SDG7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, established in 2019, oversees energy optimisation on campus. The primary tasks of the Energy Committee  are as follows:

• Propose measures for energy reduction: Develop and recommend strategies to lower overall energy consumption across the University campus.
• Implement advanced technologies: Utilise state-of-the-art technologies to enhance energy efficiency and management.
• Promote renewable energy use: Increase the proportion of renewable energy sources within the campus energy mix, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
• Operate an efficient energy management system: Oversee a robust energy management system that monitors, controls, and optimizes energy flow throughout campus facilities.
• Optimize energy flow in buildings: Suggest improvements in electrical and thermal energy distribution within buildings for enhanced efficiency.
• Monitor energy consumption trends: Track energy usage data to inform decision-making and future energy-saving measures.
• Collaborate across University departments: Work with other University units to effectively implement energy-saving practices and sustain the campus's energy management efforts.

7.2 University measures towards affordable and clean energy

7.2.1. Energy-efficient renovation and building (policy)

VSB - Technical University of Ostrava's all renovations and new builds adhere to energy efficiency standards. The Faculty of Economics has been relocated to a newly built, sustainable building on the Poruba campus. This project is part of the University's broader efforts to modernise its infrastructure while ensuring compliance with Czech legal acts and guidelines, such as the Building Act No. 183/2006 Coll., as amended by No. 225/2017 Coll., and Government Regulation 264/2020 on the Energy Efficiency of Buildings, which specifies energy classes in compliance with EU regulations. Additionally, the legal obligations for buildings are governed by Regulation (EU) 305/2011 of the European Parliament and Council, including requirements on energy and heat saving, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources.

The Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies – Explorer (CEETe) serves as a symbol of sustainability for both the University and the broader community. CEETe sets a new benchmark in sustainable architecture by blending advanced technologies with ecological principles. Similarly, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Coputer Science, Platform of new technologies FEI CPIT-TL3, and the latest building of the Faculty of Economics further demonstrate the University’s dedication to sustainable building practices.

7.2.2. Upgrade buildings to higher energy efficiency

VSB - Technical University of Ostrava is actively working to reduce the environmental impact of its operations across all buildings, with specific plans to upgrade existing buildings for higher energy efficiency. Individual operational targets for these upgrades are proposed by the Energy Committee, appointed by the Rector.

Measures being implemented include installing heat pumps powered by deep boreholes, enhancing insulation and cladding, conducting energy performance testing, constructing photovoltaic plants on campus roofs, reconstructing heat exchanger stations, and installing LED lighting both indoors and on outdoor masts. These upgrades are part of the University’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy sources and advanced sustainable technologies, many of which were developed or tested at the University’s research centers.

VSB-TUO is committed to improving energy management, continuing energy savings, and contributing to the development of the 'SMARt And Green District' (SMARAGD) in the Moravian-Silesian Region. These efforts align with the Strategic Plan of VSB-TUO 2021-2027, which outlines sustainability as key objectives.

Operational Objective C 5.3 Support of the sustainable development of the University 

VSB-TUO takes responsibility for the environment, and will strive to make its activities permanently environmentally sustainable. Development of a so-called Smart Campus will allow us to focus on the efficient use of existing resources and the search for new ones, reducing energy consumption, eliminating environmental burden, optimizing
transportation, parking, lighting, waste management, etc. 

The University campus is interconnected with underground tanks capable of holding up to 234 m³ of rainwater, which is subsequently used for sanitary purposes and irrigation of greenery. As the only university in the Czech Republic, VSB–TUO operates a testing station for hydrogen production, filling, and storage—a key step toward the implementation of this technology, which supports the decarbonisation strategy at the Moravian-Silesian Region level. At the same time, an application was submitted last year for further expansion of the existing photovoltaic power plants on the campus of VSB-TUO. A techno-economic study was prepared, based on which a strategic project was developed, proposing a photovoltaic power plant with a total installed capacity of 473 kWp. To balance the energy flow on the campus, a battery storage system with a capacity of 480 kWh is proposed. The project will be implemented using the "Design and Build" method.

Operational Objective C 5.5 Support for the modernisation and attractiveness of the campus

Development of the infrastructure is based on the University’s vision as a “unique, living laboratory with high-profile and internationally recognized research that addresses the future challenges of society in real time.” The goal is to create a campus that inspires students and employees, is open to science and internationalisation, and accelerates co-operation with the application sphere. The investment strategy focuses on restoration and modernization of buildings and increasing the attractiveness of the campus that forms the core of the emerging „SMARt And Green Districtu“ (SMARAGD) of the Moravian-Silesian Region. 

The University has also expanded its ecological initiatives with a plan to establish flower meadows covering an area of 6,000 m², complementing 30,000 m² of green spaces and a vertical garden spanning 193 m².

Strategic plan of VSB-TUO 2021-2027

Social responsibility

Governmental Regulation-Energy performance of buildings

7.2.3. Carbon reduction and emission reduction process

VSB - Technical University of Ostrava is actively involved in numerous projects aimed at reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. Central to this effort is the Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies (CEET), a state-of-the-art, energy self-sufficient system designed to reduce the carbon footprint through alternative fuels, hydrogen storage, and AI-driven energy flow control, all in line with circular economy principles. This innovative approach demonstrates the university’s commitment to sustainable carbon management and emission reduction.

CEETe was recognised by Schneider Electric in the Sustainability Impact Awards, which seeks out and highlights projects that significantly contribute to decarbonization and sustainable development. The project also included the design of a microgrid, which is a stand-alone electricity network that enables generate local electricity and use it where it is most needed.

Strategic Plan of VSB-TUO for 2021-2027

CEET - Annual Report 2023

SCOPE 1 & 2

• 2023
• 2024

7.2.4. Plan to reduce energy consumption

VSB – Technical University of Ostrava has a comprehensive energy efficiency plan aimed at reducing overall energy consumption across different energy sources. The Strategic Plan of VSB-TUO for 2021-2027, with a clear goal "to increase the energy self-sufficiency of the University to 17% of total energy consumption by 2027", underscores the University’s commitment to sustainable energy use. The Energy Committee, which includes University-appointed experts, actively monitors progress and initiates targeted energy-saving measures.

• Natural gas: The University has taken targeted steps to decrease natural gas consumption, particularly through renovations and the installation of low-energy appliances, resulting in more efficient resource use and reduced operational costs.
• Electricity: Despite campus growth, electricity consumption has remained stable due to effective energy-saving measures and technologies. The use of renewable energy sources (9%) and nuclear energy (42.8%) for electricity, as well as on-campus photovoltaic panels, reflects a commitment to cleaner energy and sustainable practices. Additionally, tracking electricity consumption per person indicates an awareness of usage efficiency.
• Heat: Heat consumption has declined due to consistent energy-saving measures and system modernisation. The University further demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by using geothermal energy, covering a portion of its heating needs.

Additionally, VSB-TUO has introduced Building Information Modeling (BIM) to digitally manage data on building operations and maintenance throughout each building’s lifecycle, optimising resource use and sustainability. The development of the “Smart Campus Concept” further supports this effort by focusing on resource efficiency and exploring new avenues for reducing energy consumption and emissions.

7.2.5. Energy wastage identification

VSB - Technical University of Ostrava undergoes energy reviews to identify areas where energy wastage is highest, and this process is a key responsibility of the University's Energy Committee. The Committee regularly monitors the University's energy consumption, analyses the data, and proposes corrective measures to optimise efficiency. As part of these efforts, a thorough "passporting" of all University buildings was conducted to assess operational electricity and heat consumption. This enables the ongoing monitoring of consumption data, which is integrated into the building energy management system for accurate tracking.

VSB-TUO also operates several photovoltaic power plants within the local distribution system (LDS), which are monitored by the University's control room 24/7, year-round.

An additional example of the University's energy-saving initiatives is the replacement of outdoor lighting with more efficient lamps that consume less electricity. 

University Photovoltaic Power Plants: CEET

7.2.6. Divestment policy

The Development Master Plan, Generel Rozvoje 2021 - 2027, and the efforts of the Energy Committee reflect the University's commitment to sustainable development and reducing environmental impact, particularly through energy-efficient infrastructure and the abandonment of energy-inefficient buildings. 

7.3.1. Energy usage per sqm

The total energy consumption at VSB - Technical University of Ostrava in 2023 was 117,368 GJ. This figure includes 65,440 GJ of electricity consumption, 49,012 GJ of heat consumption, and 2,916 GJ of natural gas consumption. The energy consumption encompasses all energy used in University buildings that are owned or controlled by the University.

The total floor area of the University buildings is 312,211 m², resulting in an average energy consumption of approximately 0.376 GJ/m² per year (117,368 GJ / 312,211 m²).

7.4 Energy and the community

7.4.1. Local community outreach for energy efficiency

VSB - Technical Umiversity of Ostrava provides several programmes for the local community to learn about energy efficiency and clean energy. These include:

Public outreach and expert media appearances: University experts frequently appear in the media to discuss topics such as air pollution, environmentally friendly heating, and ecological waste treatment, raising public awareness about energy and environmental issues.

Summer schools: In May 2023, Ostrava hosted the first Summer School of the European SAN4FUEL project, with collaboration from the Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies (CEET) at VSB-TUO, CATRIN of Palacký University, the University of Trieste, and Friedrich Alexander University in Erlangen, Germany. Participants discussed the development of new materials using atomic engineering, as well as publication preparation for prestigious journals and strategies for succeeding in Horizon Europe project calls.  

https://mel.vsb.cz/en/news/the-first-summer-school-of-the-san4fuel-project-was-hosted-by-ostrava/ 

Exhibitions: In collaboration with the German Embassy in Prague and the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform for Applied Artificial Intelligence for Materials & Manufacturing at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, the University hosted the travelling digital exhibition "Energy in Transition – Powering Tomorrow" on campus in October 2023. This exhibition aimed to inspire the community on the future of energy transition.

https://www.vsb.cz/fip-ai/en/news-detail/?reportId=46144&linkBack=%2Ffip-ai%2Fen%2Fnews%2Findex.html    

SMOKEMAN educational programme: The SMOKEMAN's education show, licensed by Czech Television, promotes environmentally friendly heating practices through educational videos and a popular road-show. It serves the general public and offers accredited training for public administration staff, with content also available in English.

SMOKEMAN´s education show: CEET

Air quality information using drones: The University shares air quality data with the local community, obtained through drone measurements conducted by university researchers.

University of the Third Age Courses: The University of the Third Age offers community courses covering a variety of energy-related topics, including "Energy for the Third Millennium – Energy for Everyone," oganised by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

Flagship events: VSB-TUO organies the Art & Science Festival and participates in Researchers’ Night every year. These flagship events combine science and art in interactive formats, aiming to spark curiosity about various topics including energy efficiency and sustainable practices. They offer hands-on experiences that highlight the importance of science and technology in our daily lives.

These programmes underscore the University’s commitment to educating the local community on the importance of energy efficiency and clean energy.

7.4.2. 100% renewable energy pledge

VSB - Technical University of Ostrava actively promotes sustainable energy and renewable technology initiatives through research, partnerships, and technology platforms. The University’s focus is on advancing sustainable practices and innovation through its leadership in national and regional programmes.

	VSB-TUO leads the National Centre for Energy II, positioning the University as a key driver in national energy strategy development and innovation. The External Centre Council includes representatives from key governmental and industry organisations such as the Czech Association of Energy Sector Employers, the Moravian-Silesian Region, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
	VSB-TUO is a member of several strategic clusters that support sustainable regional and national development. The University is actively engaged in clusters such as the Moravian-Silesian Hydrogen cluster, where it serves as a main founder, working to develop a hydrogen ecosystem that supports clean energy transition and economic transformation.

7.4.3. Energy efficiency services for industry

VSB - Technical University of Ostrava provides direct services to local industry aimed at improving energy efficiency and promoting clean energy. These services include:

• Energy audits and feasibility studies: Through the Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies (CEET) the University offers energy audits and comprehensive studies that identify and address energy-saving opportunities for companies. 
  • Energy Audits and Studies
• Energy efficiency and renewable energy concepts: Accredited departments develop tailored concepts to enhance energy efficiency and increase the share of renewable energy in local industries, focusing on both electricity and heat production for company needs.
• Support for implementation: The University offers a full range of services, from feasibility studies, energy audits, and design activities to subsidy selection, providing a complete pathway from planning to execution.
• Contract and collaborative research: Using state-of-the-art university instrumentation, the uUniversity conducts contract research funded by companies and engages in collaborative research projects supported by grant agencies, advancing industry-specific innovations in energy efficiency.
• Renewable energy initiatives: A specific example is the feasibility study for a photovoltaic solar power generation project at the former military airfield Ralsko, demonstrating the University's commitment to renewable energy solutions.

This broad range of services highlights the University’s active role in assisting local industry with practical, research-driven solutions to enhance energy efficiency and implement clean energy practices. Research teams from CEET achieve significant results through strong collaboration with both Czech industries and international research institutions.

7.4.4. Policy development for clean energy technologies

VSB - Technical University of Ostrava supports and informs government policy development in clean energy and energy-efficient technology. This involvement spans local, regional, and international levels:

• Local: The University conducts impactful studies, such as an analysis on the transition away from coal-based electricity generation, which provides critical data to guide local energy policy.
• Regional - flagship project – REFRESH: A key tool in achieving the SMARAGD vision for a “Smart and Green District,” the REFRESH project is a significant investment to elevate research excellence in sustainable energy within the Moravian-Silesian Region. The project will build a unique European infrastructure for research and technology transfer in the fields of sustainable energy, digitalisation of industrial production, automation in transport, environmental technologies, and smart material technologies.
• National: VSB-TUO leads the National Centre for Energy II, a significant initiative that brings together research and industry partners to advance sustainable energy technologies across the Czech Republic.
• Global:
  • The SAN4Fuel project exemplifies the University’s involvement in international efforts to address global energy and sustainability challenges. In collaboration with leading institutions including the University of Trieste, FAU, VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, and Palacký University Olomouc, this project focuses on advancing photo(electro)catalysis technology to convert renewable energy and waste into green fuels. SAN4Fuel aims to develop innovative catalysts, anchoring Earth-abundant materials to improve efficiency and overcome current limitations in sustainable energy production.
  • The ExPEDite project aims at creating and deploying a novel digital twin, allowing for real-time monitoring, visualisation and management of district-level energy flows.

7.4.5. Assistance to low-carbon innovation

The Green Light programme, organised by VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, is a comprehensive accelerator programme in the Moravian-Silesian region. The Green Light programme supports innovative start-ups, offering valuable assistance to help grow and scale projects, including those that could focus on low-carbon technologies and sustainability.

List of projects by year: https://greenlight.vsb.cz/en/projects/