Energy efficiency plan: "Moving toward the best possible balance"
Investments and energy renovation projects, adapting the way the institution operates, and individual and collective responsibility are the three pillars of the UM's energy efficiency plan, which was presented to the board of directors on January 30. Bernard Maurin, Vice President for Real Estate, explains.
On October 6, the government published its energy efficiency plan , which commits all government departments. Why, and what are the consequences for universities?
Since 2021, energy prices have been rising steadily. There are many reasons for this: post-COVID recovery, the war in Ukraine, supply difficulties, particularly for gas, etc. This increase is also linked to the climate and environmental crisis, which requires a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The government and our supervisory ministry have therefore asked universities to reduce their energy consumption by 10% by the end of 2024.
Had the university anticipated this energy issue?
Yes, of course. The current situation only serves to intensify structural problems. This plan is a continuation of the fundamental actions taken by UM over several years to control its consumption. For example, half of our premises have been connected to urban heating networks, which has already helped to partially "cushion" the impact of this crisis.
To better understand the issues at stake, how much will this increase in energy prices cost the university?
The UM's energy bill increased by approximately €2 million in 2022 compared to 2021 (€5.3 million), and projections for 2023 suggest another increase of more than €7 million! This energy efficiency plan is therefore the mechanism that will enable us to achieve the 10% reduction target set by the government.
So what does this austerity plan what does it involve? Are you considering closing establishments, as other universities have done?
No, we are not considering it. One principle has been established above all others: maintaining the quality of public service and our quality of life at work and in our studies, i.e., striking the best possible balance between the continuity of our activities and this imperative of restraint. Therefore, unlike other universities that have made this choice, there will be no additional closures of the institution, and no increase in distance learning and teleworking, which would not solve anything in terms of the country's consumption except to shift part of it to the homes of staff and students!
Three areas of focus have been identified in this plan, the first of which targets individual action. How?
The first step is to make recommendations to staff and students to raise awareness, mobilize them, and empower them to take responsibility. This empowerment aims to promote "best practices," most of which are already well known: limiting heating to 19°C and cooling to 26°C for those with individual equipment. Remember to turn off these devices at the end of the day, to turn off the lights when leaving a room, and to turn off electrical appliances (computers and monitors, chargers, etc.) at the end of the day or when not in use for a prolonged period. Do the same for "energy-intensive" equipment in research laboratories or classrooms (fume hoods, extractor hoods, etc.).
The second area concerns the functioning of the institution itself. Can you give us some concrete examples?
We are aiming for a more "comprehensive" approach here, adapting the way our university operates. For example, for premises where heating is managed by the property management department or by a training department, the heating settings are being adjusted directly (19°C on weekdays, 16°C on weekends, and 8°C during holidays), with a reduction in the heating period. Hot water will also be turned off in premises and sanitary facilities, unless necessary.
You mention heating, but electricity is also an issue...
The case of electricity is more complex because the actions mainly concern very specific issues (research, training, digital technology, etc.). This requires consultation with managers and stakeholders in the field to carry out analyses and then identify ways of reducing consumption on a case-by-case basis. The case of research infrastructure is a major challenge. Examples include clean rooms, ultra-low temperature freezers, computing servers, etc.
Are any longer-term investments planned?
Yes, this plan is not only focused on usage, it also reinforces the investments made by the UM to accelerate energy improvement operations. This brings us to our third priority, which is to invest in energy efficiency in line with our strategy of continuous improvement and consumption control. To this end, the UM has been able to mobilize significant funding and has been taking action for several years: Operation Campus, successive CPERs (State-Region Partnership Agreements), recovery and resilience plans, work using its own funds, etc.
What will change on campuses?
Specifically, we will step up operations to improve the energy efficiency of HVAC equipment and facilities; install LED lighting while reducing indoor and outdoor lighting; remotely shut down computers in classrooms and administrative offices; install thermostatic valves and insulate attics and networks; and install more energy management devices and meters to monitor consumption. We also aim to connect other campuses to heating networks. This will be the case for the Pharmacy and Arnaud de Villeneuve campuses in 2025. Feasibility studies on photovoltaic self-consumption will also be launched on several buildings.
And what about major energy renovation projects?
Major real estate projects for the energy renovation of buildings and the replacement of equipment will be continued and intensified, particularly within the framework of the 2021-2027 CPER (State-Region Economic Partnership Contract).