Page 70 - Transformation Report

The reduction in printing has been tracked since 2006 and showed a drastic reduction in 2020 which may be due to a number
of factors related to the COVID-19 pandemic:
• Learning and teaching, including assessments, were conducted online, and learning materials were provided online.
• Several student administrative processes have been digitised thus contributing to the reduction in printing.
• Most PASS employees are working remotely, which may also have contributed to the reduction in printing.
6.1.4. Green buildings
Table 23 Overview of Reduction in Paper Use (2006 – 2020)
The only Green Star-Rated building, according
to the standards and process of registration
PAGES PRINTED PER YEAR
TOTAL SVERAGE WASTE GENERATED PER KG related to the Green Building Council of South
Africa (GBCSA), is the Business School on the
2nd Avenue Campus. All new buildings being
constructed comply with the minimum South
African National Standards requirements,
although they do not comply with the GBCSA
criteria. As new buildings are built, the need
arises to learn from design decisions to increase
the probability of designing future buildings which will fully accommodate users in the most environmentally friendly manner.
A standard post-occupancy analysis template is currently being developed to assist in the collection of data to assess whether
the initial design principles implemented are aligned with the required outcomes for the users/occupants of the building. The
design and construction of new buildings incorporate sustainability principles to ensure the longevity of structures, while also
reducing the need for extensive annual maintenance. An exciting example of this will be the construction of a Cross Laminated
Timber (CLT) building on the George Campus using environmentally sustainable construction materials. The construction of
this building was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic but will recommence when international borders reopen.

In a countrywide initiative, the University was recognised for its environmental sustainability efforts as evidenced by the
following awards in 2019, namely:
• Greenest Campus in Africa awarded by Association of College and University Housing Officers International
• National runner-up in renewable energy awarded by the Higher Education Facilities Management Association.

6.1.5. Transport
The Student-Staff Transport System requires an expansion of the University’s internal fleet of vehicles. As part of our
environmental sustainability strategy, it is suggested that the University annually purchase vehicles that use renewable sources
of fuel to transform our current fleet, over the next ten years, to a model that uses less than 10% fossil fuel types.

6.1.6. Agricultural cooperatives and food production
The catering business model includes a long-term strategy related to the development of agricultural co-operatives to supply
agricultural produce to the University for catering operations. Investigations are underway to explore the feasibility of food
production, i.e., aquaponics, coupled with renewable energy generation through PV and/or greenhouse style facilities. This
would enhance environmental and social sustainability because PV systems would be the major contributor to energy security
on campuses and could be a lucrative source of third-stream income generation.

In addition, sustainable food production could alleviate student hunger by providing students with an opportunity to generate
income by working in food production facilities or by providing food not procured by the University to combat student hunger
and bolster nutrition by providing healthy vegetable and protein (fish) options.

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