For the first time in its history, Masaryk University purchased “green energy” – which comes with a certificate confirming that the deliveries are equivalent to energy produced from renewable resources – from the Czech Moravian Commodity Exchange Kladno. At the same time, it was able to save over nine million crowns year-on-year on the energy, which was purchased for the following year.
“Masaryk University is committed to environmental responsibility and asked the energy company to deliver energy that comes from renewable resources and is certified as such,” says Tomáš Říha, the head of the Technical Operations Office at the MU Rector’s Office, who organised the purchase.
Moreover, MUNI was able to purchase energy at a price that effectively means that next year, both electricity and gas will be cheaper by 15% and 33% respectively. This means overall savings of nine million crowns for MUNI next year.
This is another step Masaryk University has taken to meet the targets set out in the memorandum for reducing carbon dioxide emissions in Brno after signing it in February. “It was a natural step for us to sign the memorandum. Masaryk University views environmental protection and sustainable development as its priorities and many of our excellent research departments focus on these areas,” says MU Rector Martin Bareš on the occasion.
MUNI has long been using renewable sources of energy and energy management when managing its facilities. “We are always mindful of the need to reduce energy consumption, or ensure low energy consumption, whether we are building new premises at the University Campus Bohunice or renovating our historical premises in the city centre. Some of our buildings feature green roofs and rainwater retention features. Waste separation, recycling and reducing paper consumption through digitisation became the standard a while ago and this is continuing,” says MU Bursar Marta Valešová, adding that the university is also planning to use some of the land acquired from the City of Brno to add more green spaces suitable for sports to the university campus.
Other sustainability projects are currently underway, most notably the project for using renewable and alternative sources for heating and cooling at the University Campus Bohunice, where the university is currently building a Simulation Centre and a unique biobank. Moreover, the principles of social responsibility and sustainability will become part of the upcoming MU Strategic Plan for 2021–2027, which is currently being drafted by the academic staff and students from all parts of the university and will be completed later this year.