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Description
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), the largest higher education institution in Greece, is internationally recognized for its academic and research contributions. With numerous departments across a wide range of scientific disciplines and a student population exceeding any other institution in the country, AUTh maintains an extensive building infrastructure located primarily on its main campus in Thessaloniki.
Given the age and continuous use of its facilities, there is a pressing need for energy upgrades and the integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). Within this framework, AUTh participated in the GR-ENERGY Programme, focusing on the energy upgrade of the Faculty of Sciences, a key academic building characterized by high energy demand and daily use by large numbers of students and staff.
The interventions implemented included:
Installation of thermal insulation on the building’s roof
Installation of a heat pump system for central air conditioning and heating
Replacement of conventional lighting systems with energy-efficient LED technology
Installation of an energy automation system for monitoring and controlling consumption
Installation of a 5 kWp photovoltaic (PV) electric vehicle (EV) charging station as a demonstration unit
Through these interventions, the Faculty of Sciences building was upgraded to Energy Class B+, achieving significant improvements in energy performance.
In addition, a smart metering and environmental data recording system was installed, supporting the university’s educational and research objectives. This system allows students and academic staff to access real-time data, promoting awareness and understanding of energy management and modern RES technologies.
The project contributes to AUTh’s strategic goals of environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and academic innovation, while setting an example for energy upgrades in public higher education institutions.
Summary of project results
The project was completed successfully with no significant implementation challenges, except for a notable increase in the cost of materials and equipment compared to the initial budget estimates. This cost escalation was attributed to the broader energy crisis, which had a widespread impact on construction and energy retrofit pricing across Europe.
As a result, additional financial resources were required in the middle of implementation to fulfill the originally defined targets and commitments of the Project Promoter, as specified in the Inclusion Decision. The issue was formally acknowledged, and a request for additional funding was submitted to secure the achievement of the project''s predefined objectives and performance indicators.
In the end, 100% of the Project’s physical object was completed, following all legal procedures and within the framework of the EEA Grants 2014–2021 programme.
The Project of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, under the GR-ENERGY Programme, included the following sub-projects:
- Sub-Project 1: Supply and installation of RES-Energy Saving technologies in building infrastructure of AUTh.
- Sub-Project 2: Installation of smart meters and sensors to support the implementation of the project objectives.
- Sub-Project 3: Training and communication actions for the dissemination of the project results.
- Sub-Project 4: Scientific support services for the monitoring and completion of the project.
- Sub-Project 5: Application of energy-saving technologies in lighting.
In addition, in the context of strengthening the bilateral relations of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with partners from the Donor Countries, a visit to the premises of the Icelandic National Energy Authority in Reykjavik (Orkustofnun) was carried out in September 2024 to transfer know-how and good practices in the field of green energy transition. Bilateral cooperation actions were carried out and a report was drawn up assessing the know-how transferred and describing specific results and ways of exploitation by AUTh.
The project has been successful in achieving the following key objectives:
- Promotion of Innovation and Sustainable Development: The interventions implemented in the Faculty of Sciences building at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) actively promote the principles of sustainable development and energy-conscious investment. These actions contribute to improving building infrastructure quality, lowering operational costs, and raising public awareness regarding the adoption of modern, energy-efficient technologies.
- Enhancement of Service Quality: The GR-Energy project significantly improved the indoor environmental conditions of the Faculty of Sciences building. This upgrade has directly enhanced the learning and teaching environment, contributing to a higher standard of academic services and supporting the university’s educational and research mission.
- Environmental Protection and Emissions Reduction: As a result of the project, the energy classification of the Faculty of Sciences building was upgraded from category D to B+, transforming it into a model of energy efficiency. This transition led to a substantial reduction in primary energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the electric vehicle charging station installed as part of the project operates with a zero energy footprint, powered entirely by photovoltaic systems.
- Reduction of Social and Economic Inequalities: As public institutions, universities play a vital role in promoting equal access to education. By investing in the energy upgrade of educational infrastructure, the project contributes to improved study and research conditions, enhances quality of life on campus, and ensures that students from all socio-economic backgrounds benefit from facilities that meet modern European standards.
Therefore, the Project contributes to improving the University''s education services, saving resources and creating incentives for modern green energy transition technologies for buildings.