Energy
ILLUMINATING THE FUTURE: OUR ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
At USM, we are committed to a sustainable future, and energy plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. Through our 5-year Sustainability Action Plan, we have set ambitious targets to reduce energy consumption, ensure compliance with the Malaysian Standard MS 1525:2007 across all university buildings, promote renewable energy generation, and transition our university vehicles to hybrid technology energy sources. We will explore our efforts in Green Technology, Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency to shed light on the initiatives driving USM towards a more environmentally responsible and energy-conscious institution.
In 2023, in line with USM’s Energy Policy, the University conducted energy audits in alignment with the 2023 Energy Efficiency Management Report Vol. 2, resulting in the Report on Efficient Management of Electrical Energy for the Year 2023, which was submitted to the Energy Commission Malaysia. This report outlines the implementation and achievements of USM’s Energy Efficiency Program. Through these audits, which form a comprehensive annual review, USM ensures its energy consumption remains within expected levels, minimizing unnecessary waste and identifying critical areas for energy conservation and savings across the campus. Read More..
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Green Technology
At Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), our commitment to sustainability drives us to adopt environmentally friendly and innovative technologies that minimize our environmental impact and promote a cleaner, more resilient energy future. Through the Green Technology initiative, USM not only implements energy-efficient systems, sustainable construction practices, and smart technologies across campus but also actively contributes to policy development in clean energy and energy-efficient technologies at local, regional, national, and global levels.
USM’s dedication to sustainability aligns with Malaysia’s National Green Technology Master Plan (GTMP) 2017-2030, which outlines strategic frameworks for advancing green technology. Within this national framework, USM’s Centre for Education, Training, and Research in Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CETREE) plays a crucial role. Highlighted in pages 156-159 of the GTMP, CETREE leads educational programs and awareness campaigns to prepare Malaysia’s youth for a green lifestyle. By equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills to adopt sustainable practices, CETREE contributes directly to the nation’s and USM’s broader sustainability goals.
Through these initiatives, USM establishes itself as a sustainability leader, offering actionable models that guide policy and decision-making. By integrating research, education, and advocacy, USM supports clean energy policies that foster sustainable solutions on a global scale.
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Renewable Energy
USM is actively investing in renewable energy sources to reduce our carbon footprint. Our renewable energy projects, solar panels, will help us generate power sustainably and contribute to a greener campus. Reaching a milestone of 50% renewable energy generation by 2025, contributing significantly to reducing our carbon footprint and reliance on traditional energy sources.
USM set up a 10.6MWp on-site rooftop solar system that is able to generate power for 63.73% of its peak power demand. It will generate approximately 278,683MWh of clean energy and enable USM to eliminate 217,705 tonnes of CO2 emissions in total.
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Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency programme and USM's energy Policy are at the core of the university's sustainability efforts, focusing on strategies and initiatives to optimize energy consumption across buildings and operations. USM plans to upgrade existing buildings for higher energy efficiency through projects such as retrofitting to LED lighting and replacing appliances with energy-efficient, star-rated models. These efforts are supported by energy audits and behavioral change initiatives, such as GreenOffice@USM and GreenDesa@USM, which aim to reduce both energy consumption and operational costs. Recognizing the critical role of behavioral change, USM promotes sustainable practices among its community to foster long-term energy conservation.Read More..
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
In USM, the built environment emphasizes eco-friendly construction, energy-efficient facilities, and green spaces, fostering a sustainable and conducive campus atmosphere.
WATER
USM prioritizes responsible water use and conservation. We employ water-saving technologies and promote conservation practices, engaging the campus community through education and awareness campaigns.
WASTE
USM emphasizes waste minimization and recycling. Our efforts include recycling facilities, awareness campaigns, and collaborations for proper waste management.
ENERGY
USM prioritizes energy sustainability through efficiency and renewable sources. As part of our effort to reduce carbon emissions, we adopt energy-saving tech, lighting, and solar panels.
CLIMATE CHANGE
USM is dedicated to climate change mitigation and adaptation. We integrate climate topics into our curriculum, conduct research, and organize awareness campaigns, seminars, and workshops.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
USM prioritizes sustainability through health and well-being initiatives by promoting physical and mental health, offering recreational facilities, and fostering a holistic and sustainable campus community.
BIODIVERSITY & ECOSYSTEM
USM emphasizes biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management in conducting research, collaborating with stakeholders, integrating biodiversity education, and practicing sustainable land use.