Ghent University is a large energy consumer within the building sector in Belgium. The yearly energy bill amounts up to 7 million EUR. The aim of the ongoing energy management, started since 2001, is 2-fold:

1. To reduce the University energy's bill with 20 % in 4 years, notwithstanding the fact that total conditioned building area will increase with 20 % in this period
2. Cut CO₂ emissions of the University by 25 % in 4 years

After 2 years, the energy management is well in line with those targets in so far that the energy use dropped substantially in 2002 compared to the average of 1998-2000 (Fuel consumption in 2002, climate-corrected, dropped with 13 % compared to 2000. Electricity consumption dropped by 5,6 %). The energy bill in 2002, compared to 2001, dropped 7,9 %. CO₂-emissions in 2002 were already 7 % lower than in 2001. The main measures that are implemented or taken to achieve these results and the targets

Areas of expertise: Different research groups and departments of the University have expertise in many of these areas, especially energy efficient design of new buildings (simulations, advise on insulation, ...) ; CHP ; and thin-film photovoltaics.

Target audience:

1. Students (25.000 per year)
2. Staff (6.000 approximately)
3. Subsidiaries (large hospital with another energy bill of 5 million EUR per year and staff of 3.000