Management of resources

The use of resources is essential for operations at both locations. Electricity, (local) heat, work materials, fuels, water, etc., must be sourced in the most sustainable manner possible. For example, the KU set new standards as early as 2012 by switching from conventional electricity to electricity generated from renewable energy sources. Or, by switching to bio- or climate gas, it has converted even its now-low gas consumption to a more sustainable supply.

Resource strategy and reduction of consumption

Conserving resources across all areas of the KU has been a key priority for many years. This involves, on the one hand, technical measures to improve efficiency (e.g. reducing electricity consumption by switching to LED lighting in the KU’s libraries, or a complete closure of the University at the turn of the year to save heating energy and electricity) as well as activities aimed at the energy efficiency behavior of KU members (campaigns promoting the careful use of resources in everyday university life, e.g., turning off devices when not in use). These measures have led to a significant reduction in energy consumption in recent years — though with the result that further savings in the future will be possible only with significantly greater effort — if at all.

Current challenges: Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG)

The Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG), passed by the federal government in November 2023, aims to achieve a continuous reduction in energy consumption. The law — based on EU requirements — stipulates that an annual reduction of 2 % in final energy demand must be achieved by 2045. To this end, an environmental or energy management system must be established (which has already been in place at the KU since 2015 in the form of the EMAS system as an EMS). A major challenge here is that, given the savings in consumption achieved since around 2010, achieving the further reduction in electricity or other energy consumption required by the EnEfG will be difficult and require significant effort.