The University of Mpumalanga (UMP), in collaboration with the Higher Education Facilities Management Association, hosted 265 participants (225 delegates and 40 invited guests) for the 2024 Higher Education Facilities Management Association of Africa (HEFMA) conference.
HEFMA conference serves as a platform for facilities management professionals within higher education, bringing together representatives from universities and TVET colleges to exchange knowledge and expertise. This was the first HEFMA conference that took place with the full participation of TVET colleges following their infusion into HEFMA earlier this year.
The four-day event, held at the Mbombela Campus, revolved around the theme: “Sustainable Campus of the Future,” inspired by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda, with speakers from the UK, Australia and across Africa.
Since the 2007/08 financial year, South Africa's higher education sector has invested more than R28 665 billion in new infrastructure development for universities. The HEFMA conference provided an opportunity for delegates to exchange best practices, benchmark with peers, and explore sustainable infrastructure solutions for the sector.
Opening the conference, the Dean of Students at UMP, Dr Paul Maminza, highlighted the importance of empowering facilities managers to build and maintain high-quality infrastructure.
“This conference aims to shape the future of campus management by equipping facilities managers to navigate the evolving higher education landscape and respond effectively to emerging challenges. Understanding the future requires us to anticipate the changing needs of students and institutions," he said.
This was the first year the panel discussions featured the participating universities' Vice-Chancellors as well as the TVET colleges' principals.
HEFMA President, Mr Lindokuhle Mzolo, stressed the role of the Department of Higher Education and Training in supporting infrastructure development across South African universities.
"Through the infrastructure and efficiency branch, introduced during the 2007/08 financial year, we have been addressing challenges in university infrastructure. There is a pressing need for sustainable, smart campuses, which aligns with this year’s theme. Collaboration with key stakeholders will help us explore effective solutions to these challenges,” he said.
A highlight of the conference was the presentation by Mr Ian Grimes, Director of Estates at the University of Hertfordshire and Chair-Elect of AUDE, on the role of facilities management in achieving carbon neutrality. Grimes emphasised the importance of three strategic principles: Electrify, Insulate, and Control.
He shared the University of Hertfordshire’s ambitious target of reducing carbon emissions by 100% by 2050, underscoring the significant investment required. “We have embarked on a 25-year journey, with £104 million allocated to system upgrades and infrastructure. This includes an annual investment of £2.5 million towards electrification and the integration of heat pumps,” Mr Grimes said.
Mr Grimes also noted that educating staff on carbon reduction is vital. “Many still don’t fully grasp the importance of cutting carbon emissions, but we’re making progress through controlled energy use and automation in facilities management,” he added.
During a panel discussion on the role of operational excellence and resilience in campus sustainability, UMP's Executive Director of Operations, Mr Richard Flame, shared insights into building a sustainable organisation.
Delegates were consistently engaged throughout the conference, with some of the key take homes being the essence of data-driven digitisation, the optimisation of utilities consumption, and the reduction of costs to improve institutions' self-sufficiency.
He stressed the importance of continuous improvement, aligning facilities management with sustainable business models, and fostering partnerships and innovation.
“We draw inspiration from COP27, which emphasises the need for organisations to adapt to climate realities. Assessing and improving supply chains is essential to ensuring comfortable living and operational resilience,” Mr Flame said.
He further outlined the three pillars of sustainability – environmental, social, and economic – and underscored the role of leadership, strategic planning, and performance evaluation in creating resilient and sustainable campuses.
Reflecting on architectural excellence and sustainability at UMP, Acting Director: PIMD at the University of Witwatersrand, Dr Ludwig Hansen, delivered an insightful presentation (titled: A Reflection on Growth and Future Plans) on the architectural design and development of the University of Mpumalanga, mentioning the establishment and growth of UMP.
Dr Hansen emphasised the strategic integration of stakeholders and the challenges faced during the development, including land assembly and infrastructure upgrades.
“Our approach focused on connectivity, sustainability, and the flexibility of implementation strategies, all while ensuring diversity in architectural design. Looking ahead, UMP is preparing for the next phase of campus development, which includes a major project on the West Campus, featuring the construction of a Great Hall and two academic buildings," he said.
The conference had engaging delegates and some key take homes included, the essence of data-driven digitisation, operationalising ESG framework for sustainability, optimisation of utilities consumption and reduction of costs to improve the self-sufficiency of institutions, and the global journey to Net Zero Carbon emissions.
The conference explored a range of key topics, including:
- Achieving Net Zero in Post-School Education Campuses
- Sustainable Utilities Management (Green Energy, Water & Waste Solutions)
- ESG Frameworks in University and College Facilities Management
- Integrating Sustainability into Master Planning
- Facilities Management’s Role in Sustainability, Resilience, and Adaptability
- Smart and Sustainable Campuses
- Sustainable Soft Services (cleaning, hygiene, gardening, groundskeeping, etc.)
- Scenario Planning for Sustainable Higher Education Institutions
- Sustainable Maintenance Practices
HEFMA conference concluded with a session on Sustainable Campus: A Student Accommodation Perspective, presented by Mr Pieter Kloppers, President of ACUHO-I, followed by a campus tour. Delegates then enjoyed an afternoon outing to the Kruger National Park.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures JB Cinema Creative.