This study focuses on the role of CMS in managing sustainability initiatives for energy, water and waste. The data was collected from ten CMS management staff by empirical research. The study concludes on the following objectives:
Objective 1: To ascertain the energy management systems managed by UKZN Campus Management Services
The research shows that UKZN did implement electronic energy management systems, such as the Schneider Power Monitoring Expert and Building Monitoring System, to manage the energy and air conditioner usage for all campuses. However, these electronic systems were not monitored in terms of energy usage and costs and, therefore, it would be difficult to know whether or not the energy was managed well.
UKZN has undertaken a number of sustainability initiatives to manage energy, such as the installation of LED lights, sensors in new buildings, automatic switches, motion detectors, etc.
There are a number of research sustainability projects and work-in-progress projects such as renewable energy, solar energy, hot water farms, thermos storage and the monitoring of air conditioner usage. However, the challenge lies with funding for sustainability projects.
Objective 2: To determine the water management systems which are in place to address the water problems
This research study finds that UKZN CMS implemented a number of water management systems, such as shower rollers in residences, power gauges in some buildings, dual flush systems in toilets and the use of ice farms, to address water problems at all campuses. However, the research finds that UKZN did not have a water electronic system to manage the water usage and consumption so it would be difficult to know if water had been managed. UKZN is in the process of implementing Smart Meters, which is a water management system, but this is still work in progress.
The research finds that UKZN undertook a number of research sustainability projects to improve the management of water, but the challenge lies with funding. The research projects involve hot water farms, sensors in bathrooms to identify leaks, grey water harvesting and technology which can identify leaks and burst pipes.
Objective 3: To ascertain the waste management system managed by UKZN Campus Management Services
The study finds that UKZN CMS was lacking in the area of waste management and managing the different waste types. There are no sorting-out bins to sort out the different waste types.
There is no dedicated waste section so that recycled, reduced and reused waste can benefit UKZN. The management of waste is done by UKZN staff members who are responsible for collecting and transporting the waste to the landfills. However, there was an e-waste system to manage hazardous waste such as florescent lightings.
Objective 4: To identify the gaps and make recommendations on sustainability initiatives to Campus Management Services
The research finds that there were many external and internal challenges in the management of energy, water and waste.
6.2.1 Municipal Services
The research finds that the municipality’s poor communication, poor infrastructure, lack of good governance, price increases, estimate meter readings and demand exceeding supply
have created many challenges for UKZN to manage sustainability initiatives for energy, water and waste.
6.2.2 Human Resources
The research finds a shortage of internal, dedicated staff to manage energy and water. External contractors who are profit driven, expensive, not committed and, most of all, expensive, have always been employed to provide quick fix solutions for energy and water problems. The challenge to employ more staff lies in funding.
The research also finds a lack of internal dedicated staff to sort out the waste from within UKZN. Staff members were not motivated to set up a waste management system, as they did not receive incentives.
6.2.3 Knowledge and Skills
The research finds a lack of knowledge and skills amongst UKZN staff members concerning the importance of energy, water and waste management and its resulting impact on the economy, environment and society. There was a culture of staff and students living in the residences who did not hold themselves accountable for switching off lights, air conditioners, stoves and other electrical devices when not in use.
6.2.4 Communication
There was a clear lack of communication between departmental heads and line managers. Staff worked in silos to achieve sectional goals rather than departmental and institutional goals. The break in communication amongst the different structural heads has created problems in managing sustainability initiatives to achieve departmental and institutional goals.
6.2.5 Physical Infrastructure
The research finds that the equipment, pipes and buildings were old and outdated and thus consumed a lot of energy and water. There were no inspections and audits to detect problems at an early stage to reduce costs and prevent total shutdown. The research finds that UKZN was slow to embrace innovative technology and suggestions were made to replace the old technology with new innovative technology that consumed less energy and water. However, the challenge lies with funding for innovative technology.
6.2.6 Collaboration
The research finds that UKZN has not been progressive in collaborating with the private and public sectors. UKZN has, therefore, not benefited from the opportunities of collaboration with the energy, water and waste sectors.
The research concludes that UKZN has made some progress in the management of energy and water. However, it finds that UKZN is lacking in the area of waste management. Furthermore, the research concludes that UKZN was not able to fully implement and manage sustainability initiatives due to a number of internal and external challenges. In the light of these challenges, the researcher has made some recommendations to CMS management to improve in the area of energy, water and waste so that UKZN economy, environment and society benefits.