Freie Universität Berlin’s structural and technical infrastructure is a determining factor in its operational performance. The university strives above all to continuously improve study and research conditions by increasing spatial concentration and by refurbishing and modernizing university buildings, all while working toward cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency.

Moreover, operations should be as economical as possible. Energy efficiency is especially important in this regard. In 2017, the 220 buildings covered around 575,500 m². The completion of the New Building for Small Departments in 2015, in particular, allowed for spatial optimization.

As a teaching and research university, Freie Universität Berlin has over 50 laboratory buildings, which account for a considerable percentage of the university’s energy and water consumption. In addition to the energy efficiency programs already mentioned, the Division for Engineering and Utilities of Freie Universität Berlin has consequently implemented various optimization measures that have reduced energy and water consumption in recent years. These included the installation of water-saving circulation chillers and individually adjustable ventilation systems in student laboratories, which can be switched on or off as needed.

The key management tool for Facility Management is a Tenant-Landlord Model, which has been practiced by all academic departments since 2011 and has impacted their budgets since 2012. This tool was implemented at Freie Universität Berlin in all departments, central facilities, and central institutes and will now be used at the university’s central administration. Based on a target-actual comparison of both individuals and spaces, increased and reduced expenditures are compared and then incentives for space optimization are developed.