Report: Low Energy Universities - An initiative of the COPERNICUS network

Website: www.copernicus-campus.org

The COPERNICUS (Co-operation Programme in Europe for Research on Nature and Industry through Co-ordinated University Studies) network, gathering 294 Universities established in 37 European countries, has signed a Partnership Declaration with the European Commission in late December 2001 and became the 60th Renewable Energy Partner of the Campaign for Take-Off.

Low Energy Universities

In the context of the COPERNICUS initiative to improve the energy efficiency and sustainable use of energy at universities, COPERNICUS launched a pilot action entitled "Low-Energy University" as an OPET- project, co-funded by the EU. The project had the objective to promote the rational use of energy at universities and higher education institutions in Europe and to use them as important target group for RUE measures.

Objectives of the OPET-Project were:

• Determination of the energy consumption at universities (electricity, heat, cooling, water)
• Accessing information on energy saving potentials at universities
• Identification of concepts for the application of energy saving technologies to reduce the energy demand of universities
• Good practices sharing

These targets were focussed by the "Call For Good Practices", a questionnaire to be used as a template for submitting information on consumption data and energy saving measures taken. A copy of this template can be found on the COPERNICUS website (see above).

Until now, 28 universities from 9 European Countries and Israel have taken part in the "Low-Energy University" action. This great extent of involvement is very pleasing, taking into account that the participation has been absolutely voluntary. It can be seen as a proof for the high demand for a cooperative exchange of experiences on the rational use of energy at universities.

The major findings of the OPET-Action are summarized on the website (Energy Consumption and Saving Potentials"). A wide range of examples for successful energy saving measures from different fields of action is included in the Good Practice Inventory.

A comprehensive study, including all results on consumption data, good practices, strategies for implementation and furthergoing recommendations is available from the COPERNICUS-Secretariat.

To find similar reports, click on a keyword below:
Buildings : Energy Efficiency : OPET Network

Complete the Questionnaire to add your organisation to this website

COPERNICUS Secretariat