Energy and climate

We are committed to achieving carbon neutrality on campus and in our chains. In particular, we are focused on energy conservation and efficiency. We generate as much of our own energy as possible and buy the rest sustainably. For the goods and services we purchase, we work with our suppliers to reduce their carbon footprint.

Our objectives

  • All buildings will have an A+++ energy rating by 2050.
  • Radboud campus will stop using natural gas by 2035.
  • Residual heat will be available for third parties by 2050 (at least 50 TJ).
  • We will reduce indirect CO2 emissions (e.g., production and transport emissions) of the products we use at our University.

Radboud University is therefore firmly committed to energy efficiency.

Where we are now

Radboud University used 20% less gas last year than in 2022. This decrease followed an 18% drop over the previous year. With this, gas consumption has now fallen from 2.4 to 0.9 million cubic metres (-61%) in five years. The driving force behind this, the campus' heat and cold seasonal storage (CHP) system, has now been in operation for 20 years but was better utilised than ever in 2023.

Zonnepanelen op campusgebouwen
Solar panels on roofs provide campus buildings with renewable energy

Annual Energy Report 2023

Want to know more about energy consumption and savings on campus? Read the full Annual Energy Report 2023.

Annual Energy Report 2023
pdf 909.51 KB

Carbon footprint

Radboud University measures its own CO2 emissions every two years. This image shows the results for 2019 and 2021.

CO2 voetafdruk Radboud Universiteit

This is what we are going to do

  • Significantly improve the energy ratings of our buildings. For more information, see the Campus Plan. 
  • Replace existing lighting with LED lighting. 
  • Reduce gas consumption by optimising the 5th generation heat network on campus and extending it to existing and new buildings.
  • Reduce gas consumption by heating with residual heat from the Radboudumc cooling plant.
  • Supply residual heat to third parties so that they too can start saving gas.
  • Install solar panels on suitable roofs.
  • Install solar panels on other roof surfaces, such as bicycle sheds and car parks.
  • Use the campus as a living lab, for example for innovative solar panels on façades.
  • Provide users with greater insights and encourage them to become more energy efficient.
  • Measure our footprint every two years, giving us insights into our emissions and how best to reduce them.

How can you help?

  • Try to be energy conscious at work, for example, turn off the lights and check the thermostat (if there is one) when you are the last person to leave the room.
  • Brainstorm with your colleagues or fellow students about ways to save energy in your work and study environment. You can visit https://campusenergie.nl/
  • to see if the measures are having an impact on the building’s overall energy consumption.
  • Your behaviour can help us to cut our emissions: choose sustainable transport and make conscious choices when purchasing.
Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 12

Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are seventeen goals aimed at making the world a better place by 2030. They serve as a global compass for addressing challenges such as poverty, education and the climate crisis. 

Radboud University’s energy and climate plans are in line with the following SDGs:

  • 7 Affordable and clean energy
  • 12: Responsible consumption and production

Contact

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