7.2.2

Upgrading Buildings to Higher Energy Efficiency

Preamble

The University of Thessaly (UTh) is committed to improving the energy performance of its existing building infrastructure through systematic upgrades, retrofitting, and modernization. This policy establishes a long-term institutional framework to raise the energy efficiency of all university buildings, reduce emissions, and contribute to Greece’s and the EU’s climate neutrality goals.

Purpose

This policy aims to:

Ensure the progressive upgrade of all existing buildings to higher energy efficiency classes;
Reduce the University’s energy consumption and carbon footprint;
Integrate smart technologies and renewable systems during renovations;
Enhance occupant comfort, safety, and productivity;
Commit stable financial resources to energy performance improvement;
Align the University’s infrastructure strategy with SDG 7 (Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Legal and Strategic Framework

This policy complies with:

Law 4957/2022, Articles 87–88 (Sustainability and infrastructure management obligations);
Law 4122/2013 (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive implementation);
Law 4342/2015 (Energy Efficiency Directive);
Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 (European Climate Law – carbon neutrality by 2050);
National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP);
University of Thessaly Strategic Sustainability Plan 2030.

Scope

This policy applies to:

All existing university buildings, including educational, administrative, research, and residential facilities;
All departments and technical services involved in facility management and maintenance;
Projects funded by EU, national, or university-level sustainability programs.

Policy Statement

The University commits to:

Energy Audit and Assessment: Comprehensive energy audits will be conducted on all major facilities at least every five years. Buildings will be prioritized for renovation based on their energy performance, function, and retrofit potential. Energy data will be monitored through a centralized digital management system.
Upgrade and Retrofit Targets: The University will upgrade all buildings currently below Energy Class B to Class B or higher in the short term. By 2050, all university buildings will achieve Energy Class A certification, in line with EU climate neutrality targets. Each major renovation shall result in at least 30% energy performance improvement compared to baseline conditions.
Institutional Financial Commitment: The University of Thessaly pledges to allocate 30% of its annual maintenance budget to building energy upgrades, retrofitting, and related sustainability measures. This allocation will be reviewed annually to ensure effective implementation and compliance with strategic targets.
Technological Improvements: Upgrades will include installation of: High-efficiency HVAC and LED lighting systems; Thermal insulation and energy-efficient glazing; Smart sensors and automation for real-time energy control; Renewable energy integration (solar, geothermal, or hybrid).
Sustainable Materials and Construction: All retrofit works must use environmentally certified, low-emission materials. Construction waste will be minimized and recycled according to EU standards. Projects will promote indoor air quality and occupant well-being.
Funding and Partnerships: UTh will seek EU, national, and private sector funding through programs such as Horizon Europe, LIFE, and NSRF. Public-private partnerships will be explored for large-scale sustainability investments.
Research, Innovation, and Education: The University will promote academic research and student involvement in energy efficiency projects. Results and methodologies will be integrated into curricula and public outreach initiatives.
Monitoring and Reporting: The Technical Services Department and the Office of Environmental Sustainability will jointly monitor annual progress. Annual reports will include data on: Energy consumption reductions, CO₂ emission savings, Investment levels, and Number of upgraded facilities. Results will be published in the Annual Sustainability Report and submitted to national authorities when required.

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 sooner if national or EU regulations evolve. Through this framework, the University of Thessaly ensures the systematic transition of its infrastructure toward Energy Class A certification by 2050, reinforcing its commitment to energy efficiency, climate resilience, and sustainable campus development.