https://sdg.uth.gr/wp-content/themes/astrachildone/img/UTH-logo-en.png

Sustainable Development Policies

7.4.4

Supporting Governments in Clean Energy and Energy-Efficient Technology Policy Development

Preamble

The University of Thessaly (UTh) recognizes its essential role as a higher education and research institution in advancing sustainable energy governance. UTh is committed to actively informing and supporting governments at the local, national, and international levels in the development and implementation of clean energy and energy-efficient technology policies. Through this policy, the University will leverage its academic expertise, research resources, and technical capabilities to help shape and execute effective, evidence-based energy policies that contribute to sustainable development and the transition toward a low-carbon economy.

This policy establishes a structured framework through which the University provides advisory, research, and capacity-building services to governmental and intergovernmental bodies. It reinforces UTh’s position as a trusted partner in advancing clean energy innovation and energy efficiency governance, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to guide the University’s engagement with governmental bodies and international institutions in clean energy and energy efficiency policy development. Specifically, this policy aims to:

  • Advise and collaborate with governments on the formulation and implementation of clean energy and energy-efficient policies;
  • Provide research-driven evidence and technical expertise to inform decision-making in energy policy development;
  • Strengthen the University’s role as a trusted advisor in energy efficiency and clean technology policy at national and international levels;
  • Contribute to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting sustainable energy solutions and policy coherence.

Legal and Strategic Framework

This policy is consistent with the legal and regulatory obligations of the University of Thessaly as a public institution under Greek and European Union law. It aligns with:

  • Law 4957/2022;
  • EU Directive 2012/27/EU (Energy Efficiency Directive);
  • Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 (European Climate Law – climate neutrality by 2050);
  • National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP);
  • Paris Agreement (2015) and EU Green Deal;
  • University of Thessaly Sustainability Strategy 2030.

Scope

This policy applies to all UTh activities related to research, advisory, and collaborative support for governments in clean energy and energy-efficient technology policy development. Specifically, this policy applies to:

  • Governmental bodies at the local, national, and international levels;
  • University research units, especially those focused on energy systems, sustainable engineering, environmental sciences, and public policy;
  • Collaborative projects with governmental and non-governmental partners aimed at energy innovation, policy frameworks, and capacity building.

Policy Statement

UTh commits to supporting governments in the design, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable energy and energy-efficiency policies through the following pillars:

  • Policy Advisory and Consultation Services:
    • Provide technical consultations and policy advisory services to local, national, and international governments on: Energy efficiency strategies; Clean energy technologies; Renewable energy systems integration; Climate change mitigation measures; Sustainable development pathways.
    • Engage interdisciplinary experts to ensure comprehensive and practical policy recommendations that meet the needs of governments at various levels.
  • Research and Data-driven Evidence:
    • Conduct cutting-edge research in clean energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience, providing data and evidence to support the development of informed, sustainable energy policies.
    • Disseminate research outcomes through policy briefs, reports, workshops, and academic publications accessible to policymakers.
    • Support data collection and analysis on energy consumption, emissions trends, and efficiency potential to inform actionable policy insights.
  • Collaborative Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange:
    • Foster collaborations with international organizations, energy agencies, and non-governmental organizations to create joint platforms for knowledge exchange and capacity building.
    • Participate in international conferences, policy forums, and working groups to promote best practices in clean energy and energy efficiency policy development.
    • Serve as a bridge between academic research and policymaking, organizing workshops, symposia, and training sessions for government officials and industry leaders.
  • Sustainable Energy Policy Advocacy:
    • Advocate for inclusive energy transitions that ensure access to clean energy for all and promote equity in energy distribution.
    • Through research and public engagement, support the development of climate-resilient energy policies prioritizing low-carbon technologies and energy access for underserved communities.
    • Engage students and staff in advocacy initiatives, empowering them to contribute to the policy-making process.
  • Training, Capacity Building, and Education:
    • Develop training and capacity-building programs for government officials, energy regulators, and industry stakeholders on energy efficiency and clean technologies.
    • Offer executive education, workshops, and online courses focused on practical policy implementation, technical standards, and sector-specific strategies.
    • Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration between departments to deliver integrated, high-impact training content

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:

  • Department of Environmental Sciences;
  • Engineering Departments;
  • Faculty experts in clean energy and energy-efficient technology;
  • Law experts.

The committee will oversee the implementation of this policy, approve advisory and research collaboration programmes, and ensure compliance with University objectives and applicable regulations.

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

An Advisory Board may provide guidance and independent oversight. Its responsibilities include:

  • Providing strategic direction on engagement priorities with governmental partners;
  • Offering technical expertise on energy systems, policy design, and implementation challenges;
  • Facilitating international and intergovernmental collaborations;
  • Reviewing the effectiveness and impact of the University’s advisory and policy support activities.

Advocacy

UTh recognizes that its responsibility extends beyond research and technical advisory work. As a leader in higher education, UTh will actively advocate for clean energy transitions, energy-efficient technologies, and evidence-based policymaking, contributing to regional, national, and international efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability.

Purpose of Advocacy

  • Promote awareness and adoption of clean energy and energy-efficient policies across all levels of government;
  • Reinforce the University’s leadership role in research, education, and public service in sustainable energy governance.

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Collaborate with national ministries, regional authorities, and international organizations to support sustainable energy and climate policy goals;
  • Engage faculty, researchers, and students in policy support and advisory initiatives;
  • Partner with non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and professional associations to strengthen knowledge exchange and policy innovation.

Public Positioning

  • Issue public statements and policy briefs supporting evidence-based, inclusive, and sustainable energy policies;
  • Advocate for stronger integration of scientific evidence in national and EU policy frameworks;
  • Participate in conferences, expert panels, and government consultations to share best practices in policy design and implementation.

Internal Advocacy

  • Integrate policy advocacy and governance themes into University curricula and research programs;
  • Encourage faculty and student participation in policy-oriented projects and government advisory activities;
  • Provide workshops and seminars on clean energy policy and governance for academic and administrative staff.

Transparency and Reporting

The University will publish an Annual Clean Energy Policy Support Report documenting:

  • The number and type of advisory projects conducted with governments and international organizations;
  • The outcomes and impact of research and policy advisory activities;
  • The outcomes of policy advisory services, energy efficiency improvements, and carbon emission reductions resulting from the University’s support;
  • Capacity-building and training programs delivered to public sector officials;
  • Case studies highlighting evidence-based contributions to clean energy and energy efficiency policies.

The report, along with related materials, policy briefs, and lessons learned, will be made publicly accessible through the University’s official website and relevant governmental and institutional channels, ensuring transparency, accountability, and knowledge sharing.

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, international policy frameworks, or the University’s strategic priorities. The review process will ensure that the policy remains effective, relevant, and aligned with best practices in energy policy development, governance, and sustainable innovation.

 

 


Scroll to Top