The University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) is a leader in advancing sustainable energy practices within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). As a key participant in the TREATY project and a pioneer in the COPILOT project, UCLM has continuously demonstrated its commitment to integrating innovative solutions that significantly reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability. Through strategic investments and groundbreaking initiatives, UCLM has set a high standard for HEIs across Europe in reducing their carbon footprints and energy costs.
Achievements in Energy Efficiency In response to the rising electricity prices and a growing commitment to sustainability, UCLM launched an ambitious energy efficiency campaign in 2022. This effort led to a remarkable 20% reduction in the university’s overall annual electricity consumption. A detailed analysis of electricity usage across its campuses highlighted areas for improvement, with the Biomedical Complex accounting for a substantial 12% of total energy consumption. This identification of high-energy use areas has allowed for targeted energy-saving interventions and optimization of energy resources across the university.
Fig 1. Solar energy at UCLM: The University of Castilla-La Mancha leads by example with its extensive solar PV installations. These panels, installed across multiple campuses, not only generate renewable energy but also serve as a symbol of the university’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint.
Expansion of Solar PV Capacity
UCLM has made notable advancements in integrating renewable energy sources into its campuses. The installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants is a key component of the university’s strategy to achieve energy self-sufficiency. Key installations include:
These initiatives are part of UCLM’s broader commitment to sustainability and align with the CoPILOT project, which focuses on fostering deep-tech innovation and sustainable energy entrepreneurship across European higher education institutions.
Insights and Future Directions
The integration of solar PV systems at UCLM has not only resulted in significant energy savings but has also provided valuable data that continues to inform research into energy consumption patterns and optimization strategies. This ongoing research enables UCLM to continuously improve its energy efficiency and sustainability practices.
Fig 2. Real-time energy production and carbon savings: This dashboard shows the solar power generated at the Toledo campus of UCLM over one week, highlighting the University’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. In just one day, the solar PV system produced 662.75 kWh of energy and saved nearly 24 tCO2 emissions.
UCLM’s solar PV installations highlight the importance of collaboration between academia, industry, and innovation ecosystems to drive sustainable energy solutions. These efforts not only demonstrate the university’s commitment to sustainability but are also highly relevant to the EIT Higher Education Initiative. By fostering partnerships and leveraging innovation, UCLM is contributing to the broader goal of accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy. The university’s work serves as an inspiring example for other institutions, showcasing how collaboration and innovation can significantly reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability on a global scale.
