7.2.5

Energy Wastage Identification Policy

Preamble

The University of Thessaly (UTh) is committed to the continuous detection, measurement, and reduction of energy wastage across all its operations, in order to enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and support the University’s climate goals. This policy provides a structured framework for identifying, evaluating, and eliminating sources of energy loss.

Purpose

This policy aims to:

Establish a systematic process to identify and eliminate energy wastage in all university facilities and activities;
Integrate data-driven energy monitoring systems to track consumption anomalies;
Promote a culture of energy responsibility among staff and students;
Support the University’s commitments to energy efficiency and emission reduction under the European Climate Law (Reg. EU 2021/1119);
Align with SDG 7 (Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Legal and Strategic Framework

This policy is aligned with:

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

Scope

This policy applies to:

University campuses, departments, and buildings (academic, research, administrative, and residential);
Technical operations, maintenance units, and laboratories;
Staff, students, and external contractors involved in energy use or management.

Policy Statement

The University commits to:

Energy Audit and Wastage Detection: The University will conduct comprehensive energy audits every two years in all major facilities. Energy wastage sources to be identified include: Unnecessary lighting or HVAC operation, Energy leaks or poor insulation, Equipment left on standby, Inefficient use of lab and IT infrastructure, Water-heating inefficiencies. The Technical Services Department will maintain a log of detected wastage incidents, ranked by severity and cost impact.
Digital Monitoring and Smart Controls: The University will install smart meters and sensors for real-time monitoring of energy use across campuses. Anomalies exceeding 10% deviation from baseline patterns will trigger automatic alerts to the Office of Environmental Sustainability. Data analytics tools will support predictive maintenance and detect waste before it occurs.
Corrective Actions: Each detected energy wastage incident will be followed by a corrective action plan with clear responsibility and deadlines. Measures may include: Equipment upgrades, Adjustment of control settings, Behavior modification interventions, or Maintenance and infrastructure repair. Corrective actions will be logged and reviewed quarterly.
Training and Awareness: Annual Energy Efficiency Workshops will train maintenance staff, lab managers, and administrators to recognize and report wastage. Recognition programs will highlight departments with exemplary energy management performance.
Integration with Sustainability Policies: Findings from wastage identification activities will directly inform: Energy Consumption Reduction Policy (Policy #65), Carbon and Emission Reduction Policy (Policy #64), Building Upgrade Policy (Policy #63). The University will use audit data to refine annual sustainability targets.
Reporting and Transparency: The Office of Environmental Sustainability will publish an Annual Energy Wastage Report summarizing: Detected inefficiencies and corrective measures; Quantified energy savings (in kWh and CO₂ equivalents); Estimated financial savings. Results will be included in the University’s Annual Sustainability Report and shared with Quality Assurance Unit.

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 will be reviewed every three years, or sooner if new technologies or legislative changes affect energy monitoring practices.

Through this policy, the University of Thessaly ensures the continuous detection and elimination of energy waste, promoting operational excellence, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility.