sdg7_affordable_and_clean

SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Energy-efficient renovation and building

Bukhara State University strives to reduce energy consumption by ensuring that all new constructions and renovations follow energy efficiency standards. The university has a policy adopted by the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The policy was built based on the manual developed by JSC “ToshuyjoyLITI”. The manual provides recommendations on the placement of buildings in the development, on the selection of the most energy-efficient space-planning and other solutions, on ensuring the necessary insolation and sun protection, sufficient natural lighting, and ventilation of the premises of public buildings. It also covers the use of solar energy and provides basic recommendations on selecting the most energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for public buildings.

Upgrade buildings to higher energy efficiency and Plan to reduce energy consumption

The university has set objectives to enhance the energy efficiency of existing buildings. The Net-Zero Plan developed by the university includes 3 interim targets addressing energy efficiency:

Interim Target 1 (2026): Install solar panels on university buildings to generate 50% of the total energy demand on campus.
Interim Target 2 (2028): Increase energy efficiency by 20% through building retrofitting and technology upgrades.
Interim Target 3 (2030): Implement smart energy management systems to optimize energy consumption and reduce wastage.

Carbon reduction and emission reduction process

Bukhara State University measures the total carbon footprint using a methodology developed by the University of Indonesia. A dedicated team measures carbon footprint in metric tons by considering metrics of annual electricity usage, the number of shuttle buses travelling inside the campus, number of cars, and motorcycles entering the campus. Detailed calculations are provided below:

CO2 (electricity) = (electricity usage per year (kWh))/1000×0,84 = (1,445,359 kWh)/1000×0,84 = 1,214.101 metric tons
CO2 (bus) = (number of shuttle buses in your university × total trips for shuttle bus service each day ×approximate travel distance of vehicle each day inside campus only (KM) ×240)/100×0,01 = (0 ×0 × 5 × 240)/100×0,01 = 0 metric tons
CO2 (cars) = (number of cars entering your university × 2 × approximate travel distance of vehicle each day inside campus only (KM) ×240)/100×0,02 = (140 ×2 × 4 ×240)/100×0,02 = 53.76 metric tons
CO2 (motorcycle) = (number of motorcycles entering your university × 2 × approximate travel distance of vehicle each day inside campus only (KM) ×240)/100×0,01=(0 ×2 ×5 ×240)/100×0,01 = 0 metric tons
CO2 (total) = 1,214.101 + 0 + 53.76 + 0 = 1,267.861 metric tons

Also, the university is making strides to reduce carbon emissions on campus. Annually the population of the university participate in green activities addressing carbon emissions. These activities include tree planting, cycling to the campuses, using renewable energy, and restricting fuel cars from entering the campus.

In late autumn, academic staff and students plant drought-tolerant trees in vegetation areas of the campus to maintain air quality and facilitate the reduction of carbon emissions. Types of trees include pine, oak, mulberry, and juniper which stay green all year round and improve the air on the campus, despite the low water consumption.

Starting in May, the university leadership hold special monthly cycling events to encourage professors and students to commute to the university by bicycle and limit the emissions of harmful gases produced by vehicles.

In February 2023, Bukhara State University finished the installation of solar panels and launched the electricity supply. In total The solar panels generated 1075000 kWh which was 74% percent of total electricity usage in that year.

Stage	Building with solar panels	The energy produced per hour	Number of solar panels
1	Main building (main campus)	170 KWT/H	792
1	2^nd and 3^rd buildings (main campus)	270 KWT/H	792
2	Dormitory blocks (main campus)	565 KWT/H	1028
3	Agronomy faculty main building (agronomy and biotechnology campus)	80 KWT/H	145
	Total:	1085 KWT/H	1965 panels

Solar panel installations at Bukhara State University

Additionally, the university launched a special environmental program to protect its main campus from carbon dioxide from cars. The university provides a parking area and free charging stations for electric vehicles to promote sustainable transportation among the population.

Energy wastage identification

Regarding energy wastage, the overused source is detected with the use of electricity meters that are installed in all campus buildings. These electricity meters are connected to the software that monitors the use of light on the campus and identifies abnormal overuse of electricity.

Divestment policy

Bukhara State University strives to reduce its environmental impact by divesting funds from energy industries using fossil fuels. The university’s NET-Zero plan aims at three targets addressing Carbon Offset and removal including:

Interim Target 1 (2030): Invest in verified carbon offset projects to offset 10% of the university’s remaining emissions that cannot be reduced internally.
Interim Target 2 (2028): Implement afforestation and reforestation projects on campus and in nearby areas to sequester CO2.
Interim Target 3 (2030): Collaborate with research departments to explore and support cutting-edge carbon removal technologies.

Additionally, the university has developed a sustainable investment policy which addresses key areas while making decisions on investments including:

Identifying opportunities to invest in funds or companies that reduce carbon emissions, promote social responsibility, and address climate change solutions.
Supporting the University’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2045.
Actions that contribute to global progress toward Net Zero or similar strategies, safeguarding the environment, climate, and biodiversity.
Upholding human rights, including but not limited to gender, race, and religious equality.
Promoting good business ethics and employment practices.
Investing in and supporting community development.
Encouraging sustainable provision and procurement of essential resources and services.

Energy use density

Total electricity usage at Bukhara State University in 2023 was 1 443 336 kWh.

Local community outreach for energy efficiency

Located in one of the richest areas in sunlight, Bukhara State University emphasizes the use of renewable energy sources while addressing the energy shortage for the local community. The university carried out several activities to deliver the message about the importance of renewable energy sources.

The vice-rector for youth affairs, Amonov Azizbek’s article on the importance of the use of renewable energy in Bukhara was published in a public newspaper. The article puts forward the role of renewable energy sources as the population of the region is growing as well as the use of electricity by households.

On February 13, 2023, Professor Olimjon Toirov conducted course training in the installation of solar panels to provide practical support to all state and private universities of the Bukhara region. During the seminar, Professor Toirov emphasized the financial and environmental advantages of solar panels for universities. He noted that a higher percentage of the young generation in our country will enable the higher education industry to grow further, resulting in greater energy consumption. The use of solar power will not only reduce the environmental impact but also generate profit by selling excessive energy. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/26659

The university professors from the mathematics and physics faculty host pupils from local schools and share insights into renewable energy sources. On April 19 2023, pupils from the elementary schools No 12 and No 9 visited the faculty. They were introduced to the types of renewable energy, their operations, and laboratory equipment. The professors taught some tips on how mini solar panels can be used at home to get a small amount of electricity. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/31180

The university aims to provide enough educational resources for the university population and beyond through free access to the university library. The library has been equipped with state-of-the-art books and journal collections on various topics including renewable energy. As per university tradition, Doctor of Science in pedagogy and professor of the mathematics and physics faculty S. Qahhorov presented a great collection of books, textbooks and journals about the exploration of renewable energy. The university leadership recognized this activity as one of the largest contributions to the campus and beyond. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/31230

100% renewable energy pledge

Bukhara State University acknowledges that sustainability is the core concept around which societies in the future should develop. Hence, the promotion of renewable energy sources within and beyond the campus is one of the priorities of Bukhara State University toward building a sustainable community. The university makes strides to raise the community’s awareness of renewable energy sources through various activities.

So far Bukhara State University has been actively promoting the use of renewable energy sources by showcasing solar panel installations which were set up on 9 buildings on 2 campuses. The video about solar panels was broadcast on the official channel of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovations and national TV channels to promote their use nationwide and highlight the environmental and economic benefits for citizens and organizations. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/34271

A solar panel station was installed at the university entrance to supply a barrier, traffic light and a sidewalk with electricity. The banner of the frame of the station informs people about the amount of energy produced and the number of devices that are electrified with the installation. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/25771

A scientific conference on “Issues of modern physics” was held at the university on November 22, 2023. The conference was provided for local, national and global audiences and focused on technical aspects of renewable sources of energy that can fully cover household consumption. The experts shared their recent research outcomes and emphasized the areas of the consumer-focused renewable energy industry. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/28669

Energy efficiency services for the industry

Bukhara State University has performed several activities to reach energy efficiency on the campus and beyond by organizing workshops and researching renewable energy.

On 2 May 2023, the university held a workshop about energy efficiency which was organized in collaboration with regional prosecution, the regional department of justice, the regional department of gas supply, and the regional department of electricity supply. The workshop was attended by university staff and residents who received insights into how gas and electricity use can be efficiently minimized. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/43474

On 26 April 2024, the university hosted a scientific conference about “Green Economy, its Potential and regional characteristics”. The conference addressed several topics including:
- Global and regional problems of switching to green economics;
- Opportunities to develop bio and circular economy;
- Sustainable economics and innovations;
- The role of green economics technology in improving renewable energy sources
- Development in ecotourism through the enhancement of green economy. The conference was free to participate for local, national and global scholars who were willing to share the recent findings on the relevant topics and business entities interested in introducing green economy into their operations. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/42461

On 25-26 November 2023, Bukhara State University hosted the second international student leaders meeting addressing “Innovations, Impacts and Future Directions of Sustainable Universities”. The participants were split into groups and discussed topics about sustainable infrastructure, energy and climate change, water management, waste management, transportation, education and research. The event attracted students from Indonesia, Ecuador, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Uzbekistan who engaged in various activities including group discussions, problem-solving, challenging decision-making and a field trip. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/37462

Policy development for clean energy technology

Bukhara State University welcomes all government and non-government organizations to assist with clean energy and energy-efficient technology policy development.

On February 13, 2023, Professor Olimjon Toirov conducted course training in installing solar panels to provide practical support to all state and private organizations of the Bukhara region. During the seminar, Professor Toirov emphasized the financial and environmental advantages of solar panels for universities. He noted that a higher percentage of the young generation in our country will enable the higher education industry to grow further which will result in greater energy consumption. The use of solar power will not only reduce the environmental impact but also generate profit by selling excessive energy. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/29914
Professors of Economics and Tourism faculty had a business trip to Finland as part of the Erasmus+ program and participated in an event dedicated to the use of renewable energy sources. The Professors discussed the use of renewable energy in the farming industry and emphasized its economic benefits. Moreover, the professor gave some recommendations on the development of clean energy policy development by sharing the experience of Bukhara State University. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/26659

Assistance to low-carbon innovation

Bukhara State University actively supports start-ups that aim to develop technological solutions with reduced carbon emissions. The university supports students with innovative ideas to participate in competitions with monetary awards.

“The TechnoWays” marathon is a university competition in which students can participate in their scientific and innovative startup projects. the best three projects are granted with funds from the university budget. The marathon is aimed at stimulating scientific and technical creativity and inventiveness among the participants in the areas of scientific and innovative projects, increasing innovative activity and supporting the creation of new techniques, technologies and competitive products. https://t.me/buxdu_uz/38389

The university supports applications for the presidential tech award that funds the first three best projects. The President Tech Award is a competition for the best digital products in 5 main directions and 1 special direction. The purpose of this is to attract the attention of young people to the field of IT technologies and inspire them to create innovative solutions and developments that can compete in the global market. https://awards.gov.uz/president-tech-award/#home

In collaboration with The Innovative Development Agency, Bukhara State University organizes an annual competition named “Prospective Scholar”. This competition aims to support students with innovative ideas addressing fields such as renewable energy, educational technology, and learning game applications. https://innovation.gov.uz/en/contest/post-1675 https://t.me/buxdu_uz/47477

Energy Efficient Appliances Usage

Bukhara State University strives for sustainability within its academic and administrative systems. Building sustainable energy consumption is one of the priorities and major principles of sustainable actions. The university undertakes active usage of LED lamps, energy-saving computers, energy-saving air conditioners, motion-sensitive street lamps, and solar energy.

Appliance	Total Number	Total number energy Efficient appliances	Percentage
Motion-sensitive street lamps	150	130	87%
Air conditioning system with inverted technology	4	3	75%
Computers	1600	1250	78%
Energy-efficient air conditioners	125	73	58%
Entrance barriers	6	6	100%
Solar water heaters	40	40	100%
LED Lamps	31340	21540	69%
Energy efficient refrigerators	15	12	80%
		Average Percentage	78%