From left Reuben Henderson, Paul van Tuel, Christina Mualia-Lima, Shane Jenkins, Nicola Walmsley and Leah McKay
Otago’s Energy Analytics programme was the supreme winner at the Tertiary Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Excellence Awards in Auckland.
In addition to taking the supreme award, the programme won the Excellence in Technology Innovation Award.
Over the past few years, the programme was introduced in seven buildings on the Dunedin campus, which were identified for the greatest potential energy savings: the Mellor Laboratories, Dental School, Information Services Building, School of Business, William James building, St David II and the Lindo Ferguson building.
The University currently has a $12 million energy budget and the programme is helping to reduce energy costs by around 12 per cent per annum. Energy analytics has enabled the programme to gain an understanding of energy use in some of the University’s major buildings and not only reduce use and breakdowns, but to improve customer service and satisfaction in these buildings.
University Energy and Building Controls Manager Shane Jenkins says the win was a joint effort supported by many of the University’s staff.
“To be judged the winner in this category, considering the calibre of the other outstanding finalists, left me truly humbled. What's even more inspiring is that we clinched the supreme award!
“This recognition reaffirms the commitment to innovation at our University, where creativity and forward-thinking are deeply valued. It's not just an honour for me but a testament to the incredible team I have the privilege to work with.
“I am immensely proud to be part of a community that places innovation at the forefront of everything we do, and to have it acknowledged by other technologists is a moment I'll cherish forever.
“Finally, from a project point of view, Ria van den Berg was the Project Manager and without her the whole thing would have just been another good idea that didn’t come to fruition.”
University Director Property Services Dean Macaulay says, “I am so proud of our Energy and Building Controls Manager Shane Jenkins and the ICT team for this wonderful achievement and recognition. It has been such a pleasure watching your career growth since moving into the role and I cannot think of a more worthy recipient for this award. Well done!”
Director Information Technology Services Mike Harte says, “the Property Services and ITS teams worked collaboratively together to deliver an amazing result.”
Mr Jenkins says Canadian energy management company CopperTree Analytics supplies the University’s data analytics solution via its Kaizen Fault Detection and Diagnostics System.
The three major buildings which will be added to the programme this year are Te Rangihīroa College, the Eccles building and the Plaza building.
In the future its hoped that via the internet of things energy analytics can be applied to a wider range of University buildings.
- Kōrero by Kerry Dohig, Communications Adviser (Projects)