Abstract
This study focused on developing a sustainability project carried out in 11 Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Goiás (IFG) campuses wherein energy efficiency and distributed generation actions were developed. Energy consumption was optimized by retrofitting the lighting system, installing a photovoltaic (PV) generation system, quantifying the building efficiency, energy monitoring, training, and qualification, and focusing on the efficient use of electric energy. We first present the Brazilian legislation that regulates the Research and Development Program in the electric energy sector. Then, we describe the case study that was applied to the educational institution. In the lighting system, 18,377 inefficient lamps were replaced by lamps with more efficient technology, with an energy saving of 867.9 MWh/year and a peak demand reduction of 309.6 kW. The proposed generation system aimed to install 3076 PV modules on the roofs of selected campus buildings, totaling 1 MWp of installed power with an average annual power generation of 1736.9 MWh/year. The total project investment was USD 1,348,768.50 and the overall cost–benefit ratio of the project was 0.68, which will result in annual savings of approximately USD 197,321.85. This corresponded to a 58% reduction in energy bills. The project proposed in this work was considered technically and economically viable within the scope of the Brazilian Energy Efficiency Program.
Highlights
Current energy challenges have occupied a prominent space in the discussions on the environment while providing a broader view of the economic and social aspects associated with sustainability
The efficiency projects (EEPROJ) was held on 11 Institute of Goiás (IFG) campuses located in the following cities: Jataí, Uruaçu, Itumbiara, Anápolis, Águas Lindas, Goiás, Formosa, Luziânia, Aparecida de Goiânia, Senador Canedo, and Valparaíso
The possibility of replicating the project to other teaching units and other public institutions was decisive in choosing the IFG as a case study, as it maximizes the process of transforming the electricity market, stimulating the development of new technologies, and the creation of efficient energy use habits
Summary
Current energy challenges have occupied a prominent space in the discussions on the environment while providing a broader view of the economic and social aspects associated with sustainability. The high cost of fossil energy supplies and concerns regarding climate change resulting from global warming, which are attributed mainly to the production and consumption of energy, have brought new and consistent arguments that justify a more careful analysis regarding the balance between energy supply and demand. In this scenario, the efficient use of electricity is an important aspect in meeting demand, contributing to energy security, lower tariffs, economic competitiveness, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions [2].
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