Campus in numbers

The campus of VŠB-TUO is among the largest university campuses in the Czech Republic and Central Europe. The area supports a wide range of activities, from sustainable projects to community and socially responsible initiatives. Thanks to its facilities and the concept of a 'living laboratory,' both students and staff can develop innovations that contribute to environmental protection and social sustainability

Total area of the campus	432 436 m²
Built-up area of the campus	100 794 m²
Total area of buildings	312 211 m²
Area covered by vegetation	151 714 m²
Area covered by forests	28 999 m2
Area for water absorption	150 929 m²
Area reserved for parking	23 216 m²
Average number of cars per day on the campus	731

Electricity

Electricity is an essential commodity in any modern infrastructure. Its consumption at a technologically advanced campus like VSB – Technical University of Ostrava has a significant impact on both operational costs and the university’s environmental profile. Over recent years, the overall electricity demand has remained stable despite infrastructure growth and new building development. This reflects the university's effective use of technologies and a systematic approach to energy efficiency management.

In 2024, total electricity consumption at the university was 18,643 MWh. With a total of 15,826 people, the average consumption was approximately 0.118 MWh per person, representing a 6.35% year-on-year decrease compared to 2023.

The university relies on a decarbonized energy mix, with approximately 9% of electricity coming from renewable sources and another 42.8% from nuclear energy. These figures are based on the official declaration of the electricity supplier and are further supported by the university’s own production from photovoltaic panels installed on campus.

Based on this energy mix, the carbon footprint associated with electricity consumption per person in 2024 was approximately 24.6 kg CO₂e per year (GHG methodology).

Drinking Water

Cold water consumption has shown an interesting trend influenced not only by efforts to manage water resources efficiently but also by the campus’s operational conditions. A significant decrease during 2020 and 2021 was partially due to reduced campus occupancy and limited operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsequent increase in the following years reflects the return to full operations. Nevertheless, the university continues to focus on optimizing water use through efficient technologies and operational adjustments.

In 2024, total drinking water consumption reached 99,251 m³. Despite the full utilization of the campus, sustained emphasis on efficient resource use has helped keep water consumption under control.

Heat

In recent years, heat consumption has shown a clear downward trend, confirming the university's consistent efforts to manage energy use effectively. Despite variable weather conditions and building operation demands, long-term reductions in energy intensity have been achieved through technological measures such as optimized temperature control, building insulation, installation of modern control systems, and improved heat distribution networks.

In 2024, total heat consumption was 44,806 GJ. The average heat consumption per square meter of floor area was approximately 0.144 GJ/m², demonstrating the success of energy-saving technologies and operational strategies.

The university also actively utilizes renewable energy sources—specifically geothermal energy from deep boreholes, which covers approximately 2,533 GJ annually. This system supports energy self-sufficiency and exemplifies the effective use of local thermal resources.

Natural Gas

Natural gas consumption has shown a steady decline in recent years, thanks to targeted technical and operational measures implemented by the university. A major factor behind this trend was the renovation of the university canteen kitchen, during which outdated gas appliances were replaced with modern, energy-efficient technologies with higher performance.

In 2024, total natural gas consumption amounted to 663 MWh, confirming the impact of technology upgrades and operational improvements. This modernization has contributed not only to reduced operating costs but also to a lower environmental footprint within the university's energy management system.

Waste Management

In the area of waste management, emphasis is placed on proper sorting and effective processing of individual components. The graph shows the distribution of waste in categories such as mixed municipal waste, waste intended for material or energy recovery, and biodegradable waste.

The university collaborates with OZO, which ensures waste sorting at the most modern sorting line in the Czech Republic. Thanks to this collaboration, it is possible to efficiently process various types of waste according to their category, and all waste components are subsequently managed in accordance with applicable legislation. This approach minimizes the environmental impact and supports sustainable waste management practices.