Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) has a comprehensive energy efficiency plan in place aimed at reducing overall energy consumption across its campus. This plan is embodied in the Sustainable Energy Management System (SEMS), which has been actively implemented since 2015. The SEMS framework is structured around seven key elements: policy, organization, human resource development, operation and control, effective maintenance, budget and investment, and planning and recognition.
UTeM’s energy policy is endorsed by top-level management and embedded within its strategic planning. The university has established a multi-tiered energy management committee structure, including the Executive Council chaired by the Vice Chancellor, to oversee and support SEMS implementation. To realize the UTeM SEMS well functions, the UTeM’s Energy Committee performs some action plans to be followed by all individuals in UTeM (Figure 2). Among the action plans include developing energy conservation culture in the campus community, conducting training, awareness programs, and creating an Energy Awards Scheme.
For the last two years, energy consumption remained relatively stable at about 12 million kWh, but the efficiency improved significantly. The reduction percentage increased from 24.0% to 29.6%, showing stronger energy-saving measures and better operational performance in the latter period as shown in Figure 2.
The university has invested significantly in energy-saving measures, totaling over MYR 5 million in 2024. These investments include retrofitting chillers with variable speed drive (VSD) technology, and replacing conventional lighting with energy-efficient LED systems.
UTeM also integrates non-investment strategies such as awareness programs, training, and operational adjustments to further enhance energy efficiency as displayed in Figure 3.
In recognition of its efforts, UTeM has received the 3-Star Energy Management Gold Standard (EMGS) Certification and continues to promote replicable models and technologies, such as the MaPTeP assessment matrix and the OptiDR Simulator with Cooling Energy Management System. These initiatives demonstrate UTeM’s strong institutional commitment to sustainable energy practices and its proactive approach to reducing energy consumption campus-wide.
a – existence of plan
Program 1: Optimum baseload energy consumption during pandemic condition.
The baseload percentage previously above than 20% just for the safety purpose. The management agreed to rescheduled the lighting operation while maintening the standard of lux level.
Program 2: Optimum chiller scheduling.
The maximum demand charge still high during less staff and students due to centralize chiller operation. The optimum operation scheduling of chiller has been done by using optimization algorithm such as Particle Swarm Optimization under simulation program. Once, optimum loadd profile was concluded, the real implemention will be conducted. The operation of the chillers also follow the OPTR tariff scheme, where the value of load factor should be improved to enjoy price reduction by energy provider.
Program 3: Dust filter monitoring.
AHU dust monitoring has been installed to monitor level of dust so that the clean air circulation would be supplied to the end user.
Program 4 : Variable Speed Drive (VSD) at AHU -Library
Installation of variable speed drive (VSD) at AHUs unit. To control the speed drive of the motor where the energy can be optimally consumed. The AHU represents almost 15% of total energy consumption in the university. The innovative project of VSD installation at strategic buildings will be able to avoid about 60% energy waste for the AHU system in UTeM
Program 5 : Chiller Retrofitting at 2 building
Innovation on Energy Efficiency Chillers retrofitting program.
The chillers system present almost 60% energy consumption breakdown in the university. The replacement of the old type chiller with good scheduling of replacement can contribute to optimal investment cost while mitigate the appropriate energy consumption stratetically. In UTeM, the inverter type of chillers have been replaced in staged period within 2 years with total
budget of MYR 9Million.
Installation, heat insulation, cladding wrap, padang pressure gauge and thermometer
Connect power supply to chiller, electrical wiring and automatic wiring to pump and cooling tower
The replacement of new chiller
