Working together to save energy at HHU

The Energy Efficiency Act (Gesetz zur Steigerung der Energieeffizienz in Deutschland – Energieeffizienzgesetz (EnEfG)) (German only) came into force on 13 November 2023. It sets out strict targets for the annual reduction of energy requirements (-2% end-use energy consumption every year up to 2045) and obligations with regard to reporting and the implementation of energy management systems. In addition, it includes regulations on energy efficiency in computer centres and the use of waste heat from them. These obligations also apply to HHU. 

The Building Energy Act (Gesetz zur Einsparung von Energie und zur Nutzung erneuerbarer Energien zur Wärme- und Kälteerzeugung in Gebäuden – Gebäudeenergiegesetz (GEG)) (German only) was last amended on 16 October 2023; it contains a raft of provisions that affect the energy supply and buildings at HHU. These include in particular stricter provisions for the energy standards to be achieved in renovation and construction measures. The public sector is also expected to act as a role model, meaning that HHU must use energy and resources in a particularly responsible manner.

In a cabinet resolution passed on 1 July 2021, the State Administration was obligated to achieve climate neutrality by 2030 within the framework of the climate-neutral State Administration of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) (“Klimaneutrale Landesverwaltung NRW”) project (German only). The universities in the state are not obligated to play a part in this. However, all 30 public universities in NRW have voluntarily signed up to the process and will, in a first step, take part in extensive reporting measures to establish the status quo with regard to the carbon footprint.

The Ordinance on Securing the Energy Supply via Measures Effective in the Medium Term (Verordnung zur Sicherung der Energieversorgung über mittelfristig wirksame Maßnahmen – EnSimiMaV) (German only) adopted by the Federal Government continues to apply until 30 September 2024. It obligates HHU to review and optimise heating systems, and realise further energy efficiency measures with regard to the heating supply on campus. 

In addition to the regulations stated here, there are a large number of other laws, standards, ordinances and policies relating to the resource-friendly construction and operation of HHU buildings and their infrastructure. In addition to dynamic developments in state and federal specifications, numerous new regulations are also being adopted at EU level. Together with society as a whole, HHU is thus involved in a transformation process, which will make our energy supply more efficient and – in the long term – climate-neutral.

In 2019, the last year before the coronavirus pandemic, our on-campus energy consumption (excl. third-party users) totalled around 31,000 MWh of electricity and 40,000 MWh of district heating. This is equivalent to the electricity consumption of approx. 7,750 four-person, single-family homes and the heating requirements of around 1,800 single-family homes. Electricity consumption at the University is high compared with residential buildings as the extensive technical equipment in the laboratories and significant cooling system needs require additional energy. This equates to each member of the University using an average of 775 kWh of electricity and 1,000 kWh of heating per year.

HHU currently covers its electricity requirements entirely from green electricity, which meets the quality criterion of German wind power. HHU obtains its thermal energy from the district heating network of the city of Düsseldorf.

The opening hours of the University and State Library and most other buildings were already reduced in order to save energy by turning down heating, cooling and ventilation systems outside opening hours in response to the energy crisis in autumn 2022. Restricted operation mode was also introduced over the Christmas/New Year period. However, teaching and research were generally continued on site. Many of the measures were retained after the winter of 2022/23 without significant restrictions, thus contributing to reducing unnecessary energy consumption outside opening hours on a permanent basis.

The hot water was switched off in numerous laboratories, which saved a great deal of energy.

Planned shutdowns of old buildings no longer in use or with only a few active users were brought forward.

A number of other projects will result in further energy efficiency improvements: A new central district heating distribution station is being built, the district heating hydraulic system is being optimised and the ventilation systems and cooling network/heating hydraulic systems are also being improved. The conversion to LED lighting throughout the campus is ongoing, with the usable areas in building complexes 25 and 26 (old buildings) to be converted in 2024 and 2025. Outdoor areas and other highly frequented areas where lighting is used extensively have already been converted to LED lighting. Energy-related renovation measures are also being realised in other buildings and good progress is being made in the expansion of the photovoltaic systems.

You can find information on construction sites, renovations, mobility and sustainability on this page provided by the Facility Management Division. 

As HHU students or employees, we can all do more to improve sustainability and climate protection at HHU by conserving energy. Start by taking small steps like switching off the lights when you leave rooms and turning down the heating. You can find practical tips on saving energy in day-to-day office work here. In laboratory operations, energy and resource consumption in research activities can also be significantly reduced via a few simple changes in behaviour, as our website here shows.

We have to work together to save energy – and that in turn helps us move forward as a community. HHU has already been implementing technical measures for some time. All University members will be included in the next steps as, in order to achieve the ambitious energy and climate targets, we need the support of everyone.

If you cannot find the information you are looking for on these pages or if you have suggestions and tips, please contact energie(at)hhu.de.