Saving energy through efficient systems integration
Taking advantage of the Integrated KAUST Automation system ( IKAS ), the FM O & M team has successfully implemented an innovative scheduling of heating , ventilation and air conditioning ( HVAC ) in all mosques at KAUST in 2022 .
The Integrated KAUST Automation System ( IKAS ) is a powerful platform that mitigates energy inefficiency by monitoring and controlling all systems , including the building automation ( HVAC ), lighting and power monitoring and fire alarm from all KAUST buildings , and toxic gas monitoring systems from the KAUST labs
IKAS
By linking IKAS to a prayer time open API , the HVAC system is able to run autonomously and turn ON a few minutes before and during prayer times , and adjust to a higher temperature once prayers are finished . The measure optimized HVAC running times by 38 %, which translates into significant energy savings .
Fiscal year 2021 / 2022 vs previous year
- 2.3 %
energy consumption in all KAUST
-3 %
energy consumption on KAUST community
-1 %
energy consumption on KAUST campus
-4 %
energy consumption in Plant operations
Award-winning teams in energy management
In October 2022 , KAUST received the Product or Service Development Award at the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management ( IWFM ) Impact Awards . The team was distinguished thanks to the KAUST Facilities Management Business Intelligence Dashboards ( KFM-BI ), an integrative tool that includes dedicated dashboards to facility ’ s performance , including energy monitoring and consumption .
According to the organizer , it was the first time a Saudi institution won a facilities management award in the UK , showcasing KAUST ’ s commitment to be a leader in efficient energy management in its operations .
7.3 ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH
Advocating for a Green Hydrogen Economy
KAUST has participated in the 2022 edition of the Future Investment Initiative ( FII ) conference with the theme Investing in Humanity : Enabling a New Global Order . The university was featured in panel discussions and organized a pavilion at the premises to showcase its research and innovation , including in clean energy and new fuels . Of note , KAUST faculty from the Clean Combustion Center have moderated a KAUST-organized panel discussion entitled “ The Hydrogen Economy : solution or illusion ” that counted with the participation of an industry leader , a youth activist , a government representative and green energy policy expert . The discussion revolved around the challenges and opportunities for green hydrogen to lead the path of global decarbonization .
KAUST panel Hydrogen Economy : Solution or Illusion at FII 2022
Hydrogen-based Mobility and Power
Delegates from academia , government laboratories , and industry were invited to attend KAUST ’ s Research Conference on
‘ Hydrogen-Based Mobility and Power ’ hosted and organized by the Clean Combustion Research Center ( CCRC ) in October 2022 .
The conference focused on main topics related to hydrogen power and infrastructure , namely the use of hydrogen and ammonia for mobility and power generation , production and availability of hydrogen and ammonia with zero carbon impact , and infrastructure and distribution of hydrogen and ammonia . Running over three full days , the event fomented discussion around the challenges of realizing an infrastructure for carbon-free fuels , including containing , transporting , and transferring them from infrastructure to vehicles , ways of production with little to no climate impact , and the best way to ensure that there is a coupling of demand and supply such that one does not outstrip the other .
Hydrogen Based Mobility and Power conference
19 | KAUST SDG HIGHLIGHT REPORT