Affordable and Clean Energy
for all
Affordable and Clean Energy
for all
- 7.2.1 Energy Efficiency Standards for Renovation and New Building
- 7.2.2 Existing Buildings Upgrade to higher energy efficiency
- 7.2.3 Process for Carbon Management and CO2 Emission Reduction
- 7.2.4 Energy Consumption Reduction Plan
- 7.2.5 Reviews for Energy Wastage Identification
- 7.2.6 Divestment Policy for Carbon Intensive Industries
- 7.4 Energy and the community
- 7.4.1 Local Community Awareness for Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy
- 7.4.2 Pledge Towards 100% Renewable Energy
- 7.4.3 Energy efficiency and Clean Energy Services for Local Industry
- 7.4.4 Policy Development to Foster Awareness for Government on clean energy and energy-efficient Technologies
- 7.4.5 Assistance for Start-ups Towards Low-Carbon economy/Technology
7.2.1 Energy-efficient renovation and building
We have policies in place for ensuring all renovations and new builds are following energy efficiency standards and have plans to upgrade existing buildings to higher energy efficiency (Section III and IV, Covenant University Energy Efficiency Policy (CUEEP)). It was developed to manage energy and utility consumption across campus by implementing sustainable practices and procedures. The Physical Planning and Development (PPD), in collaboration with heads of units of various units of the University, is saddled with the responsibility of enforcing CUEEP (See Section VI of CUEEP). The University buildings shall be constructed using passive architectural design in a way that maximizes daylighting and natural air-cooling systems for maximum building illumination and cooling. The University shall ensure that all new buildings on campus are designed in compliance with Energy Efficient Building Codes to have an energy consumption limit once completed and to ensure the installation of renewable energy systems that will supply a proportion of total electricity demand, thereby maintaining a set limit for zero net growth in consumption. Old and existing buildings are to be retrofitted for improved energy conservation. The University shall use certified energy-efficient electrical appliances for new installations to ensure lower energy consumption.
The implementation of CUEEP has brought about:
- A reduced campus energy use intensity (EUI) by an average of at least 3% per year.
- Optimization of campus estates and infrastructure through aggressive energy efficiency practices.
In view of the successes recorded with the implementation of CUEEP, the Physical Planning and Development directorate has been able to develop an Energy Efficiency Checklist to review the performance of all equipment used on campus monthly, and to identify areas where energy consumption can be reduced. PPD has thus reported that Covenant University is using less energy today than ten years ago, despite campus growth in both building square feet and population (employees and students).
7.2.2 Existing Buildings Upgrade to higher energy efficiency
Covenant University has been ensuring that buildings are upgraded to energy-efficient ones by making use of the natural convective air-cooling system and daylighting for proper cooling and illumination of buildings (See Section IV of CUEEP). The University has been installing electronic smart devices such as motion sensors and programmable thermostats that can automatically adjust the workplace lighting and temperature when no one is around (See Section IV of CUEEP). Covenant University has also been adopting Certified Energy Efficient Appliances using only light-emitting diode (LED) lighting systems, energy-efficient air-conditioning units, and efficient water dispensing facilities on all its new buildings/installations on campus. The old/obsolete lighting systems, air-conditioning units, and other office appliances are to be retrofitted in phases with energy-efficient ones (See Section IV of CUEEP). The University conducts an energy audit annually to ensure that energy consumption in the University remains at the anticipated set level and that energy is not being wasted. The areas of energy conservation and savings are to be identified through audit. The University, through the Physical Planning and Development (PPD), has been responsible for timely maintenance services of buildings, electrical equipment, and water facilities on campus, thereby keeping their efficiency at maximum level.
7.2.3 Process for Carbon Management and CO2 Emission Reduction
Carbon emissions at Covenant University are majorly from its production and consumption of energy (Carbon Neutrality Commitment of Covenant University: 2040). Covenant University’s emissions have continued to decline ever since the University decarbonized the power generation section by successfully transitioning from diesel-fired power plants to natural gas-fired power plants. Covenant University runs a 12MW Independent Power Plant that operates solely on natural gas and is designed to meet and exceed all emissions standards. The gas plant was needed after a 2012 report indicated that over 700 million Naira was being spent monthly on electricity. The Plant currently serves Covenant University campus, and staff estates within. The power plant consists of 1No 5.7 MW gas fired turbine and 5Nos 1.2MW gas engines to generate electricity.
Covenant University also generates about 69.44kW of energy from rooftop/ground mount solar photovoltaic to power the research building (CUCRID) housing sensitive laboratory testing equipment, with plans underway to increase the contribution of energy from renewable energy into the university energy mix as outlined in the Covenant University Energy Efficiency Policy (CUEEP). Other than the power plant that runs on natural gas (a low-carbon energy source), the use of clean energy is a key strategy adopted by Covenant University to achieve a sustainable university.
Renewable Energy
- Install additional on-site renewable electricity supplies and energy storage systems at the campus whenever cost-effective and/or supportive of the location in line with the Carbon Neutrality Commitment of Covenant University.
- By 2040, the entire campus will procure 100% clean electricity in line with the Carbon Neutrality Commitment of Covenant University, on the gradual transition from low-carbon energy sources (natural gas-fired power plants) to renewable resources.
7.2.4 Energy Consumption Reduction Plan
Covenant University, through the strict adoption of strategies and implementation detailed in Section IV of the Covenant University Energy Efficiency Policy (CUEEP), has been able to bring about an overall reduction in energy consumption and CO2 emissions of the entire campus. From the retrofitting of existing buildings to the incorporation of a natural convective air-cooling system and daylighting to new building constructions at the architectural design stage, the adoption of smart devices and Certified Energy Efficient Appliances, an annual energy audit of equipment and facilities, maintenance services of buildings, electrical equipment, and water facilities, efficiencies are kept at maximum level and with the eventual reduction of CO2 emissions.
7.2.5 Reviews for Energy Wastage Identification
With the annual energy audit carried out by the university, as indicated in the strategies and implementation detailed in Section IV of the Covenant University Energy Efficiency Policy (CUEEP), Covenant University has been able to identify areas where energy wastage is highest; through measurements and calculations based on the audit, the university has also been able to identify areas of energy conservation and savings while maintaining perfect comfort over the entire campus.
7.2.6 Divestment Policy for Carbon Intensive Industries
Energy transition forms a key part of our divestment policy: Covenant University Divestment Policy (CUDP) and carbon neutrality strategy, where we strive to show keen leadership through cutting-edge research, teaching, and community development in partnership with energy industry on inclusivity and just transition to a sustainable and greener future. There is also the bicycle cycling-to-work scheme for staff and the University now has virtually no waste to landfill with the waste recycling programme tagged Covenant University waste-to-wealth initiative.
Our researchers and staff are contributing immensely to addressing the impact of climate change to support a long-term, sustainable green recovery, thereby benefiting wider society based on a Just Transition. Continuous divestment from fossil fuels by working and supporting industries around Net-Zero through education and research. Covenant University is championing and advancing energy transition research in key areas: renewable generation, the hydrogen economy, biomass, and carbon capture and utilization, and offered via courses like B.Sc in Industrial Physics (Renewable Energy Option), M.Sc in Industrial Physics (Renewable Energy Option), Ph.D in Industrial Physics (Renewable Energy Option).
We use various cutting-edge technologies to deliver insight and understanding of the causes and impact of climate change, environmental sustainability, etc. There are also different research groups on campus working actively on energy systems, energy systems modelling/dynamics, climate modelling, etc., including The Energy & Environment Research Group (TEERG), Energy & Environment Research Cluster (EERC), Renewable Energy Research Cluster (RERC), Built Environment Research Cluster (BERC), Biotechnology Research Cluster (BRC), Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR).
We are developing education and training that is responsive to the needs of employers and communities to progress a green recovery, such as the RCE Ogun project carried out with long-standing collaborative relationship with the key industry stakeholders and communities with whom we work in partnership as we seek to further evolve our activities in line with sector and societal ambitions around Net Zero. Also, we are constantly updating our curriculum and adapting our courses in consultation with international accreditation bodies and industry, harnessing their collective knowledge to ensure that we continually produce quality graduates with the skillsets to make a real and lasting contribution to the energy sector.
7.4 Energy and the community
7.4.1 Local Community Awareness for Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy
Covenant University was empowered in 2016 among 12 training partners, through the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (REEEP) in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) i.e., GIZ NESP II, to deliver five clean energy qualifications in Nigeria, from PV installations to energy efficiency building design, including Solar PV Installation (SPVI), Solar PV Installation Supervision (SPVIS), Mini-Grid Design (MGD), Energy Management (EM), and Energy Audit (EA). The courses are examined and certified by the Council for the Regulations of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) thus giving the program very high credibility. Covenant University, through these trainings have been bringing awareness of energy efficiency and clean energy to the local communities.
RCE Ogun is one of the Regional Centres of Expertise (RCE) in the world. RCEs are networks of existing formal, non-formal, and informal organizations that facilitate learning towards sustainable development in local and regional communities. The network constitutes the Global Learning Space for Sustainable Development. The goal of RCE Ogun is to create resilient, inclusive, and environmentally friendly communities through formal and informal training, enlightenment programmes, and exemplary projects for the sustainable development of the region. It is dedicated and committed to a paradigm shift in improving society via community services and Education for Sustainable Development.
RCE Ogun has hosted several workshops and conferences including (i) Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) in a three-day program with the theme, ‘Building Resilient Systems for Climate Smart Economy in Nigeria, (ii) Building Resilient System for a Climate Smart Economy in Nigeria, (iii) 2nd RCE Ogun Climate Change Convention and Biodiversity Conservation Workshop, etc.
Covenant University has been organizing conferences and workshops over the years to unite global leaders, academics, policymakers, and industry professionals to explore the forefront of research in energy advancement and sustainable technology. These programs have been providing unique opportunities to engage with local communities and experts, fostering new collaborations across diverse fields of engineering innovations, clean technology, and many more. Some of the recently organized events include ICSID 2024, ICSSD 2024 and a host of others.
7.4.2 Pledge Towards 100% Renewable Energy
Covenant University is a carbon literate institution, and we are proud to promote actions towards net zero. Through the aggressive implementation of Covenant University Energy Efficiency Policy, we have achieved: (i) a reduced campus energy use intensity (EUI) by an average of at least 3% per year against the 2021 base year, (ii) continuous optimization of campus estates and infrastructure through aggressive energy efficiency practices. With the rapid reduction of our EUI, our eventual goal is to ensure that renewable energy and energy efficiency practices will be the sources of generation of electricity for every unit (in kW or MW) the University utilizes i.e., 100% renewable in line with our carbon neutrality commitment by 2040. We have also published and are continuously driving the University divestment policy (CUPD) to show our leadership drive towards just and inclusive decarbonization.
Covenant University unveiled and patented the first dual powered automobile tagged: Covenant University Integrated Dual Engine Automobile (CU IDEA). The projects were developed by Prof. J. A. Omoleye and his research team. CU IDEA is an air-conditioned eco-friendly auto engine that integrates two powering sources for traction i.e., battery+fuel or battery+solar/fuel cell. It increases the distance coverage of a normal electric vehicle by as high as 40% at about 60km/L fuel consumption rate. The project had been patented for mass production.
7.4.3 Energy efficiency and Clean Energy Services for Local Industry
Covenant University has been one of the 12 training partners among training academies and research institutions across Nigeria empowered to deliver five of the seven clean energy qualifications in Nigeria, including Solar PV Installation (SPVI), Solar PV Installation Supervision (SPVIS), Mini-Grid Design (MGD), Energy Management (EM), and Energy Audit (EA). In 2016, the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (REEEP), funded by USAID and implemented by Winrock International in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) i.e., GIZ NESP II, developed seven training curricula, from PV installations to energy efficiency building design. Covenant University and other selected partners were supported through training syllabi, handbooks, and a depth training of our faculty in pursuit of compliance with prevailing competency standards, using essential training equipment. The 12 training institutions, which include Covenant University, conduct training in these seven renewable energy and energy efficiency specializations; before 2020, NESP and REEEP are providing the examination and certification service. Certifications for these courses are now being conducted by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to ensure training quality, close linkage to market needs, national recognition, and periodic course updates in line with market developments. Through this partnership and training, we provide direct services to local industries and organizations to improve energy efficiency and clean energy.
Covenant University hosted captains of industry, with the general objective of harmonising Industry/Academic partnership for national development. The major area of concern in this partnership is energy (power/electricity) among others. The industry partnership is being coordinated by Covenant University Centre for Research, Innovation and Discovery (CUCRID). CUCRID is poised to drive the University vision of being one of the top 10 Universities in the world by 2022 from the research, innovation and discovery platform.
Covenant University is finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to foster academic-industry collaborations. MAN held a workshop with Covenant University as a partner in November 2023 with the theme: Future Manufacturing: A Road Map to an Enabling Environment with Sustainable Development. Some of the key areas explored during the workshop include green and renewable energy, low carbon, and sustainable development towards promoting and upgrading traditional manufacturing in the future in a robust discussion on ‘Green Opportunities: Developing Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Manufacturing Capabilities’.
Extracted Pages 29 & 30 of the Resource Book of the Winrock Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Project (REEEP) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) i.e., GIZ NESP II: https://winrock.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/REEEP-Resource-Book-20180222.pdf
7.4.4 Policy Development to Foster Awareness for Government on clean energy and energy-efficient Technologies
Covenant University is a partner to the PeopleSun project entitled: Optimization of Off-Grid Energy Supply Systems in Nigeria. The overall goal of the PeopleSuN research project is to improve access to reliable and sustainable energy for underserved regions in Nigeria. The project generated a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative data collection that forms the basis for the development of tools for the determination of electricity demands, for the optimization of off-grid PV systems and for a handbook for decision makers and SMEs, with special consideration of local conditions and in close German-Nigerian cooperation.
7.4.5 Assistance for Start-ups Towards Low-Carbon economy/Technology
Covenant University, through the Hebron Startup Lab, provides assistance for start-ups that foster and support a low-carbon economy or technology. Hebron Startup Lab is proud to be West Africa’s first university-based startup incubator, providing a platform for budding entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and bring them to life. Our incubator is designed to offer unparalleled support to startups in their earliest stages, helping them to navigate the complex world of entrepreneurship and achieve success. Hebron Startup Lab is designed to take ideas from concept to product to market.
Of all the startups being curated by Hebron Startup Lab, Cognito Technologies is a newly developed alternative energy technology startup to bridge the gap by innovating, developing, and promoting green energy alternatives, aiming to mitigate the harmful effects of fossil fuels and champion a sustainable future across the continent. Several research clusters and student groups in Covenant University with a focus on sustainable energy collaborate annually to organize demonstrations, workshops, and conferences that serve as energy solutions to rural communities.
