Environmental performance
In recent years, the University has boosted activities related to monitoring and improving the environmental performance of its facilities. Energy diagnoses have been carried out for the Athenaeum’s buildings, with the installation of consumption monitoring systems, flanked by energy upgrades and modernization of heating and cooling systems with the aim of improving their efficiency.
Since May 2019, the Athenaeum has used only electricity from renewable sources for all its buildings, located between Padua, Chioggia and Brixen, thus reducing CO2 emissions from electricity consumption. In addition, special attention has been paid to theinformation and awareness of the university community, including with communication initiatives such as joining the M’Illumino di meno campaign.
Energy-Saving Plan.
In the face of the energy crisis that has led to the adoption of measures at the national level (DM 383 of October 6, 2022 by the Ministry of Ecological Transition – MITE and the “National Plan for the Containment of Natural Gas Consumption”), the University has adopted an Energy Plan thus aligning itself at the same time, with the European objectives set forth in the European Green Deal, and in particular with the binding goal of achieving climate neutrality in the European Union by 2050.
In the short term, the University Energy Plan includes organizational measures, the implementation of extraordinary energy containment measures, and the empowerment and sensitization of the university community.
In the long term, the many actions already underway, such as upgrades to heating and cooling plants, replacement of windows and doors, thermal insulation of roofs, replacement of lighting fixtures and replacement of uninterruptible power supplies, will be reinforced.
The investment of 29.1 million euros will result in estimated savings of more than 1,418 TOE (Tons of Oil Equivalent). By decision of the Board of Directors, these savings will be allocated, to the maximum extent of 50 percent, to boost research funds and the staff welfare fund.
In terms of the measures and actions under the Plan, interventions totaling €2,126,000 were implemented in 2022.
Renewable and Supportive Energy Communities
In January 2023, the Municipality of Padua, together with numerous entities and associations, including the University of Padua, has promoted a commitment to the realization of the Renewable and Supportive Energy Communities.
The entities involved are mutually committed in the realization of the Renewable and Supportive Energy Communities, forms of socioeconomic aggregation aimed at responding to the problem of energy self-sufficiency, and to the participation in a technical table, coordinated by the Energy Manager’s Office of the City of Padua, representing the member entities in the various interlocutions that will be necessary for scientific insights, including with the authorities responsible for regulating energy.