LOW CARBON ENERGY USE

Powering a low-carbon campus

(13.2.1 Low-carbon energy tracking)

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO) systematically monitors and records the share of low-carbon energy utilised 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 utilises a decarbonised 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.

Monitoring of photovoltaic electricity production

VSB-TUO operates a monitoring system for the photovoltaic power plant installed on selected campus buildings. Its performance and total energy output are tracked in real time, helping to cover part of the buildings’ electricity consumption.

A clear visual interface displays essential information about system performance, daily output, and long-term benefits. This monitoring is valuable for both the technical team and the University community, providing insight into the practical application of renewable energy on campus. Data is updated every 10 minutes, with the exact time of the last update shown in the bottom right corner of the screen.

https://www.vsb.cz/udrzitelnost/en/Sustainable-campus/Energy-Management/ 

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION MEASURES

Raising climate awareness

(13.3.1 Local education programmes on climate)

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava actively provides educational programmes, public lectures, workshops and awareness-raising campaigns focused on climate change, its environmental and societal impacts, mitigation measures, adaptation strategies and environmental resilience.

These activities are intended for students, schools, local communities and the general public. The University shares scientific knowledge, promotes climate literacy and encourages practical approaches to reducing environmental impacts and adapting to changing climatic conditions.

Climate-related education is also supported by study programmes and research activities in environmental engineering, sustainable energy, crisis management, water management and sustainable construction.

Climate Change Education, Mitigation and Adaptation

In 2025, VSB-TUO provided and promoted educational activities directly addressing climate change, greenhouse gas emission reduction, landscape resilience and adaptation to changing environmental conditions.

TUER – Returning Water and Life to the Landscape: As part of European Sustainable Development Week, VSB-TUO organised a lecture presented by Jaroslav Vseticka from the World TUER Association. The lecture focused on restoring natural water cycles, improving landscape resilience and applying nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation. Particular attention was paid to practical landscape interventions applicable in urban environments.

Climate education contribution: Climate change adaptation, landscape restoration, water retention and nature-based adaptation measures.

TUER Lecture – Official ETUR 2025 Programme

History and Climate Change – educational workshop: Through inter-university cooperation, VSB-TUO provided access to the online workshop History and Climate Change, organised by the University of Hradec Kralove. The workshop explored the relationship between climate change and historical education, including how changes in climate influence the interpretation of historical events and how climate topics can be communicated to younger generations.

Climate education contribution: Climate literacy, communication of climate-related risks and integration of climate change into education.

History and Climate Change – ETUR 2025 Online Programme

Climate Change and Food Safety – Mycotoxins: VSB-TUO promoted access to an online educational lecture organised by the University of Hradec Kralove, addressing mycotoxins, food contamination and the relationship between climate change and food safety. The lecture explained how changing climatic conditions and globalisation can influence the occurrence of contaminants in food and associated risks.

Climate education contribution: Understanding the indirect impacts of climate change on food systems, public health and environmental risks.

Mycotoxins and Climate Change – Official ETUR 2025 Programme

Earth Day 2025 – Sustainable and Lower-impact Food Choices: VSB-TUO organised an awareness initiative in its university catering facilities to highlight the environmental impacts of food production and consumption. The initiative presented more sustainable food choices and encouraged responsible consumption and more efficient use of food resources. Food-related environmental education can contribute to climate change mitigation by increasing awareness of the environmental impacts associated with dietary choices and food waste.

Climate education contribution: Sustainable consumption, food-related environmental impacts and climate mitigation through everyday choices.

Earth Day 2025 – Sustainable University Catering

Food CIRCUS – Reducing Food Waste: As part of European Sustainable Development Week, VSB-TUO organised the Food CIRCUS educational presentation addressing food waste in school catering. The presentation introduced the use of data, modern technologies and operational improvements to reduce food waste and improve resource efficiency. The programme also presented approaches potentially applicable in households, restaurants and other catering facilities.

Climate education contribution: Food waste prevention, resource efficiency and practices that can contribute to reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions.

Food CIRCUS – Official ETUR 2025 Programme .

Environmental awareness and public education

In addition to targeted climate education, VSB-TUO organises and participates in public outreach activities focused on environmental protection, sustainable energy, circular economy and responsible resource management.

These programmes complement climate-specific education and strengthen engagement with schools and local communities.

European Sustainable Development Week 2025: VSB-TUO organised a programme of public lectures, discussions, excursions and practical educational activities addressing sustainable development, environmental responsibility, circular economy and sustainable technologies. The programme included topics such as landscape adaptation, sustainable consumption, waste prevention and resource efficiency. Approximately 150 participants attended the University's sustainability activities, with additional participation through online programmes.

• ETUR 2025 – Official Programme
• ETUR 2025 – Results and Participation

Earth Day 2025 – Ostrava-Poruba: VSB-TUO participated in public Earth Day activities in Ostrava-Poruba. University researchers and representatives provided interactive educational demonstrations introducing environmental protection, recycling and scientific approaches to sustainability. The event provided opportunities for children, schools and the public to engage with environmental science outside the University campus.

Earth Day 2025 in Ostrava-Poruba – Official University Report .

Researchers' Night 2025 – Sustainable Energy and Environmental Technologies: The University's Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies (CEET) participated in Researchers' Night 2025, presenting scientific research and technological demonstrations to the general public. Educational activities introduced environmental technologies, resource efficiency and innovations associated with more sustainable energy and industrial systems. The event promoted dialogue between researchers, schools and the public on the role of science and technology in addressing environmental challenges.

Researchers' Night 2025 – Official University Report

Art & Science Festival 2025: VSB-TUO organised the tenth edition of the Art & Science Festival, connecting scientific research, technology, creativity and public education. The programme featured interactive demonstrations and presentations from University faculties and research centres, including CEET. Approximately 3,000 school pupils attended the festival, alongside other visitors. The event contributed to public understanding of science, energy, environmental protection and sustainable development.

Art & Science Festival 2025 – Official University News

Publicly Available Evidence and Educational Resources

The University publishes programmes, event reports and educational information through its official sustainability website and university communication channels.

These publicly accessible resources document the educational activities, topics, dates, participants and cooperation with partner institutions.

Through climate-specific programmes and broader public education, VSB-TUO contributes to climate literacy, awareness of mitigation and adaptation measures and the dissemination of scientific knowledge to local communities.

Our path to climate action

(13.3.2 Climate Action Plan - shared)

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava systematically addresses climate change mitigation, adaptation, greenhouse gas emission reduction and sustainable campus development through an integrated institutional strategic planning framework.

The University's climate-related objectives and implementation measures are embedded in three interconnected strategic documents: the Strategic Plan 2021–2027, the Sustainable Development Strategy 2024+ and the Campus Development Master Plan 2021+. Together, these documents provide a long-term framework for climate action, sustainable infrastructure development and the transition towards more resource-efficient university operations.

Institutional Climate Action Framework

The Strategic Plan 2021–2027 establishes the University's long-term development priorities, including environmental responsibility, sustainable development, energy management and cooperation with regional stakeholders.

The Strategic Plan is aligned with development priorities of the City of Ostrava and the Moravian-Silesian Region, supporting the integration of university activities into broader regional sustainability objectives.

The Sustainable Development Strategy 2024+ , approved in 2024, establishes specific sustainability objectives, implementation measures and institutional responsibilities with a long-term perspective towards 2030.

Its climate-related priorities include reducing the University's carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency, increasing the use of renewable and low-carbon energy, sustainable mobility, water management and circular economy principles.

The Campus Development Master Plan 2021+ provides an urban and infrastructure development framework for the university campus.

The Master Plan addresses energy systems, transport infrastructure, technical networks, water management, green spaces and the relationship between the university campus and the surrounding urban area.

Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Measures

The University's strategic framework establishes priorities and measures relevant to climate change mitigation and adaptation, including:

• Improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption in university buildings.
• Increasing the generation and use of renewable energy, particularly photovoltaic and geothermal energy.
• Reducing the carbon footprint of university operations.
• Supporting sustainable and low-emission mobility.
• Improving rainwater retention, water reuse and sustainable water management.
• Developing green infrastructure, biodiversity and environmentally responsible campus planning.
• Supporting circular economy principles and more efficient resource utilisation.

Implementation of these priorities is supported by the University's energy management activities, renewable energy installations, infrastructure investments and research projects.

Regional Climate Action and Cooperation – REFRESH and SMARAGD

VSB-TUO contributes to regional climate change mitigation and environmental transformation through the REFRESH – Research Excellence for Region Sustainability and High-tech Industries project and the SMARAGD – Smart and Green District initiative.

These initiatives support the sustainable transformation of the Moravian-Silesian Region through cooperation between universities, regional institutions, research organisations and industrial partners.

REFRESH is implemented by VSB-TUO in cooperation with the University of Ostrava and other partners. The project focuses on advanced energy technologies, environmental innovation, sustainable resource management and the development of solutions supporting the region's transition towards a low-carbon economy.

The SMARAGD initiative provides a wider strategic vision for regional innovation and sustainable transformation. REFRESH contributes research expertise and technological development relevant to implementing this vision.

The REFRESH project was approved by the Regional Standing Conference of the Moravian-Silesian Region in October 2023, demonstrating its institutional connection to regional development priorities.

These activities complement the University's strategic climate-related commitments and provide opportunities for cooperation, knowledge exchange and the development of practical environmental solutions with regional stakeholders.

Supporting evidence:

• REFRESH – Regional Research and Innovation Project
• SMARAGD – Strategic Regional Transformation Initiative
• Moravian-Silesian Region – Official Information on REFRESH

Additional Climate Research and Regional Cooperation

The University's contribution to climate-related innovation is further supported by national and international research projects addressing renewable energy, climate adaptation and resilient infrastructure.

The GeoUS project explores the potential of geothermal energy and its application in sustainable energy systems. Its research supports the development of low-carbon energy solutions relevant to regional energy transition.

Further information: GeoUS – Sustainable Geothermal Energy Research .

The NATURE-DEMO project focuses on nature-based solutions to increase the resilience of critical infrastructure to climate-related risks.

Through international research cooperation, the project supports the development and demonstration of approaches relevant to climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Further information: NATURE-DEMO – Nature-based Climate Adaptation Solutions .

Strategic Documents and Public Evidence

• Strategic Plan VSB-TUO 2021–2027
• Sustainable Development Strategy 2024+
• Sustainable Development Strategy – University Operations
• Campus Development Master Plan 2021+
• Official Strategic Documents and Implementation Plans

Through its institutional strategic framework and participation in regional initiatives, VSB-TUO integrates climate mitigation and adaptation measures into long-term university development and contributes to broader sustainable regional transformation.

Collaborating on climate preparedness

(13.3.3 Co-operative planning for climate change disasters)

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava contributes to research, technological development and interdisciplinary cooperation supporting preparedness for climate-related disasters and other emergencies. Through its research centres and specialised facilities, the University develops analytical tools, simulation technologies and approaches that can support public authorities and crisis management organisations.

The University's activities address challenges such as flooding, landslides, extreme weather-related risks, hazardous substance releases and the disruption of critical infrastructure. Relevant technologies also include tools for analysing population mobility and supporting decision-making in crisis situations.

Key initiatives:

Floreon+ – Modelling and crisis management support

The Advanced Data Analysis and Simulations Lab at IT4Innovations National Supercomputing Center develops the Floreon+ system to support decision-making in crisis management.

Originally designed for applications in the Moravian-Silesian Region, Floreon+ combines computational models and data analysis to support the monitoring and prediction of emergency situations. Its capabilities include hydrological modelling, traffic situation monitoring, modelling of hazardous substance dispersion and population mobility monitoring.

The system can operate in monitoring and prediction modes and supports scenario-based simulations to assess potential developments and consequences of crisis situations.

Sources: IT4Innovations – Advanced Data Analysis and Simulations Lab; Floreon+.

NATURE-DEMO – Climate-resilient critical infrastructure | 2024–2028

VSB-TUO participates in the NATURE-DEMO project, which focuses on developing and demonstrating nature-based solutions to increase the resilience of critical infrastructure to climate-related risks.

The project brings together research organisations and other stakeholders to explore how nature-based approaches can contribute to reducing vulnerability and strengthening infrastructure resilience. Its activities support knowledge development relevant to long-term climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Source: NATURE-DEMO – Project Overview.

Simulation technologies and crisis management education

The Faculty of Safety Engineering operates specialised simulation facilities, including the XVR Simulator, which supports practical education and training in emergency response and crisis management.

Simulation-based training enables participants to examine different emergency scenarios, practise decision-making and develop skills relevant to coordinating responses to potentially hazardous situations.

These activities are further supported by study programmes such as Population Protection and Crisis Management and Safety and Security Engineering.

Through these activities, VSB-TUO provides research, technologies and specialist knowledge relevant to cooperative disaster preparedness and risk assessment at local and regional levels.

(13.3.4 Inform and support government)

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava supports local and regional authorities in climate-related disaster risk assessment, monitoring, early warning and emergency preparedness through advanced technologies, applied research and cooperation with public institutions.

Climate risk monitoring and early warning

• Floreon+ – Flood and Disaster Risk Monitoring: Developed by IT4Innovations, the system provides hydrological modelling, flood simulations and analytical tools relevant to emergency planning and regional crisis management. Floreon+ – Crisis Management Support System .
• Satellite Monitoring – Sentinel-1: IT4Innovations develops radar-based Earth observation methods for mapping floods, monitoring landslides and detecting environmental changes. IT4Innovations – Advanced Data Analysis and Simulations Lab .
• Fire Risk Prediction Near Railway Lines: The Faculty of Safety Engineering develops predictive models using historical data, field measurements and remote sensing to support fire prevention and risk assessment for emergency response organisations. Fire Risk Prediction – Research Project .

Cooperation with public authorities and emergency services

• INTER_Sucho – Drought and Emergency Management: The Faculty of Safety Engineering cooperates with municipal crisis management authorities on exercises addressing prolonged drought, large-scale forest fires and emergency coordination. INTER_Sucho – International Crisis Management Exercise .
• NATURE-DEMO – Climate-Resilient Critical Infrastructure: An international research project developing nature-based solutions and decision-support approaches to improve infrastructure resilience to climate-related disasters. NATURE-DEMO – Nature-based Solutions for Climate Resilience .
• Emergency Preparedness Training: The Faculty of Safety Engineering provides professional training and simulation-based exercises for municipal crisis management teams, including cooperation with the Municipality with Extended Powers of Opava. Faculty of Safety Engineering – Crisis Management Activities .

Through these activities, VSB-TUO provides scientific expertise, predictive technologies and professional support relevant to climate risk monitoring, early warning capabilities and emergency preparedness at local and regional levels.

Partnering with NGOs for environmental education

(13.3.5 Environmental education: collaboration with NGOs)

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava actively collaborates with non-governmental organisations on climate change adaptation, environmental education and sustainable regional development. These partnerships support the exchange of scientific knowledge, practical training and the implementation of climate adaptation measures in local communities.

Climate Adaptation Projects and NGO Cooperation

• LIFE COALA – Coal Mining Landscape Adaptation: VSB-TUO is an official project partner alongside the Czech Environmental Partnership Foundation (Nadace Partnerstvi), public authorities and regional institutions. The project supports climate adaptation across the Moravian-Silesian Region through research, awareness-raising, knowledge sharing and practical adaptation measures. LIFE COALA – Official Project Partners . VSB-TUO – LIFE COALA Project .
• MiSe Klima – Climate Adaptation Education for Municipalities: A practical climate adaptation course for mayors, municipal officials and local government representatives was held at the University's CEETe facility. Experts from Nadace Partnerstvi presented approaches to climate resilience and examples of adaptation projects. MiSe Klima – Practical Climate Adaptation Course .
• Adapterra Awards – Sharing Climate Adaptation Good Practices: The University's CEETe building is presented by Nadace Partnerstvi and LIFE COALA as an example of sustainable building design and climate adaptation. The project demonstrates rainwater harvesting, green facades and renewable energy technologies. CEETe – Climate Adaptation Good Practice .
• Environmental Education and Knowledge Transfer: Through its participation in LIFE COALA, VSB-TUO contributes to a regional partnership involving environmental NGOs, municipalities and research institutions. The partnership promotes awareness of climate-related risks, adaptation measures and sustainable landscape management. LIFE COALA – Regional Climate Adaptation Initiative .

Through these activities, VSB-TUO demonstrates institutional cooperation with environmental non-governmental organisations, contributing to climate adaptation education, public awareness and the dissemination of practical solutions for municipalities and local communities.

COMMITMENT TO CARBON NEUTRAL UNIVERSITY