Reducing Carbon Emissions: Strathmore University Contributions Towards Sustainable Development in Kenya

Abstract

Strathmore University is the first educational institution in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve a zero-carbon footprint. With 2,400 panels located on the roofs of six buildings, it is the largest rooftop solar installation in the region. Kenya sits on the equator and enjoys year-round insulation. Taking advantage of a green line of financial support created by the French Government, Strathmore embarked on a project to install a 600kW roof-top, grid-connected solar photovoltaic power system to cater for its electricity needs. The system is designed to produce more than the required self-consumption, hence the extra power is sold to the utility via a power purchase agreement. This investment in renewable energy confirms that universities can demonstrate leadership in the area of environment and energy. This paper describes the economic and social impact created by a university through greening its sources of energy.