SDG 13: Climate Action

13.2 Low-carbon energy use

13.2.1

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava systematically monitors and records the share of low-carbon energy utilized across its campuses. The University tracks the amount of electricity supplied by external providers based on their declared energy mix, ensuring alignment with national and EU energy transition goals. Similarly, the quantities of heat and steam delivered to university facilities are monitored in accordance with supplier declarations. Furthermore, VSB-TUO continuously measures the volume of electricity generated from on-site photovoltaic systems and heat produced from geothermal wells within the campus. These energy sources form an essential part of the University’s long-term strategy for sustainable energy management and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The University utilizes a decarbonized energy mix, with approximately 9 % of its electricity consumption coming from renewable sources and an additional 42.8 % supplied from nuclear energy. This combination significantly contributes to reducing the carbon intensity of the University’s energy portfolio and supports its commitment to sustainable development and climate neutrality objectives.

13.3 Environmental education measures 

13.3.1

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava actively promotes education and public awareness on climate change, its societal impacts, and opportunities for mitigation and adaptation. Climate-related topics are integrated into study programmes such as Population Protection and Crisis Management, Safety and Security Engineering, Environmental Technologies, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, and Smart and Green Buildings in Circular Construction.

Beyond teaching, the University also organises public educational and outreach activities, for example within the Art & Science programme, as well as through conferences, workshops, and projects focused on sustainable development, climate innovation, and environmental responsibility. In doing so, VSB-TUO connects science, art, and technology to raise public awareness of climate challenges and encourage active community engagement.

13.3.2

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava does not currently have a standalone “University Climate Action Plan.” However, most of these topics are systematically addressed and communicated through the VSB-TUO Sustainable Development Strategy 2024+, which encompasses key areas such as decarbonization, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility, water management, and circular economy principles.

In addition, the University is actively involved in research and development projects that support climate goals, in which its experts collaborate with local authorities, industry partners, and community groups. These projects focus on areas such as sustainable energy systems, water treatment, landscape restoration, and circular economy solutions, all contributing to climate change adaptation and the reduction of environmental impacts at the regional level.

• Sustainable Development Strategy VSB-TUO 2024+: https://www.vsb.cz/udrzitelnost/en/SDS-2024/
• REFRESH / SMARAGD: https://www.smaragdova.cz/refresh/
• GeoUS – geothermal energy project: https://www.smaragdova.cz/en/vsb-tuo-researchers-respond-to-demand-for-sustainable-geothermal-energy/

13.3.3.

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava is involved in activities related to climate disaster preparedness and response through the IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Center, which provides advanced computational capabilities for simulations, modelling, and prediction of climate-related events, including extreme weather phenomena and the dispersion of hazardous substances.

At the same time, the University strengthens education in this area through the study program Population Protection and Crisis Management (only CZ) and Safety and Security, which trains experts in risk management, crisis planning, and the mitigation of emergencies, including those caused by climate change.

These research, analytical, and educational activities support government authorities, crisis management bodies, and scientific institutions in improving risk assessment, planning, and decision-making processes related to climate-induced disasters and potential population displacement scenarios.

13.4 Commitment to carbon neutral university

13.4.1

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava is committed to systematically reducing its carbon footprint in accordance with the principles of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Although no specific target date for achieving carbon neutrality has been established, the University continuously implements measures to decrease greenhouse gas emissions as outlined in the VSB-TUO Sustainable Development Strategy 2024+.

Efforts are primarily directed toward reducing electricity and heat consumption and lowering the overall volume of generated waste. These initiatives are supported by ongoing energy monitoring, optimisation of operations, and the deployment of energy-efficient technologies within University facilities.

At present, the University quantifies and reports emissions under Scope 1 and Scope 2, covering direct and indirect emissions associated with purchased energy. The assessment of Scope 3 emissions is not yet included in the monitoring framework but is expected to be considered in the future as data collection and methodological approaches evolve.