SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

This Sustainable Development Goal (SDG7) aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

By most definitions, alternate energy sources lower its impact on the environment. Our University aims to choose alternative energy whenever applicable that is best suited for our climate.

Alternative Energy

Our University manages our energy resources to eliminate energy waste.

Energy Use and Efficiency

Our University works together to create a community that priorities sustainable energy.

Energy and the Community

 

Question 7.2.1 Energy Efficient Renovation and Building
Have a policy in place for ensuring all renovations or new builds are following energy efficiency standards

 

Energy-efficient Renovation and building is covered under the scope of:

  1. Environmental Sustainability Policy

Sunway University is committed to reducing its impact on the environment through sustainable choices in carrying out its operations. This is done through the principles of upholding the safety of building occupants, ensuring proper maintenance and upkeep to prolong the lifespan of the facilities, conservation of scarce resources, retro-fitting to improve water and energy efficiency, as well as continual education of the campus community on sustainable practices which is reflected in our policy and guidelines for energy-efficient building. 

 

Guidelines for Construction & Retrofitting according to green building principles - prioritises energy- efficient fittings ​

​Outcome: Campus buildings incorporate passive 
cooling, natural ventilation, natural lighting and 
built-in UV shielding features which are low energy 
cooling options compared to air conditioning systems
 


 

Question 7.2.2 Upgrade Buildings to Higher Energy Efficiency
Have plans to upgrade existing buildings to higher energy efficiency

Sunway University has taken an initiative to centralise the chilled water connection with higher efficiency to manage the electricity consumption effectively.

These 4 chillers are responsible to supply chilled water to the loops serving the AHUs (Air Handling Units) located in the north and south college buildings via a heat exchanger. Operating at 700 RT (Refrigerant Tons) per chiller, these massive cooling machines are remotely operated by a Building Management System (BMS).
 

7.2.3 Carbon reduction and emission reduction process
Have a process for carbon management and reducing carbon dioxide emissions

Sunway University invests in projects that aim to reduce carbon emissions as part of our 5 Year Environmental Roadmap


7.2.4 Plan to reduce energy consumption
Have an energy efficiency plan in place to reduce overall energy consumption

The University continued our energy efficiency projects in 2022 by continuing the retrofitting of LED lights to reduce consumption; upgrading to motion triggered lighting to reduce wastage from low occupancy periods. 

7.2.5 Energy wastage identification
Undergo energy reviews to identify areas where energy waste is highest

Internal Energy Audits and action plan – Internal Energy Audits are carried out annually to identify energy wastage points.​

7.2.6 Divestment policy
Have a policy on divesting investments from carbon-intensive energy industries notably coal and oil

Sunway University will divert electricity usage from non-renewable to renewable energy sources by 20% by the year 2030.  

7.3 Energy use density

7.3.1 Energy usage per sqm

In 2022, campus operations returned to normal pre-pandemic levels. In 2021 & 2020, operations reduced to 70% due to physical mobility restrictions imposed by the government. ​

Note: As the University delivered a mixture of online learning and on-campus learning through 2020 & 2021, reduced number of persons occupied the same total area due to physical distancing requirements.

7.4 Energy and the community

7.4.1 Local community outreach for energy efficiency
Provide programmes for local community to learn about importance of energy efficiency and clean energy

In 2022, the Research Centre for Nano-Materials and Energy Technology organised a seminar focusing on Nanomaterials and Energy Storage. This free event allowed the community to learn about clean energy and efficient methods of storage. 

Educational events open to the public are hosted on campus to engage the community in learning about energy as a theme in the conversation of sustainability.

7.4.3 Energy efficiency services for industry
Provide direct services to local industry aimed at improving energy efficiency and clean energy (energy efficiency assessments, workshops, research renewable energy options)

Services were provided to a local industry that led to the development of a new graphene-based nano-fluid that has better cooling performance, lower electricity consumption, extends life of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment while keeping maintenance costs down, and above all, lowers the carbon footprint.

7.4.4 Policy development for clean energy technology
Inform and support governments in clean energy and energy-efficient technology policy development

Sunway University researcher, Dr Chong Kok Boon led a project to help Malaysia play a role in preventing global temperature rise by 2 degrees Celsius via a comprehensive study to model possible pathways for deep decarbonisation. This project covered a few sectors mainly focusing on sustainable energy systems, economics, transportation, building, industrial and environment. 

7.4.5 Assistance to low-carbon innovation
Provide assistance for start-ups that foster and support a low-carbon economy or technology

Candidates of the Doctor of Philosophy in Sustainability Science and Technology students won the Inaugural Best Innovation Award 2022 for their idea of an economical solution to mitigate the thermal comfort of buildings during the summer and winter seasons using Phase Change Materials (PCMs). The University provided a RM 2,000 cash prize and a wildcard entry for the LaunchX Startup Incubation Programme which provides mentorship and assistance to accelerate start-up potentials as they commercialise the idea.  Well done to Team Energy!