Student Innovation Drives Smart Energy Future at University of Wolverhampton

The University of Wolverhampton’s Sustainability Department and Centre for Cyber Resilience and Artificial Intelligence (CYBRAI) recent partnership has led to the creation of an energy consumption dashboard for the Walsall Campus. This initiative lays the foundation for the University’s upcoming Living Lab and broader decarbonisation strategy. 

The four-month collaboration was part of an MSc Artificial Intelligence project undertaken by student Olawumi Tomiwa Loye. Working closely with the University’s sustainability team and under the mentorship of Prof Zeeshan Pervez, Professor of Cyber Security (School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematical Sciences), Olawumi designed a tool to analyse energy usage and forecast demand across the campus. The project earned her a well-deserved distinction. 

The dashboard provides interactive insights into energy demand trends, peak usage times, and opportunities for improving energy efficiency through AI driven insights and predictions. It draws on real-time and historical data from building management systems, and consumption details offering a clear visual narrative of the campus's energy footprint. 

 Olawumi said: “The goal was to create something practical that the University could continue using, not just an academic exercise.  

“Understanding how, when, and where energy is used is the first step in making meaningful sustainability improvements. I’m incredibly proud to contribute to a project that has real-world impact, and I’m grateful for the support and guidance from Prof. Pervez and the sustainability team.”  

 Prof. Pervez, who supervised the project, praised both Olawumi’s commitment and the strategic relevance of the work. “This kind of collaboration is what the University of Wolverhampton is all about, bringing together academic inquiry, operational insight, and innovative thinking. It provides the opportunities for students to apply their acquired knowledge on real life challenges that organisations and institutions face and empower the students with the skillsets required to resolve them.” 

The collaboration comes at a pivotal time, as the University prepares to launch a Living Lab at the Walsall Campus, supported by a government grant as part of an £11.2 million heat electrification project. The Living Lab will serve as hands-on research and learning space where students, staff, and external partners can test and trial sustainable technologies, systems, and behaviours in a real-world environment. 

As the University of Wolverhampton continues its commitment to sustainability and low-carbon innovation, initiatives like this not only enhance campus operations but also enrich student experience by bridging the gap between theory and practice. 

The dashboard will continue to evolve with new data inputs and user feedback and will serve as a vital asset in supporting the University’s wider climate goals. 

• Read more about the launch of Centre for Cyber Resilience and Artificial Intelligence (CYBRAI) here 
• Read more about the Walsall Decarbonisation Project here  

For anyone interested in studying courses at the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, visit our website or book a place for one of our forthcoming Open Days.