Over the next few years in phases Erasmus University Rotterdam's real estate will be focus to reduce heat demand, electricity demand and water consumption. In the multi-year plan is described the Portfolio Roadmap Energy Transition, the university is buying Grantees of Origin (Garanties van Oorsprong) on wind energy. We also generate our own energy on several rooftops and connect buildings to CHP-systems.
Energy consumption
In 2021, 42.419 GJ of district heating, 14.354 MWh of electricity and around 34.369 m3 of drinking water were consumed on Campus Woudestein. All consumption increased slightly in 2021 compared to 2020, as the campus was again used more intensively due after the partial lifting of the corona measures. This is reflected in the higher energy and water consumption.
Dutch wind energy
Erasmus University Rotterdam is making use of renewable energy. The university purchases "Guarantees of Origin' from Dutch wind energy. For 2021, EUR bought 17.500 megawatt hours of wind energy. That is equivalant to about eight wind turbines running for the EUR throughout the year, providing sustainable electricity.
Heat and cold storage (WKO)
EUR also applies heat and cold storage wherever possible, which is a method of storing energy in the form of heat or cold in the ground. This technique is used to sustainably heat and/or cool buildings. The following buildings are already connected to WKO:
Erasmus Pavilion (incl. 1st floor of the Hatta building);
University Library;
Polak Building;
Sanders Building;
Erasmus Sport (new building);
Langeveld Building;
Theil Building.
In the future, Van der Goot Building, Tinbergen Building, Bayle Building and Mandeville Building will also be connected to the WKO. Regular heat is provided by the district heating system (generated with industrial residual heat).
Solar energy
Finally, EUR also generates its own electricity through solar panels on the roofs of Erasmus Building, Theil Building, the University Library, the Erasmus Pavilion, Polak Building, Van der Goot Building and Mandeville Building. The university produces an annual energy report with detailed information on its energy consumption.
BREEAM-NL
BREEAM certification is currently the standard for determining the sustainability of buildings and the built environment. The new construction of the Langeveld Building was done according to the highest 'BREEAM New Construction and Renovation' guideline: 'Outstanding'. In addition, it is now being investigated whether the existing buildings can be certified according to BREEAM-in-USE. For the future demolition of buildings, it will be investigated whether this can also be done via BREEAM-NL Demolition and Dismantling.