100%
Energy-Efficient Appliances in UKM
6	Energy Meter Reader  UKM has installed energy meter readers in each building to monitor energy efficiency and detect electrical leakage, enabling precise energy management and reinforcing the university’s commitment to upgrading buildings for higher energy efficiency.
7	Air Quality Sensor in UKM UKM has implemented an advanced air quality monitoring system across its facility buildings, utilizing IoT-enabled sensors including power meters, temperature, and humidity sensors to track environmental conditions in real time. This system supports UKM commitment to higher energy efficiency by optimizing indoor climate control and ensuring sustainable building management. The image shows an air quality display panel mounted on the wall, which provides live data on various environmental parameters, including: 1. Temperature (T): 24°C 2. Relative Humidity (RH): 56% 3. Particulate Matter (PM2.5): 6 µg/m³ 4. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): 465 ppm Air Quality Display Pane Digital Temperature Display Temperature
8	Energy Efficiency Brand photocopy  UKM has equipped its administration offices with RICOH photocopiers, a brand known for sustainable product design and certified under MyHIJAU. This choice reflects UKM commitment to enhancing building efficiency and sustainability by integrating eco-friendly technologies across its campus facilities. The MyHIJAU Mark is Malaysia’s official green certification, endorsed by the Government of Malaysia, that consolidates certified green products and services meeting both local and international environmental standards under a single, recognised mark.
9	District Cooling System UKM has implemented a District Cooling System (DCS), where chilled water is produced centrally and distributed through insulated pipes to buildings within Loop 1 and Loop 2. This DCS provides efficient cooling for multiple buildings, resulting in substantial savings on electricity costs and space, and exemplifying UKM commitment to upgrading its facilities for higher energy efficiency.

2. Renewable Energy Integration

UKM has integrated renewable energy by installing solar panels on rooftops, generating clean energy and reducing reliance on external power sources. This initiative is a key part of UKM commitment to upgrading buildings for higher energy efficiency and sustainability. 

UKM has made significant advancements in renewable energy on campus, supporting its commitment to sustainable energy and higher building efficiency. The university now operates three renewable energy sources such as solar power, biodiesel and clean biomass providing reliable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional energy.

Implementation of Renewable Energy Sources in UKM

Solar Power

The UKM Solar Power project was launched to reduce the university’s electricity costs by installing solar panels across 48 building rooftops, with additional installations underway. This project generates approximately 1,489,480 kWh of electricity annually, significantly boosting energy efficiency across campus. A 15-year collaboration, the project was officiated by the Malaysian Minister of Higher Education in 2023, exemplifying UKM’s dedication to sustainable energy solutions and higher building efficiency.

Biodiesel

Demonstrating its commitment to sustainable energy and higher building efficiency, UKM has integrated biodiesel production into its renewable energy strategy. Additionally, SELFUEL UKM is pioneering hydrogen energy production on campus, providing a clean alternative fuel source. The hydrogen energy production process, as developed by SELFUEL UKM, highlights UKM’s advancements in renewable and sustainable energy technologies, further supporting a greener, more efficient campus.

Clean Biomass

UKM has introduced an innovative clean biomass production system at the Chini Lake Research Center  (PPTC), one of its living labs, to promote green technology and environmental conservation. The Clean Biomass Technology Cockpit generates 0.75 kg of methane (CH₄) per kilogram of palm oil mill effluent (POME) processed, yielding an energy output of 10 kWh. This energy capacity is sufficient to power an LED lamp for 1,050 hours, or 43 days of continuous use demonstrating UKM commitment to renewable energy, pollution reduction, and enhancing energy efficiency across its facilities.

Wind Energy

UKM is enhancing renewable energy research and building efficiency through its new Wind Energy Technology Facility, dedicated to the study of wind turbine aerodynamics and structural dynamics. Established under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Fazlizan Abdullah within the Solar Energy Research Institute, this facility combines numerical and experimental research to advance wind energy technology. The facility’s low-speed wind tunnel, equipped with a bell-shaped inlet contraction, honeycomb straightener, and pressure sensor, supports in-depth aerodynamic analysis. Capable of achieving wind speeds from 0-15 m/s and generating 1,000 kWh per hour, this tunnel is essential for studying wind turbine aerodynamics, atmospheric boundary layers, and other wind-related phenomena, furthering UKM commitment to renewable energy and energy-efficient building solutions.

The environmental climatic chamber at UKM is an advanced system designed to precisely control environmental conditions within an enclosed space, facilitating controlled testing across diverse temperature gradients. Featuring two distinct zones, a hot side and a cold side separated by an adjustable wall opening, the chamber enables versatile testing under various climate conditions. This setup is ideal for studying the effects of climate variations on materials, products, and other subjects, enhancing research accuracy and supporting UKM commitment to energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions.

3. Smart Building Implementation and HVAC Upgrades

UKM is advancing building efficiency through smart building implementation, integrating intelligent systems that monitor and optimise energy usage in real-time. By deploying automated controls for lighting, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), and other essential systems, UKM reduces energy consumption and enhances comfort across campus facilities. Smart building technology also enables predictive maintenance and energy-saving adjustments based on occupancy patterns, demonstrating UKM commitment to creating a sustainable, energy-efficient campus.

UKM Bangi has made significant strides in enhancing energy efficiency by implementing smart building technologies across campus. Buildings qualify as “smart” when they incorporate at least five essential features: automation, safety (including physical security, sensors, and CCTV), energy efficiency, water management (sanitation), and optimized lighting (low-power illumination). These features support sustainable energy use and improve the operational efficiency of UKM’s infrastructure. As shown in the table below, a substantial portion of UKM Bangi’s campus buildings are equipped with these smart technologies, achieving a 97.76% smart building implementation rate based on the total smart building area relative to UKM overall building area. This impressive percentage underscores UKM commitment to sustainable campus operations, aligning with global best practices in energy efficiency and resource management.

Smart Buildings at UKM

No.

Name

Place

automation

safety

energy

water

Indoor environment

lighting

Building Area (m²)

B1

B2

S1

S2

S3

S4

E1

E2

A1

A2

I1

I2

I3

I4

L1

L2

L3

L4

1

UKM Building Akademi Siber Teknopolis (AST)

Bangi Selangor, Malaysia

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

9,045

2

UKMBuilding Graduate School Of Business (GSB)

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

7,179

3

UKM, Kompleks Penyelidikan

x

x

x

x

x

21,170

4

UKM, Makmal Penyelidikan Bahasa, Media dan STEM

x

x

x

x

x

x

5,018

5

UKM, Fakulti Kejuruteraan dan Alam Bina

x

x

x

x

x

x

14,777

6

UKM, Jabatan Pembangunan Prasarana

x

x

x

x

x

2,312

7

UKM, Pusat Citra

x

x

x

x

x

2,080

8

UKM, Fakulti Pendidikan

x

x

x

x

x

15,498

9

UKM, Perpustakaan Tun Sri Lanang

x

x

x

x

x

34,074

10

UKM, Pusat Bahasa

x

x

x

x

x

5,018

11

UKM, Fakulti Teknologi & Sains Maklumat

x

x

x

x

x

29,757

12

UKM, Tun Fatimah Hashim

x

x

x

x

x

11,631

13

UKM, Perpustakaan Lingkungan 2

x

x

x

x

x

14,594

14

UKM, Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi

x

x

x

x

x

9,807

15

UKM, Kompleks Permata Pintar

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

54,249

16

UKM, Tunas Permata

x

x

x

5,513.29

17

UKM Mosque

x

x

x

9,672.42

18

UKM Chancellery

x

x

x

x

26,420.04

19

UKM Faculty of Law

x

x

x

12,662.38

20

UKM Bangi Residential Area

x

x

x

x

x

271,505

21

UKM Bangi Research Center.

x

x

x

x

x

211,326.00

Total

929,800.00

Smart building implementation

Automatic Systems in Smart Buildings at UKM

At UKM, the Building Management System (BMS) is a vital component of the university’s smart building infrastructure, automating functions across campus buildings to enhance energy efficiency, security, and operational control. This advanced system optimizes resource usage, reduces energy costs, and plays a significant role in achieving UKM sustainability goals, reinforcing the university’s commitment to environmental stewardship and efficient resource management.

Lighting Systems in Smart Buildings at UKM

UKM has upgraded its smart building lighting systems with energy-efficient LEDs, automated controls, and passive natural lighting, enhancing sustainability and reducing energy consumption. This integrated approach reflects UKM commitment to sustainable practices by combining energy-saving technology with optimal use of natural resources within its campus infrastructure.

Smart Buildings in UKM

No.	Building that consider smart in UKM Bangi
1	UKM Akademia Siber Teknopolis (AST)
2	UKM Building Graduate School Of Business (GSB)
3	UKM, Research Complex
4	UKM, Language, Media and STEM Research Laboratory
5	Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
6	Department of Infrastructure Development UKM  (JPP)
7	UKM, Liberal Studies
8	UKM, Faculty of Information Science and Technology
9	UKM, Faculty of Science and Technology
10	UKM Chancellery
11	UKM, Permata Pintar Center
12	UKM, Tunas Permata
13	UKM Mosque

Additional Evidence:

UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030

1. Implementing programs with government agencies, community and energy related industry

To enhance building energy efficiency, UKM collaborates with government agencies, local communities, and energy-related industries to implement impactful programs across its campus. These partnerships focus on knowledge exchange, technical support, and the adoption of advanced energy-saving technologies in building upgrades. By working closely with these stakeholders, UKM integrates best practices and cutting-edge innovations, such as smart energy management systems, renewable energy installations, and energy-efficient retrofitting techniques, directly into its infrastructure. This collaborative approach not only accelerates UKM’s progress toward sustainable energy goals but also reinforces its role as a leader in energy-efficient campus operations, setting an example for other institutions nationwide (page 21).

2. Developing a policy on saving and affordable energy

UKM is committed to enhancing building energy efficiency through the development of a comprehensive policy on energy savings and affordability. This policy establishes clear guidelines for implementing energy-efficient practices across campus, including the use of sustainable materials, energy-saving technologies, and renewable energy sources in building upgrades. The policy prioritizes cost-effective measures such as LED lighting, optimized HVAC systems, and automated energy management to ensure long-term savings and environmental benefits. In addition, the policy supports continuous monitoring and evaluation of energy usage, enabling UKM to track progress, make data-driven adjustments, and maximize efficiency in real-time. By formalizing its commitment to saving and affordable energy, UKM is fostering a sustainable, cost-effective campus environment that aligns with both national and global standards for energy efficiency, setting a benchmark for institutions committed to reducing their carbon footprint (page 38).

3. Upgrading facilities based on energy saving equipment

UKM is actively upgrading its facilities with advanced energy-saving equipment to boost building energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This initiative involves replacing outdated systems with high-efficiency alternatives, including LED lighting, low-energy HVAC systems, and automated building controls that adjust energy use based on real-time needs. Solar panels and other renewable energy sources are being installed on building rooftops to supplement energy needs and lower reliance on external power.

The university is also investing in smart energy management systems that provide precise control over energy-intensive equipment, ensuring optimized operation and minimizing waste. By upgrading to energy-saving equipment, UKM not only reduces operational costs but also aligns its infrastructure with global sustainability goals. These upgrades reflect UKM’s dedication to a sustainable campus, demonstrating leadership in energy-efficient building practices that set a high standard for institutions in Malaysia and beyond (page 38).

4. Upgrading energy management 

UKM is significantly enhancing building energy efficiency through comprehensive upgrades in energy management across its campus facilities. By implementing a Centralized Energy Management System (CEMS), UKM gains real-time control and monitoring of energy consumption in all buildings. This system allows for precise adjustments in heating, cooling, and lighting based on occupancy and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal energy use and reducing unnecessary consumption. These energy management upgrades also incorporate predictive analytics to forecast energy demand, enabling proactive maintenance and efficiency improvements. Smart meters, integrated into the system, provide detailed data on energy usage patterns, helping identify potential areas for further optimization and quickly detect and address energy leaks. Through these advancements, UKM not only achieves substantial energy and cost savings but also fosters a culture of sustainability. This upgraded approach to energy management underscores UKM commitment to building a low-carbon campus, contributing to long-term environmental goals and positioning UKM as a leader in sustainable campus operations (page 39).