Keep Cool and Carry On
Utility companies are worried about shortages. Politicians are discussing implementing price limits on gas and electricity. Many of us are concerned about rising energy costs. What effect will these developments have on us here at Freie Universität Berlin and more generally at Berlin’s other universities and colleges?
The Berlin Senate issued measures to help reduce energy use throughout the public sector.
In all likelihood, the changes on the international energy market will also impact energy costs at Freie Universität.
In addition to the university’s central energy saving measures, individual members of the university will play an important role and be asked to assess their actions and show support and solidarity.
Energy Consumption in 2022/2023
Overall, the consumption of heat from October 2022 to May 2023 decreased by nearly 10% compared to 2019 and by nearly 17% compared to the same period the previous year.
Electricity consumption during the mentioned period was just over 10% lower than in 2019 and 4.4% lower than the previous year's period.
Shared Goals
Freie Universität has already demonstrated that it is capable of reducing energy consumption. Twenty years ago it established an energy management system that has led to a thirty percent decrease in energy use.
Unfortunately, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. The university will need to further reduce energy consumption, ideally by another ten percent.
The consumption of electricity and heating is already carefully monitored in buildings across campus. We will keep you informed about how energy saving measures are impacting energy use on this website.
Play your part!
Pay attention to your energy consumption while on campus. You can help the university by being attentive and proactive as we grapple with the situation.
Please remember to turn the thermostat down at the end of the day.
Please turn off the lights when you leave the room.
