A Framework for a Sustainable and Energy-Efficient University Computing Laboratory

Both carbon footprint and energy consumption remain major global concerns. From this perspective, the current paper aims to design and implement a sustainable, energy-efficient laboratory to reduce carbon emissions and save energy. Furthermore, to emphasize the concept of green computing, the study targeted the Faculty of Information Technology at the University of Benghazi, Libya, as a case study in a large institution intended to serve as a model for others. The proposed system integrates an IoT-based monitoring framework—including ESP8266 microcontrollers, DHT11 sensors, photoresistors, and smart plugs—combined with a solar photovoltaic (PV) power solution consisting of twenty unshaded solar panels with a 30-year lifetime. Within this framework, a green computer laboratory was designed under environmentally friendly specifications to enhance sustainability through automation and intelligent energy management. The results indicated that the total saved carbon emissions reached 436.2 tCO₂ over 30 years, while the performance ratio achieved 86.6%, confirming the system’s high efficiency and its potential to serve as a benchmark for future sustainable initiatives in educational institutions.