Energy and Climate Change
UTB Sustainability Plan for 2026+
- Increase energy production from renewable sources
- Reduce electricity consumption over the long term
- Emissions reduction program
Sustainability at TBU in 2025
- Conduct a comprehensive energy audit of TBU facilities
Sustainability at UTB in 2024
In 2024, UTB consumed 6,479 MWh of electricity, 14,837 m³ of natural gas, and 22,823 GJ of thermal energy.
Compared to previous years, electricity consumption in 2024 increased by 818 MWh per year. Conversely, thermal energy consumption was lower by 2,129 GJ.
The COVID-19 pandemic period (2020–2021) led to a shift to distance learning, remote work, and the closure of some buildings, which caused a dramatic drop in consumption (–12% between 2019 and 2020). In 2024, there was a return to the university’s traditional operations, higher building occupancy, and the return of equipment to normal operation. At the same time, there was a very significant increase in electricity prices in 2022, which put direct pressure on the organization’s budget and necessitated cost-saving measures. Rising prices led to the implementation of additional cost-saving measures: lowering heating temperatures, restricting the operation of air conditioning and ventilation systems, rescheduling laboratory operations to less energy-intensive modes, utilizing off-peak rates, etc. The year 2024 could be considered a year of normal operations with average consumption levels compared to the most recent years under review. On a positive note, the university is beginning to utilize renewable energy sources, specifically solar power systems on buildings U6, U11, and U12.
The carbon footprint for 2024 was calculated using the methodology of the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings and includes electricity consumption and emissions from vehicles and motorcycles. According to this methodology, the carbon footprint amounted to 6,429 tons of CO₂. The largest portion is accounted for by the electricity consumption of TBU buildings, representing 85% of the total CO₂ emissions.
Sustainable Development Strategy 2025–2030
Sub-goal 2.E. Reduce energy intensity and increase energy efficiency, transition to sustainable energy sources, transform the energy mix, and reduce the carbon footprint
Implementation Measures for the Period 2025–2026
- Prepare a project for the implementation of a comprehensive energy management system, including a budget plan
- Develop the UTB Energy Concept
- Prepare a plan for optimizing the energy mix, including a budget plan
- Develop an analysis for creating or participating in a platform for cooperation with local communities in the field of energy
- Prepare a methodology for reinvesting financial savings into other energy efficiency projects
- Develop or select a methodology for calculating the carbon footprint in the energy sector