Page 32 - Thetha Issue 6

SUSTAINABILITY

Living, breathing, teaching,

researching sustainability

George Campus is the University’s living and learning Sustainability Futures Hub that connects
terrestrial and marine environments, and boasts a fast-growing contingent of postgraduate
students attracted to its emphasis on relationships between people, natural resources and the
environment. By Dr Kaluke Mawila, George Campus Principal.

overing 85 hectares Renewable Energy Strategy section, with solar geysers and heat pumps
surrounded by a mosaic a solar-PV plant of ± 280 kW was replacing electric geysers.
of forestry plantations, approved in March 2022 and will
indigenous fynbos and be installed in 2023/4 at a cost of A culture of service
Cforests, and located R3.8-million. It is essential that staff and students
at the foot of the Outeniqua The campus has grown in all disciplines understand the
Mountains, it is a natural meeting considerably over the past few importance of contributing to a
point for several contrasting biomes. years, which called for additional sustainable environment.
We live, breathe, teach and student accommodation. The new George Campus engages with
research sustainability here, and the 198-bed residence was designed local schools, businesses, citizens,
reception area of my office displays with sustainability principles in mind, government and conservation
the energy and sustainability drive including split water reticulation with organisations in a range of social
on campus, including the harvesting a borehole providing water for the sustainability initiatives, such as the
of rainwater and recycling of organic toilets, and energy-efficient lighting. food garden project at the prison in
plant waste for the gardens. Former staff houses have also George, enabled by the Department
As part of the University’s been converted into student ones, of Correctional Services. All our

32 | Thetha Edition 6 | 2022