In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, Jerudong International School (JIS) has launched Brunei’s first major solar energy installation, marking a significant step in the country’s renewable energy landscape.
Located in Jerudong, Brunei, JIS has completed the installation of over 600 solar panels across key campus buildings. This initiative, announced during the school’s Earth Week celebrations, aims to generate approximately 600,000 kilowatt-hours (KWh) of clean energy annually. The panels are strategically positioned atop structures like the eLearning Centre, lecture theatre, and sports complex, maximizing solar efficiency.
Supported by Berakas Power Company Sdn Bhd and Serikandi Group of Companies, JIS has implemented a state-of-the-art solar photovoltaic (PV) system designed to operate efficiently over a 25-year span. This collaboration underscores the school’s commitment to long-term environmental sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.
The launch ceremony, held at the JIS Arts Centre, featured speeches from notable figures in the energy sector. Participants included Leon Liew Chee Ing from Solarvest Holdings Bhd, Shirley Sikun from the Prime Minister’s Office, and Dato Paduka Awang Jamain Julaihi from Serikandi Group of Companies. Their discussions highlighted the importance of renewable energy adoption and its implications for future generations.
The event also served as a platform to inspire youth involvement in sustainability efforts. Approximately 100 students from local schools attended, engaging in discussions about the role of solar energy in Brunei’s evolving energy landscape.
Aligned with national goals, JIS initiated the Solar PV Project in the 2021-2022 academic year, formalizing its commitment in 2023. This initiative resonates with Brunei’s ambition to increase solar power capacity to 200 megawatts by 2025, aiming for solar energy to constitute 30% of the national energy mix by 2035.
To foster community engagement, JIS plans to display real-time data on energy production and carbon savings from the solar panels across campus. This initiative includes metrics such as CO2 emissions reduced, equivalent coal saved, and the number of trees required to absorb equivalent CO2 amounts.
Moreover, JIS has earned recognition for its environmental stewardship through initiatives like the Global Eco Schools Green Flag Award. These efforts encompass diverse projects such as reforesting a 10,000m² Outdoor Discovery Centre, rainwater harvesting, and paper recycling in collaboration with EnEvo Sdn Bhd.
Principal Nicholas Sheehan emphasized JIS’s dedication to instilling sustainability values in students, stating, “Our goal is to lead by example, advocating for eco-friendly practices not only within our campus but also throughout our community and beyond. Protecting our planet is a global responsibility, and JIS is committed to playing a pivotal role in that mission.”
