The world is a lovely place - but at the rate mankind uses our natural resources, we'll run out before the earth has had time to regenerate. Besides rapidly dwinding non-renewable resources, our surrent use of fossil fuels has devastating effects on the environment. If I can't convince you, see if the clip below can:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rest of the world aside, we have our own energy shortage problems here in South Africa. Five years after the infamous 2008 blackouts that announced the crisis to the world, Eskom is still struggling to produce enough electricity to meet the country's demanding energy needs. In May 2013, Eskom reported reserve margins as low as 0.7%.

 

But why UCT?

As educational institutions that have the nation’s young and brightest in its palm, universities have the power to inculcate a culture of energy conservation stemming purely from a desire to maintain a sustainable environment and (in our case) helping the country during this period of energy uncertainty.

 

UCT is a signatory to various declarations pledging to commit to environmental sustainability. As the top university in Africa, it has considerable potential to inlfuence other institutions across the continent. Indeed, in a visit to South Africa in May 2013, David Bartlett - dubbed "the Building Whisperer" for his insight into reducing power usage of buildings - stated that “Universities are the natural game changer (towards more sustainable cities) because they are able to think horizontally and they hold a trusted position in cities. Their agenda is to help move things forward. I see the University of Cape Town and the City of Cape Town as being the next big story.”