7.2.4

Energy Consumption Reduction Policy

Preamble

The University of Thessaly (UTh) is committed to reducing energy consumption across all its campuses, operations, and activities. This policy establishes the principles, targets, and actions required to achieve sustained energy savings, improve operational efficiency, and minimize the University’s environmental footprint.

Purpose

This policy aims to:

Systematically reduce energy consumption across all facilities and activities;
Improve the energy performance of equipment, infrastructure, and operations;
Promote behavioral change among staff and students toward responsible energy use;
Strengthen the University’s contribution to national and EU energy conservation goals;
Support SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Legal and Strategic Framework

This policy is aligned with:

Law 4957/2022, Articles 87–88 (Sustainability and infrastructure obligations);
Law 4342/2015 (Transposition of EU Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency);
Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 (European Climate Law – climate neutrality by 2050);
National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP);
University of Thessaly Sustainability Strategy 2030.

Scope

This policy applies to:

All campuses, departments, and facilities of the University of Thessaly;
All academic, research, administrative, and residential buildings;
All staff, students, and contractors operating within University premises.

Policy Statement

The University commits to:

Energy Management and Monitoring: The University will establish a centralized energy monitoring and management system, recording consumption in real time. Annual energy audits will identify high-consumption buildings and systems and propose efficiency measures. Energy performance indicators (kWh/m², kWh/student, etc.) will be developed to track progress.
Energy Reduction Targets: The University commits to reducing overall energy consumption by 30% by 2035, compared to the 2023 baseline. Annual targets will be set by campus and department, with progress monitored through the Office of Environmental Sustainability. All new projects must demonstrate an energy-saving design approach.
Infrastructure and Equipment Upgrades: Replacement of outdated lighting with LED systems across all facilities. Installation of smart sensors for lighting, heating, and cooling control. Upgrade of HVAC systems to high-efficiency models with automated control. Optimization of building insulation and glazing to reduce heating and cooling loads.
Behavioral Change and Awareness: The University will implement an ongoing Energy Awareness Campaign targeting both staff and students. Educational workshops and digital dashboards will display live energy data to promote transparency and engagement. Incentives will be introduced for departments achieving significant reductions.
Sustainable Procurement and Operations: All future procurement of electrical or mechanical equipment must meet EU Energy Label Class A or higher. IT equipment will adopt energy-saving settings and automatic standby functions. All renovations and new buildings must comply with minimum energy performance standards.
Renewable Integration: Renewable energy systems, including photovoltaic panels and solar thermal units, will be integrated to offset grid consumption. Preference will be given to renewable electricity providers under national energy regulations.
Monitoring and Reporting: Annual reports will summarize energy consumption data, efficiency measures, and achieved savings. Progress will be benchmarked against national and international energy performance standards.

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 energy regulations are updated. Through this policy, the University of Thessaly reaffirms its commitment to energy conservation, responsible resource management, and climate leadership.