UTech Annual Report 2018-19

Accredited by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) ANNUAL REPORT 2018-2019 University of Technology, Jamaica 46 CARIBBEAN SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & INNOVATION INSTITUTE (CSEII) Energy Management Policy The Caribbean Sustainable Energy and Innovation Institute’s (CSEII) mission is to employ the principles of sustainable development and advance renewable energy as a climate change mitigation strategy to create a more secure, equitable and prosperous society through its academic programmes, applied research and solutions driven innovation. In keeping with this, an Energy Management Policy for the University was drafted by the AVP, Sustainable Energy. The primary purpose is to serve as a driver to improve and promote energy efficiency and conservation in an effort to reduce costs; improve environmental quality and reduce the carbon footprint at the University. The scope of the Policy for Energy Management is applicable to all staff members, students and contractors on all campuses and other properties of UTech, Jamaica. A Sustainability Statement for the University is also drafted for stakeholder review and ratification by University Council. UTech Jamaica’s Energy Consumption The management of energy consumption continued to be an area of focus as electricity remained the highest utility cost to the budget. Through focused efforts to modify wasteful energy habits; the phased replacement of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) to light emitting diodes (LEDs); the contribution of the 100 kilowatt Solar PV System and the procurement of new equipment which are energy efficient. Conservation measures at UTech, Jamaica have collectively resulted in a favorable variance of $43.3 million representing a 9% fall below the budget of $509.7 million for the period 2018-2019. The next phase is the wider use of technology to reduce costs. Renewable Energy Options: Solar PV System The total production from June 2014 to April 2019 is 428.6 MW. The savings over the month totaled US$1620.02 or $208,982.58(US$ 1=JM$ 129). See Table 2. The system has contributed to a reduction in the University’s carbon footprint with an avoided 323.54 tons of CO 2 emissions. Dr. Ruth Potopsingh Associate Vice President