Paris-proof campuses by 2040
Objective
We aim to meet the Paris Agreement targets by 2040. This means that our total energy use, i.e. gas and electricity consumption, including from the use of all equipment, must be reduced to less than 70 kWh per m2 per year. This is no small task, as our consumption was still 182 kWh per m2 in 2019. In other words, we will need to cut our energy consumption by 65%.
Current situation
Energy consumption per m2 fell in 2020 and 2021, probably in part due to the fact that the university was partially closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, that fall continued in 2022, when the university was fully up and running again. The 2022 decrease can mainly be attributed to reduced gas consumption, including through greater efficiency and setting thermostats at 19 degrees instead of the 21 degrees at which they were usually set in the past.
Status of envisaged measures
Read more about the measures in the White Paper on Sustainability (PDF, 19 pages).
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We are implementing the plans recorded in the UvA’s Energy Transition Road Map
The Energy Transition Road Map describes the steps we are taking to make UvA accommodation more energy-efficient as we advance towards the Paris Proof target (<70kWh/m2) All-electric by 2040.
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Where opportunities arise, measures are being implemented to accelerate energy-efficient efforts
One example of this is the removal of the electric boilers that were no longer being used from the Roeterseiland Campus and their relocation to the Science Park to replace a hot water supply. This way, we are not only saving energy and costs, but are also able to reuse materials.
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We are strengthening monitoring, including at project level and in maintenance contracts
The central energy supply at the Roeterseiland campus was made more energy-efficient in 2020. Since then, performance has been monitored so that action can be taken whenever energy waste occurs.
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We are implementing all approved measures before the end of 2021
The implementation of all approved measures before the end of 2021 means that we are complying with the Environmental Management Act (Wet milieubeheer). All the measures have been implemented except for those where there was a compelling reason not to, such as upcoming renovation work.
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Current processes are being improved for the purposes of the sustainability objectives.
We are doing it in a way that ensures that sustainability processes take place at the right times in the right order. This involves not only cooperation between accommodation services but also the involvement and commitment of the faculties.
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Sustainability has been integrated into UvA’s long-term maintenance plan and into the assessment plan for renovation and new-build projects.
In 2022, the UvA created a monitoring and advisory body, the Sustainable Campus Transition Council (Transitiefafel Verduurzaming Campussen), which monitors and boosts the sustainability of campuses in accommodation projects.