Energy
In consultation with the Facility Management Office, the Sustainable Development Office did some clarification work regarding a switch to more climate-friendly energy products and is monitoring the change accordingly. A summary of the results of the energy product evaluation is presented below along with the steps and/or recommendations defined on the basis of that evaluation:
Electricity
The University has been purchasing electricity from 100% renewable sources (hydropower, biomass, solar energy), produced primarily in Switzerland, since 2016.
Suitable locations for photovoltaic systems are being examined on an ongoing basis by AGG, the owner of the buildings, as part of building refurbishments or more major maintenance. 14 photovoltaic systems with an installed capacity of 740 kWp are currently (2024) installed on the roofs of the University of Bern. The data generated by some systems can even be viewed via Solarlog.
Gas
Instead of natural gas, the University of Bern has been purchasing 100% biogas at all relevant locations since 2024. Locations that have used gas in the past will be connected to the district heating grid wherever possible. This switch is currently at the planning stage.
District heating
A gradual switch to green district heating will be examined at locations currently using district heating. Wherever possible, other locations are to be connected to the district heating grid in order to replace the gas or heating oil, for example, currently in use.
Heating oil, district cooling
The University does not have any room for maneuver here. There are no central options for making any changes, but the University of Bern works closely with the canton to find sustainable solutions. When working on refurbishment projects, AGG – the owner of the buildings – always examines the possibility of replacing heating oil with something like thermal heat pumps or solar energy.