University of Tartu to procure electricity from renewable energy sources

University of Tartu announced a framework call for tenders for electricity procurement from renewable energy sources. Using green electricity will reduce the university’s CO₂ footprint by more than a third.

Electricity consumption has so far accounted for more than one-third of the climate impact of the entire university (including students’ halls of residence and the sports club). The impact is enormous because Estonia produces electricity mostly from fossil oil shale. Procurement of electricity from renewable energy sources is, therefore, one of the most effective ways to significantly reduce the university’s climate impact.

According to Director of Administration Kstina Noormets, introducing renewable electricity is one of the easiest yet most impactful steps the university can take to become more sustainable. “One of the most effective ways to reduce Estonia’s impact on the climate is using renewable energy. Our role is to lead by example and support it in every way we can,” Noormets added.

The green electricity exchange packages are subject to higher exchange fees than fossil-based ones, which means that an increase of only a few per cent can be expected in total costs. This can be covered by the electricity budget surplus that has been saved by improving the energy efficiency of buildings, installing solar panels and batteries, automating utility systems and replacing lighting.

Electricity is needed at the university to use lighting, ventilation systems, heating and cooling equipment, computing centres, laboratories and other equipment. The university’s electricity consumption has decreased since 2019, but the costs have increased due to the rise in energy prices. In 2023, electricity consumption decreased by 12–14% each month compared to the previous year, or by around 200,000 kWh, equivalent to the monthly consumption of all our ten halls of residence. The manager of the student residence halls, Tartu Student Village, purchases electricity under a separate agreement, independent from the university.