Carbon Energy Tracking
Measuring and tracking low carbon energy usage in a university involves several steps to understand the institution's energy consumption, identify areas for improvement, and set targets for reducing carbon emissions. LPU is consistently monitoring and improving low carbon energy tracking efforts, and making meaningful progress toward reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future. The University's dedication to adhering to guidelines aligns with the United Nations' sustainable development objectives. It is noteworthy that in 2018, the University installed a rooftop solar PV plant with a capacity of 1.1 MW. Presently, the university boasts a total installed solar power capacity of 7.5 MW.
| Sr No. | Month | Solar 100 kW power generation (in kWh) | Solar 01 MW power generation (in kWh) | Solar 2.097 MW power generation (in kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan.2023 | 5803 | 51576 | - |
| 2 | Feb.2023 | 9775 | 86354 | - |
| 3 | March.2023 | 11564 | 94527 | - |
| 4 | April.2023 | 11432 | 121968 | - |
| 5 | May.2023 | 12577 | 115496.00 | - |
| 6 | June.2023 | 12707.4 | 95033 | - |
| 7 | July.2023 | 9919.9 | 46160 | - |
| 8 | Aug.2023 | 10624 | 83993 | 268926.9 |
| 9 | Sept.2023 | 11451 | - | 246367.2 |
| 10 | Oct.2023 | 9614 | 135730 | 202404.4 |
| 11 | Nov.2023 | 7915 | - | 107623 |
| 12 | Dec.2023 | 4124 | - | 118448 |
Total Energy generated/consumed from solar panel = 1892113 kWh
A gigajoule (GJ) is the equivalent to 1 billion joules. A joule is a measure of the energy required to send an electrical current of one ampere through a resistance of one ohm for one second. One GJ is equal to 277.8 kilowatt hours (kWh), 1.055 million British thermal units (Btu) or 0.17 barrels of oil.
Total Energy generated/consumed from solar panel = 1892113/277.8 Gigajoule
Total Energy generated/consumed from solar panel =6811.1 Gigajoule
Total Energy generated/consumed from solar panel =6811.1 Gigajoule
BIOGAS PLANT
Biogas plant
A biogas plant based on ‘Deenbandhu model’ is constructed to produce biogas from cattle dung. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the risk of pollution to waterways, organic waste can be removed and used to produce biogas, a renewable source of energy. Biogas contains roughly 50- 70% methane, 30-40% carbon dioxide, and trace amounts of other gases. The University currently has 3 cubic meter operating biogas systems across the campus to process kitchen waste. Apart from the cattle dung, sewer waste is also fed into the plant to produce biogas.
Not only has the university lowered the total power use from the conventional resources, but it has also boosted the university’s renewable generation. From the graph below it was observed that the percentage of Energy Produced from low carbon resources with respect to the total energy production is increasing from the previous years.
Not only has the university lowered the total power use from the conventional resources, but it has also boosted the university’s renewable generation. From the graph below it was observed that the percentage of Energy Produced from low carbon resources with respect to the total energy production is increasing from the previous years.
ENERGY TRACKING FROM LOW CARBON SOURCES
Potential of solar power Plant in MW
The energy transition towards low-carbon sources demonstrated a positive trend over the years 2021 to 2023. In 2021, energy production from low-carbon sources stood at 1.1 MW, indicating the modest beginnings of a more sustainable energy mix. By 2022, this figure increased significantly to 5.1 MW, reflecting growing investment and commitment to cleaner energy options. In 2023, the momentum continued, with a notable increase to 7.5 MW.
Energy used from Low carbon Sources
The share of energy generated from low-carbon sources experienced notable growth between 2020 and 2023. In 2020, these sources made up just 4.81% of the total energy generation. However, by 2021, there was a significant rise, with low-carbon sources contributing 24.64% to the energy mix, signaling a major shift toward cleaner energy. This upward trend persisted in 2022, reaching 25.85%, and continued to climb to 33.55% in 2023. These figures demonstrate a sustained commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to more sustainable, environmentally friendly energy production, highlighting a promising path toward a greener energy future.
Energy Consumption
Lovely Professional University has been making strides in energy efficiency, as seen by the significant decline in energy consumption per unit of floor area over recent years. In 2020, the consumption was 0.12 units per square foot or square meter, but this dropped drastically to 0.025 in 2021, showcasing substantial improvements. The trend continued into 2022, with a further reduction to 0.023, indicating ongoing efforts towards sustainability. Although there was a slight increase to 0.025 in 2023, the overall decrease reflects successful initiatives like enhanced insulation, upgraded HVAC systems, and adoption of renewable energy.
CREATING RAIN WATER HARVESTING TRENCHES:
Rain Water Harvesting
In order to raise the water table in the Lovely Professional University, there are more than 35 Rain water harvesting Tanks for rain water harvest from roads, walkways, roof terrace, road sides etc. In addition, there are trenches/chambers by the roadside with piping system so that the rain water can be trapped to Rain Water harvesting tanks through these trenches which are inter-connected with each other.
RECYCLING OF SEWAGE WATER:
STP plants
For sewerage treatment there are there STP plants i.e. one 5 MLD [Mega Liters per Day] and two of 10KLD, in the campus and the entire treated water is then used for Horticulture and agriculture. The sludge obtained is composed and used as manure in horticulture.
