Over the past two years, the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Department of Facilities Management has been working on an exciting project that will change how we all experience campus life. Under the leadership of UP Campus Architect Ané Wheeler and in collaboration with various partners – including the Department of Architecture, Zutari, ESRI and Plans123 – the University is moving towards a smarter, more efficient and sustainable future for everyone on campus.

At the heart of this transformation is the Digital Twin initiative, a project that will take our campus to the next level. By mid-2025, the pilot phase will be launched, which involves creating digital replicas of physical campus assets like buildings, electrical grids and green infrastructure. These real-time, virtual models will be integrated with the Internet of Things, and will allow us to remotely monitor and manage the campus in ways that make daily operations smoother and more efficient.

Imagine walking into a classroom where the air conditioning or lights can be remotely adjusted based on the occupancy of the room. That's just one example of how this technology will reduce energy wastage and streamline operations. Similarly, sensors installed on campus trees will notify the team when water or maintenance is needed, making it easier to maintain our green spaces.

This initiative goes beyond energy-saving measures. We are also improving how we manage campus data through the integration of geographic information systems and building information modelling. This means that instead of digging through countless folders or drives to find building or infrastructure information, everything will be centrally available and easily accessible. Plus, with real-time dashboards tracking campus activity, we can solve issues faster and allocate resources more effectively.

UP has already made strides with Digital Twins that have been developed for its Property Portfolio, Tree Inventory and Water & Electrical Distribution systems. Our water management system, for instance, now includes sensors that can detect leaks early, ensuring disruptions are minimised and resources are used wisely.

This transformation isn’t just about technology – it’s about making our campus smarter, greener and more responsive to the needs of students and staff. As part of the UP community, we can all take pride in being part of a university that’s not only leading in education but also shaping the future of campus life through innovation and sustainability.