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Sustainable Development Policies

7.4.1

Local Community Outreach for Energy Efficiency

Preamble

The University of Thessaly (UTh) recognizes its responsibility to foster sustainable energy practices within the local community. As an institution of higher learning, research, and innovation, UTh is committed to leveraging its expertise to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and climate-conscious behavior among citizens, local businesses, municipalities, and schools.

This policy establishes a framework for university-led outreach, education, and technical support initiatives that advance regional energy efficiency, strengthen community partnerships, and contribute to the University’s mission of societal engagement and sustainable development. These efforts support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to guide the UTh in actively promoting energy efficiency within the local community through education, technical support, and collaborative initiatives that advance sustainable energy practices and regional development goal. Specifically, the policy aims to:

  • Promote energy efficiency education and technical support for the wider community;
  • Facilitate collaboration between the University and local stakeholders to improve energy performance;
  • Provide training, seminars, and consultancy on energy-saving technologies and behavioral change;
  • Support regional energy transition goals through research, innovation, and knowledge dissemination;
  • Contribute to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Legal and Strategic Framework

This policy is guided by the following national and international frameworks, principles, and commitments:

  • Law 4957/2022,
  • Law 4342/2015, which transposes EU 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 all UTh activities aimed at engaging the local community in energy efficiency initiatives, encompassing educational, technical, and collaborative programs designed to improve energy performance and awareness. Specifically, this policy applies to all University-led:

  • Community partnerships and outreach initiatives;
  • Educational and technical programs related to energy use;
  • Regional collaboration projects with municipalities, schools, and small and medium sized enterprises;
  • Student-led or volunteer energy awareness actions.

Policy Statement

UTh commits to active engagement in promoting energy efficiency across the local community, through the following pillars:

  • Community engagement and partnerships:
    • Establish and maintain formal partnerships with local municipalities, energy agencies, and schools.
    • Implement joint awareness campaigns, school workshops, and public energy consultations.
    • Act as a technical advisor to local authorities to improve public building energy performance.
  • Training and Capacity Building:
    • Organize annual public workshops and online training programs for citizens and local businesses.
    • Offer specialized training through the Departments of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Environmental Sciences.
    • Encourage students and staff to participate in volunteer programs supporting energy audits and awareness events.
  • Research and Innovation for the Community:
    • Mobilize research laboratories to develop low-cost, energy-efficient technologies for local needs.
    • Launch joint pilot projects to demonstrate practical solutions for reducing energy use in households and small enterprises.
    • Collect and analyze data to inform policy recommendations for local and regional authorities.
  • Public Awareness and Behavioral Change:
    • Lead energy awareness campaigns, including initiatives such as “Save Energy in Thessaly”.
    • Promote behavioral actions including reducing standby power, adjusting heating/cooling settings, and using efficient lighting.
    • Disseminate awareness materials online and through local community centers.

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:

  • University Finance Department;
  • Department of Environmental Sciences;
  • Engineering Departments;
  • Faculty experts in energy efficiency;
  • Law experts.

The committee will oversee the implementation of this policy, approve outreach and training programs, and ensure ongoing compliance with the University’s energy efficiency and community engagement objectives.

The committee shall report annually to the University Council on policy implementation, partnerships, and outreach activities.

An Advisory Board of experts in energy efficiency and community engagement, may provide guidance on program design, regional collaborations, and best practices. Responsibilities include:

  • Advising the SC on the design and implementation of energy efficiency outreach programs;
  • Review proposed collaborations with municipalities, schools, SMEs, and other local stakeholders;
  • Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of outreach activities and provide recommendations for improvement;
  • Ensure alignment of University initiatives with national and regional energy policies, sustainability goals, and international frameworks such as the SDGs.

Advocacy

UTh recognizes that its responsibility extends beyond conducting energy efficiency activities within the campus. As a leader in higher education, UTh will actively advocate for energy efficiency, sustainable energy practices, and community engagement, contributing to broader societal and regional efforts to reduce energy consumption and promote a low-carbon future.

Purpose of Advocacy

  • Promote awareness and adoption of energy efficiency and sustainable energy practices within the Thessaly region;
  • Reinforce the University’s leadership role in community engagement, education, and sustainable development.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Collaborate with local municipalities, schools, SMEs, and regional energy agencies to support energy-saving initiatives;
  • Engage students, faculty, and staff in outreach programmes to raise awareness and encourage participation in energy efficiency activities;
  • Partner with non-governmental organizations, industry associations, and government bodies to support regional projects, research, and policies that advance energy efficiency and sustainability.

Public Positioning

  • Make public statements endorsing energy efficiency, low-carbon solutions, and community participation in energy-saving initiatives;
  • Advocate for policy development at local, regional, and national levels that promotes energy efficiency and sustainable energy practices;
  • Participate in conferences, seminars, and collaborative research initiatives related to energy efficiency, sustainable energy, and community outreach.

Internal Advocacy

  • Integrate energy efficiency and sustainability advocacy into University curricula, research agendas, and outreach programs;
  • Encourage faculty and student research projects that provide practical solutions for energy efficiency and sustainable energy adoption;
  • Provide training, workshops, or seminars for staff, students, and local stakeholders on energy-saving technologies and behavioral change;
  • Support student-led campaigns, volunteering, and awareness initiatives to extend the impact of University-led programs within the community.

Transparency and Reporting

The University will publish an Annual Energy Efficiency Outreach Report documenting:

  • Number of outreach activities conducted;
  • Number of community participants reached;
  • Estimated community energy savings;
  • Participant satisfaction and engagement metrics;
  • Partnerships and collaboration projects;
  • Public engagement and awareness initiatives

The report, together with all related materials, project results, and lessons learned, will be made publicly accessible through the University’s official website and relevant community channels, ensuring transparency, facilitating knowledge sharing, and promoting wider adoption of best practices in energy efficiency.

Review and Continuous Improvement

This policy shall be reviewed at least every three (3) years, or sooner if significant changes occur in EU or national legislation, emerging technologies, or the University’s strategic priorities. The review process will ensure that the policy remains relevant, effective, and aligned with best practices in energy efficiency, community engagement, and sustainable development.

Stakeholder feedback, including from students, staff, faculty, and the broader community, will inform revisions.

 

 

 


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