Report on Energy Efficiency Initiatives at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The University of Hawaiʻi (UH) at Mānoa has undertaken several infrastructure projects that directly support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives advance the campus toward its goal of becoming a “net-zero energy” institution, with a primary focus on:

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): By significantly reducing energy consumption through efficient technologies, the university is promoting clean and sustainable energy use.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): These upgrades contribute to creating a more sustainable, resource-efficient campus community.
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The transition from outdated systems to energy-efficient LEDs and HVAC controls exemplifies responsible consumption of energy resources.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Reductions in electricity usage directly contribute to mitigating climate change by lowering the campus’s carbon footprint.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The projects were achieved through successful collaborations between university departments and external energy organizations.

Key Energy Efficiency Initiatives

A series of retrofitting projects have been implemented across the UH Mānoa campus, targeting outdated and inefficient systems to reduce energy waste and operational costs.

Lighting System Upgrades

A major focus has been the replacement of inefficient lighting systems with modern LED technology, enhancing sustainability in line with SDG 7 and SDG 12.

1. Zone 20 Parking Structure:
   • Nearly 1,800 high-pressure sodium lights were replaced with LEDs.
   • Financial Impact: Annual energy cost savings of approximately $470,000.
   • Incentives: A $260,000 rebate was secured from Hawaiʻi Energy.
2. Stan Sheriff Center:
   • This project was a collaboration between the UH Mānoa Office of Sustainability, Hawaiʻi Energy, and UH Athletics, demonstrating SDG 17.
   • 139 outdated lights were replaced with broadcast-quality LEDs, funded by the UH Mānoa Green Revolving Fund.
   • Energy Reduction: Annual energy use was cut by 462,630 kWh.
   • Financial Impact: Over $138,000 saved annually in electricity costs, plus a $46,000 rebate for reinvestment.
3. Institute for Astronomy Machine Shop:
   • 20 HighBay fixtures were upgraded.
   • Energy Reduction: An estimated annual saving of 5,645.26 kWh.
   • Financial Impact: Approximately $1,600 in annual savings and a rebate of nearly $750.
4. Agricultural Science Building:
   • A total of 41 downlights and corn cob lights were replaced.
   • Energy Reduction: Annual energy use was cut by approximately 8,011 kWh.
   • Financial Impact: A $532 rebate was earned.

Advanced Infrastructure Modernization

In addition to lighting, the university is upgrading other systems to build more resilient and sustainable infrastructure, supporting SDG 11.

• Sakamaki Hall HVAC System:
  • An advanced HVAC occupancy control system was installed to optimize energy usage based on building occupancy.
  • The system reduces energy consumption during off-peak hours and when the building is empty.
  • Financial Impact: The project earned an estimated rebate of $13,642.20.

Conclusion: Progress Toward Sustainability Goals

These initiatives represent significant progress toward UH Mānoa’s sustainability objectives. As noted by the UH Office of Sustainability, the switch to energy-efficient technologies not only reduces operational costs and maintenance but also improves the quality of campus facilities. Each project, whether large or small, is a critical step in advancing the university’s commitment to energy efficiency and achieving its long-term goal of becoming a net-zero energy campus, in alignment with global SDGs.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• The article’s central theme is the implementation of energy efficiency projects at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. It details multiple initiatives, such as replacing outdated lighting with LEDs and installing advanced HVAC systems, which directly contribute to making energy use more efficient and sustainable. The stated goal of becoming a “‘net-zero energy’ campus” aligns perfectly with the objectives of SDG 7.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• A university campus functions as a micro-community. The efforts described in the article to create a “more energy efficient campus” are actions that make this community more sustainable. By reducing energy consumption and improving infrastructure, the university is reducing its overall environmental footprint, which is a key aspect of SDG 11.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• This goal is addressed through the focus on resource efficiency. Electricity is a resource, and the article highlights how the university is reducing its consumption through technological upgrades. Switching to LEDs and using smart HVAC controls are examples of promoting more sustainable consumption patterns and achieving more with less, which is central to SDG 12.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• While not explicitly mentioned, reducing energy consumption is a fundamental strategy for climate change mitigation. By cutting electricity use by hundreds of thousands of kilowatt-hours annually, the university is implicitly reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with power generation. The ambition to become a “‘net-zero energy’ campus” is a direct and significant climate action initiative.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

1. Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. The article is a direct case study of this target in action. Projects like replacing nearly 1,800 high-pressure sodium lights with LEDs and installing an advanced HVAC occupancy control system are concrete measures to improve energy efficiency.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

1. Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities. The university’s campus-wide initiatives to cut energy use directly reduce the environmental impact of its community, contributing to this target at a local level.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

1. Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The article details how the university is achieving more efficient use of electricity through retrofits, saving specific amounts like “462,630 kWh annually” in one building alone.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

• Annual Energy Savings (kWh): The article explicitly provides quantitative data that can be used as an indicator. For example, it mentions that the Stan Sheriff Center project cuts energy use by “462,630 kWh annually,” the machine shop saves “5,645.26 kWh annually,” and the Agricultural Science Building cuts use by “8,011 kWh per year.”
• Annual Monetary Savings ($): The financial benefits are clearly stated and serve as a powerful indicator of the projects’ success and sustainability. The article cites “$470,000 on its annual energy bill” for the parking structure and “$138,000 a year saved in electricity” for the Stan Sheriff Center.
• Scale of Implementation (Number of Units): The article implies progress by mentioning the number of fixtures replaced, such as “nearly 1,800 dim, high-pressure sodium lights” and “139 outdated lights,” which indicates the scope of the efficiency upgrades.
• Financial Incentives (Rebate Amounts): The rebates earned (e.g., “$260,000 from Hawaiʻi Energy,” “$46,000 rebate,” “$13,642.20 rebate”) are indicators of successful partnerships and the financial viability of scaling up such projects.
• Qualitative Improvements: The article mentions non-numerical indicators such as bringing the arena “up to broadcast quality” and “improving lighting quality,” which measure the co-benefits of the sustainability projects.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: renewableenergymagazine.com