The energy sector is responsible for the largest share of emissions at the University of Graz. Successful energy management is therefore crucial. The goal of the University of Graz is to reduce 90 percent of emissions by 2030 compared to the current greenhouse gas balance.
Electrical energy
Since 2019, the University of Graz has been obtaining 100 percent of its electricity from certified renewable and regional sources. This makes the University of Graz the second university in Austria to purchase certified green electricity. The use of the most environmentally friendly electrical energy possible represents an important lever in the reduction of CO2 emissions, because by switching to certified green electricity, the University of Graz can reduce emissions from electricity purchases by about 90 percent.
What is certified renewable electricity?
Green electricity with certification ...
... must be purchased 100 percent from green power supplier
... must contain a minimum share of electricity must come from photovoltaics (currently 1.4 %)
... can come exclusively from renewable energy sources such as wind energy, biomass, geothermal energy and hydropower
... must meet higher requirements for electricity production from hydropower: for example, structural measures must ensure fish passage by means of fish ladders, and a good quality status of surface waters must be ensured throughout the year.
(Excerpt from the criteria. The complete guideline on certified green electricity is available on the website of the Austrian Eco-label).
In addition, photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the university buildings are continuously being advanced. The largest photovoltaic system is located on the roof of the University Library with an area of 300 square meters. In 2020, the second photovoltaic system was put into operation at Merangasse 70, and in 2022, two more locations will be equipped with photovoltaic panels. Photovoltaic panels will be installed on the roof of the RESOWI building and on the green flat roof of the newly constructed University Sports Center at Rosenhain.
Photovoltaic systems:
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Merangasse 70, 300 m2 photovoltaic panels.
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Universitätsplatz 3a, 630 m2 photovoltaic panels
Did you know that ...
... the photovoltaic systems at the University of Graz can cover the annual electricity consumption of about 45 households?
Since summer 2019, the university's own photovoltaic system with about 630 m2 and an output of 114.6 kWp on the roof of the new university library at Universitätsplatz 3a has been put into operation. Subsequently, in summer 2020, about 300 m2 of the roof area of Merangasse 70 was also equipped with photovoltaic panels. The photovoltaic system at Merangasse 70 has an output of 72.2 kWp.
Thus, the University of Graz produced about 211.6 MWh of photovoltaic energy in 2021. Converted, this can cover the annual electricity consumption of 53 Austrian households*.
* Corresponds to the annual electricity consumption of Austrian households in kWh at an average consumption of 3,964 kWh/year (Statistik Austria, 2021).
Thermal energy
The power of the sun has been used on the roofs of the University of Graz since 2008. The expansion of solar energy was already started in 2007. In the meantime, not only solar thermal systems but also photovoltaic systems are used for energy production at the University of Graz.
Solar thermal plants:
- Max-Mell-Allee 11, 200 m2 net collector area.
- Universitätsplatz 1, 630 m2 net collector area
Did you know that ...
... the solar thermal systems at the University of Graz can cover the annual heat consumption of about 55 households?
The two solar thermal plants are used for the production of hot water and solar cooling. The system at the University Sports Institute (USI) at Max-Mell-Allee 11 has a net collector area of 200 m2. The solar thermal plant at Universitätsplatz 1, with an area of 631.5 m2 , was commissioned in 2014.
In 2020, the University of Graz thus produced 278 MWh of solar energy. Converted, this can cover the annual heat consumption of 55 Austrian households*.
* Corresponds to the annual heat consumption of Austrian households in kWh with an average consumption of 5,066 kWh/year (Statistik Austria, 2016).
