Energy and emissions

Goals of the Climate Action Plan 2030:

• Stable and cost-effective energy supply using renewable energy sources
• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
• Creation of a modernisation programme for the current buildings

Status

The university aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions) by using renewable energy sources. As of January 1, 2021, the university purchases its additional electricity with the high-quality eco-electricity certificate ‚Grüner Strom Label‘. This ensures that the energy supply consists solely of green electricity, and a fixed amount per kilowatt-hour is invested in expanding renewable energies
By operating several PV systems on rooftops, the university is already contributing to further reducing GHG emissions. For 2024, additional installations are planned on the roofs of the Dean's Office of Forestry and Agriculture, the Work Unit North, as well as the experimental farms in Reinsdorf and Relliehausen. An agricultural PV system covering an area of approximately 56 hectares in Deppoldshausen is in the planning stages.
Furthermore, heat and electricity consumption have been reduced: Compared to 2013, heat consumption in 2022 decreased by 25.6 % (12.6 % adjusted for temperature). Electricity consumption was also reduced by 6.1 % during the same period. The peak in heat consumption in 2021 was due to COVID-19 prevention measures: To reduce the risk of infection, a lot of room air was exchanged, leading to increased heat demand.
Overall, the GHG emissions of the University of Göttingen have already decreased. To further drive this positive trend, you will find energy-saving tips and materials below to motivate your colleagues and fellow students to save energy.

Energy saving tips

• More detailed energy-saving tips
• More information about refrigerators (german)
• Energy-saving materials

Energy

Decarbonisation Plan

Emissions

Climate neutrality