Sustainable Development

There are a range of programmes at Stellenbosch University that contribute towards SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and Goal 7: Environmentally sustainable climate resilient economies and communities. For more information, see the Division of Social Impact’s Platform for SDG 6.  

Climate change is driving significant shifts in global weather patterns, with the Western Cape increasingly experiencing severe environmental impacts such as intensified droughts and floods. These conditions demand the development of resilient systems capable of adapting to changing weather dynamics. The environmental team at SU’s Facilities Management (SUFM) have placed a firm focus on Water management in our Environmental Sustainability Plan (2022-2025).

SU, a significant consumer of potable water, accounts for approximately 10% of the Stellenbosch Municipality’s total usage, consuming around 2,000 klℓ daily. However, SU has achieved a 50% reduction in potable water consumption compared to 2015 through measures such as optimising water use, installing efficient fittings, and incorporating alternative water sources. The severe drought from 2016 to 2018 prompted SU to implement a comprehensive drought response plan, taking proactive measures to mitigate water scarcity and ensure sustainable water supply across all its campuses.

Water Extraction

Bore holes for water are registered with the South African Department of Water and Sanitation. A Water Use License dictates how much water may be extracted per borehole. The University is required to monitor and analyse the borehole water supply on an ongoing basis to ensure that it does not extract more water than is sustainable. Water is extracted from rivers during winter months only, and the quota allowed is determined by the Water Board to ensure that SU does not use more than its fair share. A state-of-the-art grey water treatment plant on the main campus has added an 83% saving on municipal water usage in its first year of operations alone by producing reusable water for flushing and irrigation at our residences, one of the largest of its kind in South Africa. A similar system at the Tygerberg campus also yields good water savings.

SUFM, as part of the major stakeholders in the town of Stellenbosch forms part of the Lower Eerste River  working group. It measures and manages the water usage and some of our water treatment processes across our campuses, using municipal resources, as well as our own.

Water consumption per person

• Whole university?
• Partial measurement?

Water consumption per person

• Volume of water used in the university: Inbound (treated/extracted water)
• Campus population = 36350

Bore holes for water are registered with the South African Department of Water and Sanitation. A Water Use License dictates how much water may be extracted per borehole. The University is required to monitor and analyse the borehole water supply on an ongoing basis to ensure that it does not extract more water than is sustainable. Water is extracted from rivers during winter months only, and the quota allowed is determined by the Water Board to ensure that SU does not use more than its fair share. A state-of-the-art grey water treatment plant on the main campus has added an 83% saving on municipal water usage in its first year of operations alone by producing reusable water for flushing and irrigation at our residences, one of the largest of its kind in South Africa. A similar system at the Tygerberg campus also yields good water savings.  

SUFM measures and manages the water usage and some of our water treatment processes across our campuses, using municipal resources, as well as our own. 

Water consumption per person  

• Whole university? 

• Partial measurement? 

Water consumption per person 

• Volume of water used in the university: Inbound (treated/extracted water) 

• Campus population = 36350 

Water discharge management 

The ESP Theme on Water speaks to the overarching aim to conserve potable and irrigation water by reducing, reusing and exploring alternative water sources and providing a water management plan for all campuses. Stormwater is captured in tanks or dams to be reused on campus or cleaned up before slowly releasing it into the local rivers. Stellenbosch University has a Storm Water Management Plan mandated by the GBCSA (Green Building Council South Africa) that outlines the measures that are in place to ensure that water runoff from SU campuses is as free as possible of pollution to protect the water quality of the surrounding environment. Additionally, the University launched several initiatives to conserve water. For example, grey water from showers is treated and reused to flush toilets.  

Preventing water system pollution  

The Management of Hazardous Waste Products Policy outlines Stellenbosch University’s responsibility regarding the production, use and disposal of hazardous waste. Wastewater and effluent from kitchens, filtration plants, and cellars on campus are cleaned using different types of fat traps and specialised filters before being released into the sewer systems. To ensure that we adhere to the regulations, SU implemented a program of testing and submits samples to the Department of Water Affairs and the municipality regularly. 

Water reuse  

As part of the GBCSAhttps://www.sans10400.co.za/energy-usage/ certification, sustainable procurement guidelines were developed, approved, and implemented at SU. Water reuse at SU is also governed by the GBCSA regulation undersigned by the Property Services arm of Facilities Management. Water use and reuse is monitored across campus and annual patterns and savings are noted in the 2023 Environmental Sustainability Report (page 14 – 20). 

According to the ESP Theme on Sustainable Buildings, new buildings at SU must be designed to reduce the environmental impact of our construction, refurbishment, and operations. These buildings are designed to obtain at least a GBCSA four-star rating and be certified as having a minimal and measurable impact on the natural environment to minimise water and electricity usage. SU also adheres to the South African National Standards (SANS) building regulations alongside the National Water Act’s national norms and standards for domestic water and sanitation water discharge. The new Jan Mouton Learning Centre , which opened in 2021, has a greywater system serving the ablutions to decrease water use in the building in the long term, as per the SANS building regulations as well as those of the GBCSA.  The building also harvests rain and groundwater. The Biomedical Research Institute housed at the Tygerberg campus is also rated four stars by the GBCSA and boasts a host of features that contribute to this green rating. 

Free drinking water on campus 

Stellenbosch University is dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to safe, free, drinking water. Tap water supplied by the Municipality is safe to drink in Stellenbosch. As part of the welcoming programme, each first year student is given a reusable water bottle, forming part of the education programme to help students live sustainably on campus. Stellenbosch University Facilities Management is involved in establishing special water stations across campus to provide safe drinking water to staff, students, and visitors.  

Water conscious planting  

The University’s ESP Theme for biodiversity and land use acknowledges that SU operates in the Cape Floral Kingdom and we have a responsibility to create sustainable landscapes that conserve our natural biodiversity. The first ESP target sets out the plan to convert 90% of new landscaping to vegetation resilient to environmental change and improves biodiversity. The University also regularly removes alien invasive species to lessen the burden on our water resources and reduce the risk of fires. Various further measures to preserve our naturally water-wise plant growth in the Western Cape can be found under SDG 15, Life on Land. 

Conscious water usage on campus 

The University has also installed signage, systems, and education programmes to help students and staff conscious water usage on campus and at home. Following the Day-Zero scenario in the Western Cape in 2016/17 a reduction in water consumption was made by students and staff, while water-wise landscapes were planted, At the height of the crisis SU reduced water consumption by 45% overall, equipment installed in kitchens and residences saves 20-30% potable water and the potable water demand to be reduced by 63%. Many of these practices and systems are still in use and being carried forward, for example:  

• Water-efficient equipment, such as water-saving shower heads, tap aerators and toilet cistern displacement devices used on all campuses. 

• Landscape areas are designed to retain water, which enables the absorption and storage of water. 

• Water-hardy plant species, including local endemic species that require less water, are systematically planted, and as part of the Cape Floral Kingdom it creates a pleasing environment.  

• Rain water is collected and used in specific areas on campus. 

• Water leakages are reported, actioned and repaired by the Water Warrior team. 

• Irrigation with potable water is reduced. 

In 2010, SU established the Water Institute (SUWI) to tackle South Africa’s water-related challenges. The SUWI still harnesses the expertise of SU’s leading scientists today to conduct multi-disciplinary research, working closely with industry and government partners. These collaborations address water challenges, facilitate technology transfer, and develop essential human capital. 

In 2023, the SUWI launched two initiatives to train and upskill water industry trainers and create collaborative opportunities between the government, agricultural or water industry, and academia:  

Strengthening water-smart agriculture skills in South Africa 

SUWI and Faculty of Agrisciences, with Maastricht School of Management, held a workshop to present the findings on a programme to boost climate- and water-smart agriculture skills in South Africa (17 March 2023). This project aims to strengthen the skills of Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) staff and students in water use and climate-smart agriculture. Achievements include developing student learning materials, offsetting up three high-tech greenhouses, and launching a Cloud-based Moodle e-learning platform. The project also led to agreements between academia, government and the agricultural industry. 

Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in Water 

The first regional Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in Water was launched on the 23rd of May. This is the first initiative outside the EU of the Platform CoVE in Water, established to upskill water sector professionals. Through the CoVE partnerships between Universities and TVET colleges, the private sector, and government will be strengthened. Outcomes include collaborating with TVET institutions to expose them to the latest research, increasing training relevance to the labour market, and improving graduates’ employment prospects. 

Short Courses for practitioners 

The SUWI offers two certified short courses. The first, Water Treatment Process Management at Water Works, focuses on the core principles and management concepts of water and wastewater treatment, equipping tutors, trainers, engineers, and government officials with the knowledge to select and apply these processes effectively. The second course, Water Quality Management and Risk Assessments at Water Works, is designed for water professionals to coordinate and implement risk-based water safety and operational activities.  

Resilient Waters programme  

The Resilient Waters programme ran from 2018 to 2023, focusing on enhancing resilience and water security in Southern African communities and ecosystems. The CST (Centre for Sustainability Transitions) at SU was a key knowledge partner during the programme funded by USAID. 

During the programme, the researchers worked with regional institutions, river basin organisations, conservation agencies, national governments, and local communities to strengthen institutions, improve information systems, and promote sustainable natural resource management. CST’s contributions included co-developing resilience dialogues, a webinar series, supervising and training students, and creating two online courses on UNESCO Open Learning. They also made two online portals for easy access to resilience materials. 

ACEWATER Project 

SU leads a collaborative effort in transboundary water management with the ACEWATER III project (Africa Centres of Excellence in Water III), running from 2023 to 2027. The €5 million initiative, funded by the European Commission, aims to boost collaboration for water management in Africa via STI research. SU, with 20 partners across AUDA-NEPAD networks, will build on the previous ACEWATER II projects.  

The projects will benefit the management of water resources in Africa via research, training, short exchanges, and engagement with WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) stakeholders, including policymakers. By generating knowledge, building capacity, and enhancing collaboration, it will aid sustainable water management and better livelihoods. SU’s lead role highlights its commitment to Africa’s WASH challenges, driving positive change and a sustainable future through its expertise and partnerships. 

ACEWATER is coordinated by the secretariat for AUDA-NEPAD SANWATCE (African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development, Southern Africa Network of Water Centres of Excellence), the project follows on ACEWATER II and is based at the CCA (SUI).