The North-West University (NWU) Renewable Energy Initiative 2024 award ceremony recently saw a landmark event in the field of sustainable energy. The event, chaired by Lindokuhle Mzolo, immediate past president of the Higher Education Facilities Management Association of Southern Africa (HEFMA), highlighted NWU’s continued commitment to innovative solar projects deployed across its campuses.
Hendrik Esterhuizen, Director of Engineering and Legal Compliance at NWU, expressed his pride at the award, highlighting the significance of this recognition among 26 universities and 50 colleges of technology, education and training in Southern Africa. The university’s solar installations have strengthened its ability to provide power even when emergency generators are triggered, providing both an increase in energy capacity and significant financial savings.
The event also saw a major announcement for Esterhuizen, who has been appointed as the next HEFMA President, succeeding Lindokuhle Mzolo. This appointment is a testament to NWU’s long-standing commitment to renewable energy and its leadership in sustainable campus management.
NWU’s solar installations, including 1,100 kWp on the Mahikeng campus, 2,600 kWp in Potchefstroom and 385 kWp in Vanderbijlpark, make it a leader in campus solar generation. These projects have a tangible impact on the university’s sustainability goals and represent a source of significant financial savings.
NWU’s solar energy approach is part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy, based on a five-pillar model focused on energy management. Renewable energy remains at the heart of this approach, supporting the university’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and aligning with Universities South Africa’s informal commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050.
This recognition by HEFMA on 17 October 2024 highlights NWU’s growing role in sustainable campus management and sets a standard for other educational institutions aiming to achieve a similar impact. With future plans to integrate solar systems into all new buildings and major renovations, NWU is reducing its reliance on traditional energy sources while progressively incorporating renewable energy into its infrastructure, promoting both sustainability and academic research opportunities.
Ultimately, HEFMA’s recognition of the NWU for its investments in solar energy represents another step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future, and an example to follow for other institutions seeking to actively engage in the transition to clean and renewable energy.