Gaborone – Integrated sustainability programme to save millions in utilities while expanding renewable energy capacity.

The University of Botswana (UB) is accelerating its transformation into one of Africa’s leading sustainable universities through a series of major environmental infrastructure projects under its Green Campus Programme.

The initiative includes a large-scale wastewater recycling project expected to save the University up to P2.4 million per month while enabling UB to recycle up to 85 percent of its wastewater for reuse across campus operations.

The project will significantly reduce UB’s reliance on potable water by treating wastewater to a standard suitable for reuse in landscaping, sanitation systems, and other operational needs.

University of Botswana Chief Operations Officer Mr. Dawid Katzke said the initiative is part of a broader institutional strategy to integrate sustainability, infrastructure innovation, and cost efficiency.

“Our goal is to position the University of Botswana as the first fully integrated Green Campus in Botswana and Africa by 2027. This means embedding sustainability into our infrastructure, operations, research, and teaching while simultaneously reducing costs and environmental impact,” said Mr Katzke.

The wastewater recycling project is being implemented through an international research collaboration involving the University of Botswana, the University of Johannesburg, and a partner research institution in Germany.

The collaboration focuses on advanced water purification technologies capable of treating wastewater to safe reuse standards. Renewable energy is another cornerstone of the University’s Green Campus strategy.

UB has already completed the first phase of its solar energy programme, which is currently generating 815 kilowatts of power for the campus.

The second phase of the programme will involve the construction of a ground-mounted solar plant expected to deliver a further 4.7 megawatts of renewable energy, significantly reducing the University’s dependence on conventional electricity sources.

In addition, the University has completed the first phase of a solar hot water system for student residences, with plans underway to convert all student accommodation facilities to solar-based water heating.

UB has also introduced water-saving technologies in its largest student residence block, achieving a 57 per cent reduction in water consumption compared to normal usage levels.

Importantly, these sustainability initiatives have been implemented through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models, allowing the University to deploy large-scale green infrastructure without requiring capital investment from its own budget.

Through these partnerships, UB is modernising its infrastructure while maintaining financial sustainability and directing resources toward its core academic and research mission.

The Green Campus Programme integrates renewable energy, water sustainability, waste reduction, climate-responsive infrastructure, and applied research into a single institutional framework.

As Botswana advances toward a knowledge-based, climate-resilient economy, the University of Botswana is positioning itself as a national demonstration site for sustainable innovation, demonstrating how universities can lead in addressing environmental challenges while improving operational efficiency.