Utrecht University turns the switch

At Utrecht University, we are doing all we can to save as much energy as possible. On the one hand because of rising energy costs. On the other hand because we want to be CO2 neutral by 2030 to combat climate change. Utrecht University turns the switch. Join us!

Save energy in the lab

If we are more energy efficient in the labs, we can save up to 60% energy together. Want to know how you can do your bit? Watch the video below.

You can also save energy this way:

UU turns the switch

Currently, Utrecht University annually consumes as much gas as 13.000 households. With the rising energy prices, our energy bill could go up to 35 million euros in 2023. Money we would rather spend on education and research. That is why the university is implementing a number of energy-saving measures in the buildings. The goal is to save 15 percent energy by the end of 2023, on top of the existing energy saving targets. On this page, you will find tips on how you can help the university save energy.

Discover what you can do!

These measures are taken by the university: 

  • The temperature is set to 19 degrees Celsius in all university buildings. Read more.
  • All suitable roofs are (soon) full of solar panels and we are building solar fields and other forms of renewable energy generation and storage.
  • The university uses thermal energy storage to heat and cool the UU buildings. Read more.
  • Outdoor lighting is reduced where possible. For example, the mood lighting at Utrecht Science Park will not be switched on this year. Read more.

Campaign: Utrecht University turns the switch

With the campaign Utrecht University turns the switch, we are asking UU'ers to help to reduce the university's energy consumption. The goal is that eventually we will be as energy-conscious at university as we are at home. During the campaign, we will share saving tips via posters, intranet and screens in public areas. The campaign will run throughout 2023.

Energy Saving Task Force

The campaign is an initiative of the Energy Saving Task Force. The goal of the task force is to reduce energy consumption by an additional 15 percent by the end of 2023.

Read more about the Task Force