7.2 – University measures towards affordable and clean energy

7.2.5 – Energy wastage identification

UKM is proactive approach to energy wastage identification underscores its commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency. By leveraging advanced monitoring systems and conducting detailed energy audits, UKM is able to pinpoint areas of excessive consumption and implement targeted solutions to reduce waste. This initiative not only drives down costs but also reinforces UKM’s role as a leader in environmental responsibility, setting a powerful example for sustainable practices in higher education.

Power Monitoring System

A Power Monitoring System for UKM is a centralized system designed to track, measure, and analyze electrical power usage across the university’s buildings and facilities. This system collects real-time data on energy consumption, peak demand periods, and power quality, providing detailed insights into how and where energy is being used on campus.

Purpose of the Power Monitoring System at UKM:

• Energy Efficiency: By monitoring real-time energy usage, UKM can identify patterns, detect high-consumption areas, and implement strategies to reduce waste, ultimately improving overall energy efficiency.
  
• Cost Reduction: The system enables UKM to manage and control energy expenses by targeting areas of inefficiency and optimizing power usage during peak and off-peak hours.
  
• Preventive Maintenance: By tracking power quality and usage, the system can alert facilities management to any irregularities, helping to identify potential issues early and preventing costly equipment failures or downtimes.
  
• Sustainability Goals: This system supports UKM’s sustainability targets, including its Net Zero Emission Target by 2050, by reducing energy waste, lowering carbon emissions, and fostering environmentally responsible practices.
  
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The power monitoring system provides comprehensive data that UKM can use to make informed decisions regarding infrastructure upgrades, energy-saving initiatives, and budget planning.

UKM power monitoring system is a critical tool for enhancing energy efficiency, managing costs, supporting sustainability, and ensuring the reliable operation of campus facilities

Electricity Bill National University of Malaysia, Bangi Campus

UKM 2023 energy consumption report highlights the university’s proactive approach in monitoring and managing electricity usage, with detailed monthly analysis that reveals significant fluctuations in both consumption and costs. By identifying high-consumption periods, such as the April peak with a 25.7% cost increase, UKM implemented targeted strategies to optimize energy use and reduce expenses. This data-driven approach reflects UKM’s commitment to sustainability and cost-efficiency, reinforcing its role as a leader in responsible energy management within higher education.

The 2023 UKM Bangi Energy Consumption Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the university’s monthly energy use, detailing peak and off-peak periods and corresponding costs. With a total consumption of 46,448,648 kWh across the year, this report highlights significant usage patterns and monthly fluctuations, offering crucial insights for targeted energy reduction strategies. By tracking both the volume and cost of electricity, UKM can identify peak demand periods and optimize energy-saving efforts accordingly. This data-driven approach reinforces UKM commitment to sustainable energy management, paving the way for impactful, cost-effective initiatives that contribute to the university’s broader sustainability and efficiency goals.

Location of Digital Power Meter at UKM

The map of UKM below, displays the strategic placement of Digital Power Meters and Water Meters across various buildings and facilities on campus, highlighting UKM is commitment to effective resource management and energy efficiency. With 109 digital power meters and 14 water meters distributed across different zones, this setup allows for real-time monitoring and precise control of energy and water usage, enabling UKM to identify areas of high consumption, optimize resource allocation, and reduce overall environmental impact. The map illustrates specific meter locations, such as in student residences, academic blocks, research centers, and administrative buildings, allowing UKM to track and manage energy and water usage accurately across its infrastructure. This network of meters supports UKM is sustainable campus initiatives by helping to minimize wastage, reduce costs, and contribute to the university’s broader sustainability and net-zero emission goals.

The Digital Power Meters indicated on the UKM map are critical components in the university’s plan to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions across campus. With 109 digital power meters strategically installed across various buildings, including student residences, research facilities, and administrative offices, these meters provide real-time data on electricity consumption at granular levels. Each digital power meter helps UKM track energy use precisely, identifying peaks in consumption and areas with high demand. This data enables the university to:

• Optimize Energy Use: By analyzing the data from each meter, UKM can adjust energy usage patterns, reduce consumption during peak hours, and implement energy-saving practices in high-consumption areas.
  
• Implement Targeted Upgrades: The insights gained from these meters allow UKM to pinpoint specific buildings or zones where energy efficiency upgrades, such as LED lighting, HVAC optimization, or solar panel installations, would have the greatest impact.
  
• Monitor and Control Wastage: The power meters provide alerts on unusual or excessive energy usage, allowing immediate action to be taken to prevent wastage. This could include addressing faulty equipment, managing Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) settings, or adjusting lighting schedules.
  
• Support Sustainable Campus Goals: These digital meters play a crucial role in supporting UKM’s sustainability goals by directly contributing to the university’s carbon reduction targets and helping achieve its Net Zero Emission Target by 2050. The data allows UKM to measure the effectiveness of its energy-saving initiatives and adjust strategies as needed.
  
• Educate and Engage the Campus Community: With accessible and transparent energy data, UKM can involve students, staff, and faculty in energy conservation efforts. By sharing consumption insights and setting reduction targets, the university promotes a culture of sustainability within its community.

The network of digital power meters on the UKM campus serves as a foundation for efficient energy management. It empowers UKM to make informed decisions about resource allocation, reduce operating costs, and achieve its sustainability objectives by creating a more energy-conscious campus environment.

Submeter Reading Data and Electricity Charging Rates for Buildings at UKM

In 2023, UKM took significant steps to identify and reduce energy wastage across its campus through comprehensive energy audits and real-time data analysis. By monitoring energy usage closely, UKM pinpointed specific inefficiencies within its buildings and facilities, particularly through the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI), which revealed areas where energy consumption could be optimized. With a rise in energy use post-pandemic, reflected in the EEI data, UKM leveraged these insights to prioritize upgrades, including advanced HVAC systems, enhanced district cooling, and the widespread adoption of LED lighting. These targeted actions underscore UKM’s proactive approach to sustainable campus operations, showcasing its commitment to not only reducing costs but also lowering carbon emissions. By addressing energy wastage directly, UKM reinforces its role as a leader in environmental responsibility, setting a powerful example for sustainable practices in higher education. The following are some comparisons to identify the areas with the highest electricity consumption in UKM:

1. Faculty

There are eight faculties at UKM, each faculty has its own monthly breakdown, showing fluctuations in electricity consumption and costs across the year. For instance, the Faculty of Science and Technology shows consistently high usage compared to other faculties, likely due to laboratory equipment and specialized facilities that require constant energy. Monitoring this data is essential for UKM energy management and reduction strategy. By analyzing consumption patterns, UKM can identify high-energy-consuming faculties, implement targeted energy-saving measures, and promote efficient usage across campus. This detailed monitoring aligns with UKM commitment to reducing energy consumption and supporting its broader sustainability goals.

2. Residential Colleges

The electricity consumption data for UKM residential colleges in 2023 reveals several key insights. Monthly fluctuations in energy usage and costs indicate varying patterns potentially influenced by changes in occupancy or seasonal factors, such as increased air conditioning during warmer months. Certain colleges, including Kolej Pendeta Zaba and Kolej Keris Mas, show consistently higher energy consumption and associated costs, likely due to larger student populations or more energy-intensive facilities. The annual totals at the end of each college’s section provide a comprehensive view of yearly energy expenditure, enabling UKM to identify high-consumption colleges and implement targeted energy-saving strategies to optimize efficiency and manage costs effectively.