7.4.3

Energy Efficiency Services for Industry

Preamble

The University of Thessaly (UTh) recognizes the critical role of local and regional industries in achieving a sustainable and low-carbon economy. As a center of knowledge, research, and innovation, UTh is committed to supporting industrial partners in improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing operational performance.

This policy establishes a framework for providing consultancy, training, technical solutions, and collaborative research services to the industrial sector, leveraging the University’s expertise to drive energy efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. These initiatives support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to guide the University of Thessaly in delivering high-quality energy efficiency services to industrial partners. Specifically, the policy aims to:

Promote energy efficiency in local industries by providing expert consultancy, training, and technical solutions;
Assist industries in achieving energy savings, reducing carbon emissions, and improving operational efficiency;
Strengthen collaboration between the University and local small and medium enterprises, as well as larger industries, in energy innovation;
Contribute to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 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;
EU Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency;
EU Regulation 2021/1119 (European Climate Law – net-zero by 2050);
National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP);
University of Thessaly Sustainability Strategy 2030.

Scope

This policy applies to all UTh activities aimed at delivering energy efficiency services to industrial partners, including consultancy, training, research, and collaborative innovation projects. Specifically, this policy applies to:

Local and regional industries, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large-scale manufacturing;
University research units, particularly those in engineering, environmental sciences, and business;
Partnerships with external stakeholders, such as municipalities, energy agencies, and professional associations.

Policy Statement

UTh is committed to providing comprehensive energy efficiency services to local and regional industries through the following pillars:

Energy Audits and Assessments for Industry:
- Conduct comprehensive energy audits analyzing: Energy consumption patterns; Heat, lighting, and HVAC systems; Equipment efficiency; Building insulation and renewable energy integration opportunities.
- Provide detailed action plans with practical energy-saving measures.
- Offer audits at competitive rates, with financial support available for SMEs via EU funding programs.
Energy Efficiency Consultancy Services:
- Offer tailored consultancy to optimize manufacturing processes, implement energy-saving technologies, and integrate renewable energy solutions.
- Reduce energy consumption while maintaining or improving production efficiency.
- Provide industrial partners access to the University’s research facilities for testing and prototyping energy-efficient solutions.
Training and Capacity Building:
- Organize workshops, seminars, and training programs for business owners, managers, and technical staff.
- Focus on energy-efficient technologies, smart energy management systems, and sustainability strategies for business growth.
- Encourage student participation in consultancy projects to gain practical experience.
Industry Collaboration for Innovation:
- Foster collaborative research projects to develop new energy-efficient technologies and pilot innovative solutions.
- Support scaling of sustainable processes within manufacturing sectors.
- Commercialize research outcomes through University spin-offs or partnerships with technology companies.

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 and industry applications;
Law experts.

The committee will oversee the implementation of this policy, approve industrial audit and consultancy programs, and ensure ongoing compliance with the University’s energy efficiency and industrial collaboration objectives.

The committee shall report annually to the University Council on policy implementation, partnerships, and the impact of industrial energy efficiency initiatives.

An Advisory Board of experts may provide guidance on industrial energy efficiency, technical solutions, and collaborative research priorities. Responsibilities include:

Advising the SC on the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the University’s industrial energy efficiency services, ensuring alignment with national and EU sustainability priorities;
Offering technical expertise on energy auditing methodologies, emerging technologies, and best practices in industrial energy management;
Facilitating partnerships between the University, industry, public authorities, and professional associations to promote collaborative research, innovation, and technology transfer;
Advising on relevant funding opportunities, regulatory developments, and policy frameworks affecting industrial energy efficiency and sustainable development.

Advocacy

UTh recognizes that its responsibility extends beyond providing technical and consultancy services to industries. As a leader in higher education, UTh will actively advocate for industrial energy efficiency, sustainable manufacturing practices, and innovation, contributing to broader national and regional efforts to reduce energy consumption, enhance competitiveness, and promote a low-carbon industrial transition.

Purpose of Advocacy

Promote awareness and adoption of energy efficiency and sustainable production practices within the industrial sector;

Reinforce the University’s leadership role in industrial innovation, sustainability education, and applied research;
Support the development of a resilient, low-carbon regional economy through collaboration and knowledge transfer.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with industrial associations, chambers of commerce, SMEs, and large manufacturing companies to promote energy efficiency initiatives;
Engage academic departments, students, and researchers in joint projects that support industrial decarbonization and energy innovation;
Partner with municipalities, regional authorities, and energy agencies to develop policy recommendations and pilot projects that advance industrial sustainability.

Public Positioning

Make public statements endorsing energy-efficient industrial practices and the transition toward sustainable production systems;
Advocate for the inclusion of energy efficiency standards and incentives in regional and national industrial policy frameworks;
Participate in conferences, professional events, and research collaborations focused on industrial energy management, innovation, and clean technologies.

Internal Advocacy

Integrate industrial energy efficiency advocacy into University curricula, research programs, and innovation hubs;
Encourage faculty and student participation in industrial consultancy and research projects addressing sustainability challenges;
Provide specialized training, workshops, and seminars for staff, students, and industry professionals on energy-efficient technologies and business models;
Support student-led innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer initiatives that promote energy efficiency in the industrial sector.

Transparency and Reporting

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

The number and type of industrial partners engaged through audits, consultancy, and training programs;
The total estimated energy savings, carbon emission reductions, and efficiency improvements achieved by participating industries;
The outcomes of research collaborations, pilot projects, and technology transfer initiatives;
The social and economic impact of the University’s industrial energy efficiency services in the region.

The report, along with all related materials, results, and lessons learned, will be made publicly accessible via the University’s official website and relevant industry and community channels, ensuring transparency, knowledge sharing, and promotion of best practices.

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 alignment with best practices in industrial energy efficiency, research innovation, and stakeholder engagement.

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