The University of the South Pacific (USP) is set to launch an innovative pilot green campus in Fiji, focusing on utilizing ocean thermal energy and other renewable resources. This ambitious project is funded by the Korea Research Institute of Ships and Ocean Engineering (KRISO) and will involve collaboration with various national and regional agencies and non-governmental organizations.
Project coordinator and USP academic, Professor M Rafiuddin Ahmed, highlighted the urgency of the initiative, particularly given the high electricity consumption associated with traditional air conditioning systems in the Pacific’s tropical climate. “The first phase includes establishing a Sustainable Seawater Utilisation Academy in Suva, where we will conduct capacity-building programs to train young Engineering and Science graduates on sustainable seawater utilization for energy, water, and food security,” he explained.
Additionally, the project will assess local demand for energy, water, and food, specifically targeting the USP Laucala campus to estimate the region’s carbon balance. In its final phase, the project aims to implement a seawater-based cooling system in a marine building at USP’s Lower Campus, which promises to significantly reduce electricity consumption for air conditioning and lower carbon emissions, capitalizing on a technology that avoids contributing to harmful emissions.
One of the project’s key components is to educate and empower regional undergraduate and postgraduate students, equipping them with the skills necessary to replicate similar sustainable projects in their own countries. This effort underscores USP’s commitment to building regional capacity in addressing current challenges while leveraging new opportunities.
This initiative aligns with a broader trend in the Pacific region towards sustainable practices, as seen in similar projects like the Centre for Sustainable Futures established by USP, designed to bolster climate change research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Efforts such as these are vital in driving forward a collective response to the climate crisis while fostering education and equitable growth across Pacific Island nations.
Overall, the launch of this green campus not only represents a significant step towards reducing environmental impact but also offers a beacon of hope, inspiring future generations to embrace sustainable practices and solutions in their communities.
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