Energy Efficiency in the Higher Education Institutions: A Review of Actions and Their Contribution to Sustainable Development

Abstract

Universities are among the largest public sectors and energy consumers in many countries worldwide. They are considered crucial places to learn about opportunities to adopt sustainable and renewable energy to meet global greenhouse gas emission targets and incentivize economic growth. In this study, different energy efficiency strategies on university campuses were analyzed to investigate the level of engagement in practical actions at universities and the reduction of the environmental impacts of this sector. The results show that energy actions on university campuses are fewer and focused on plans for renewing energy systems and reducing energy consumption in buildings. Only a small portion of universities’ energy consumption comes from renewable sources. There is a need for more empirical studies on the description of actions and their impacts on the sustainability of campuses, in addition to the need to better understand and study the connections between energy use and energy efficiency in university campuses. An integrated approach to different energy strategies, in parallel with the knowledge of available technologies and the commitment of university stakeholders, in partnership with government support and energy concessionaires, is essential to improve energy performance and reduce the energy footprint of the universities.