To be effective in changing our behaviour to be more environmentally sustainable, we need to evaluate our use of water and power and the recycling of waste constantly.
On the Tygerberg Campus our water usage has shown a concerning increase from 7 954 376 kl in 2015 to 11 257 186 kl in 2016 due to the fact that we are no longer using river water for irrigation and have built new residences.
Our electricity use decreased significantly in 2012 and since then has fluctuated between 12 800 000 and 13 900 000 kWh. We hope to introduce renewal energy alternatives in the future.
The waste disposal process continues to be an ongoing educational endeavour. There is a positive reduction in our total amount of waste, but a decrease in the percentage being recycled in 2016. We need to use the 3-bin system more effectively.
In an effort to offset our carbon emissions from travelling, we have planted 160 extra trees on campus in 2016.
VIDEO: Prof Bob Mash, chair of the Faculty’s Green Committee, and Mrs Christine Groenewald give an overview of the energy and water usage of the faculty as well as how we are doing with waste recycling.
