7.2.1

Energy-Efficient Renovation and Building Policy

Preamble

The University of Thessaly (UTh) is committed to integrating energy efficiency and sustainability principles into all renovation, refurbishment, and new building projects. This policy establishes the institutional framework for planning, designing, and executing energy-conscious construction across all campuses, in alignment with national and European directives on sustainable building and climate neutrality.

Purpose

This policy aims to:

Ensure that all new and renovated buildings meet high energy-efficiency standards;
Promote the use of renewable energy technologies and sustainable materials;
Reduce the University’s carbon footprint and operational energy demand;
Integrate climate-resilient and low-impact design practices in all infrastructure projects;
Align the University’s built environment strategy with SDG 7 (Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Legal and Strategic Framework

This policy is based on and compliant with:

Law 4957/2022, Articles 87–88 (University sustainability and infrastructure obligations);
Law 4122/2013 (transposing EU Directive 2010/31/EU on the Energy Performance of Buildings);
Law 4342/2015 (transposing EU Directive 2012/27/EU on Energy Efficiency);
Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 (European Climate Law – carbon neutrality by 2050);
National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP);
University of Thessaly’s Strategic Sustainability Framework 2030.

Scope

This policy applies to:

All new constructions, major renovations, and building maintenance projects across the University’s campuses;
All design, planning, and procurement processes involving infrastructure or energy systems;
All academic and administrative units involved in project development or facility management.

Policy Statement

The University commits to:

Energy Performance Standards: All new and renovated buildings must comply with the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulation (KENAK). Designs shall aim to exceed the minimum national energy class requirements, targeting Class A or above. Energy audits will be conducted before and after renovation to ensure measurable performance improvement.
Sustainable Design and Construction: Architectural and engineering designs must integrate bioclimatic principles, including natural ventilation, daylight optimization, and thermal insulation. Preference will be given to low-carbon, locally sourced, and recyclable materials. All construction projects must include a Sustainability Impact Assessment at the design stage.
Renewable Energy Integration: Solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal panels, and other renewable technologies shall be incorporated wherever technically feasible. New buildings will be pre-equipped for future renewable installations (e.g., conduits, roof load capacity). The University will prioritize hybrid systems combining renewable and conventional energy sources.
Smart and Efficient Systems: Installation of smart meters, energy management systems, and occupancy-based controls will be mandatory for all new and majorly renovated buildings. Heating, ventilation, and lighting systems will be designed for maximum energy efficiency. Preference will be given to BMS (Building Management Systems) that integrate energy monitoring and automation.
Retrofitting and Upgrading Existing Buildings: The University will progressively renovate existing structures to reduce energy loss through insulation, window replacement, and HVAC optimization. Prioritization will be given to high-consumption or high-occupancy facilities such as laboratories, dormitories, and administrative buildings.
Procurement and Contractor Compliance: All construction tenders must include energy-efficiency and sustainability criteria. Contractors are required to adhere to environmental management standards (ISO 14001) and energy efficiency certification where applicable.
Research, Innovation, and Education: The University will support research on sustainable building technologies and energy-efficient materials through interdisciplinary collaborations. Results and lessons learned from campus projects will be integrated into teaching, research, and public outreach activities.
Monitoring and Reporting: The Technical Services Department shall maintain an updated inventory of building energy performance. Data will be used to inform long-term energy and climate planning at the institutional level.

Governance

A dedicated steering committee (SC) shall oversee the implementation of this policy. The Committee shall include the Vice-Rector of innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations and Digital Governance as well as representatives from:

Technical Services Department;
Departments of Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Planning and Regional Development.

The committee will oversee the implementation of this policy, approve divestment schedules, and ensure ongoing compliance.

The committee shall report annually to the University Council on divestment progress, ethical investment performance, and future recommendations.

An external Advisory Board may be established to provide independent expertise and guidance on ethical and sustainable investment practices. Responsibilities include:

Advising the SC on market trends and risk management;
Reviewing the University’s investment strategy for alignment with global sustainability best practices;
Offering guidance on advocacy and stakeholder engagement initiatives;
Supporting transparency and credibility of reporting to the University Council, donors, and the public.

Advocacy

UTh recognizes that its responsibility extends beyond managing its own investments. As a leader in higher education, UTh will actively advocate for sustainable finance, renewable energy, and ethical investment practices, contributing to broader societal and global efforts to combat climate change and advance sustainability.

Purpose of Advocacy

Promote awareness and adoption of climate action and sustainable finance principles within the academic sector and the wider community;
Reinforce the University’s leadership role in ethical investment and responsible institutional governance.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with national and international networks, including higher education consortia, UN PRI initiatives, and sustainability-focused organizations;
Engage with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to raise awareness and encourage active participation in sustainability initiatives;
Partner with local communities and government agencies to support policies, projects, and research that advance renewable energy and climate action.

Public Positioning

Make public statements endorsing divestment, ethical investment, and clean energy transitions;
Advocate for policy changes at local, national, or international levels that promote sustainability and climate responsibility;
Participate in conferences, seminars, and collaborative research initiatives related to sustainable finance, renewable energy, and climate policy.

Internal Advocacy

Integrate advocacy into university curricula, research agendas, and outreach programs;
Encourage faculty and student research on climate solutions, renewable energy, and sustainable investment;
Provide training, workshops, or seminars for staff and decision-makers on ethical investment practices;
Participate in conferences, seminars, and collaborative research initiatives related to sustainable finance, renewable energy, and climate policy.

Transparency and Reporting

The University will publish an Annual Sustainable Investment Report outlining divestment progress, investment portfolio composition, and the outcomes of this policy, including:

Current investment portfolio composition;
Percentage of funds divested from fossil fuels;
Allocation of reinvested sustainable assets;
Verification of compliance with the EU Sustainable Finance framework.

The report will be made publicly available via the University’s website.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy shall be reviewed every three years, or earlier if national or European legislation changes.

Through this framework, the University of Thessaly ensures that all campus construction and renovation activities contribute to a climate-resilient, energy-efficient, and sustainable future.