Top marks for energy efficiency

Graz University of Technology supports many projects examining the efficient use of energy in the scope of its research partnerships: from town planning and mobility planning as well as sustainable construction to high-voltage technology and network design through to energy storage and the use of hydrogen as fuel.

Naturally, the responsible use of energy has been and still is also an important issue for the university itself. Over the past ten years, a series of key energy efficiency initiatives, such as new ways to heat and cool rooms, integrated energy concepts for the buildings and a sensational mobility concept were launched: 50 percent of all employees, including Rector Harald Kainz, go to work by bicycle or public transport. These measures are proof that the university has gone out of its way to “go green”, with the energy service provider Grazer Energieagentur assisting in the implementation process.

TU Graz decided on a certification audit to establish whether it meets the requirements of an energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001 at the three campuses in Graz, and commissioned TÜV AUSTRIA to conduct it.

The audit was carried out from October to December 2016, resulting in an excellent rating for the university. It determined a systematic and continuous increase of energy efficiency in all organizational units and buildings. In addition, the data collected by the university in the scope of its resource-conserving practices provides a perfect starting point for operational development and planning processes. Moreover, the certification audit confirmed the public credibility of TU Graz in terms of energy efficiency.

The certification was done voluntarily, by the way, since universities are exempt from the Austrian Energy Efficiency Act. On 6 February 2017, TU Graz was awarded the certificate with top marks by TÜV AUSTRIA in the Rector’s Office.