Energy management at the UG; how do we do it?

Every day, several colleagues are busy working on energy and sustainability at the UG. What exactly do they do? And what milestones have they achieved that we at the University of Groningen can be proud of? Time to take a closer look at the Energy & Sustainability programme team!

In this edition, we hear from Floris, energy management coordinator.

Who are you?

My name is Floris Doeglas (31). I grew up in Groningen and have a background in Environmental Sciences. In addition to my work at the University, I am quite an outdoors person. During my holidays, I often (always?) seek out nature, for example to go on multi-day hiking trips in the mountains, camping or climbing.

What is your role in the Energy & Sustainability programme?

I have been working for the University of Groningen for almost two years now as a coordinator on the theme of energy management.

What do you like most about your role in the Energy & Sustainability programme?

The positive impact of our work. As a society, we are facing a major sustainability challenge, and that also applies to the University of Groningen. Our energy consumption is enormous: more than 50 million kWh per year, which is comparable to the electricity consumption of all residents of Drachten. With a small core team, we have taken on the challenge of reducing the energy consumption of this “University of Groningen city”.

What does energy management mean?

Energy management involves the systematic planning, measurement, control and optimization of energy consumption. Energy management within an organization such as the University of Groningen is complex. We have a large number of buildings, ranging from historic monuments to new constructions, and with different functions. Research and education, technical installations, and all supporting facilities such as the library and canteens use energy day in, day out. Together with all parties involved, we are trying to find ways to reduce this energy consumption. A few current examples:

• In 2026, the glazing of the University Library is expected to be replaced with new, better insulating glass.
• The University-wide LED project, in which we are replacing old lighting with smart, sustainable LED lighting.
• Better regulating installations so that we only cool, heat and ventilate when necessary.
  

Saving with an energy management system

Energy costs have risen significantly in recent years. In addition, legislation and regulations governing energy consumption are becoming increasingly stringent. Smart energy use is therefore essential for the University. In order to manage our energy consumption effectively, the Board of the University has given the green light for a University-wide energy management system (EMS). This system will enable us to measure and optimize our energy consumption.

Using an EMS means two important things for the University of Groningen:

1. Commitment from management to make serious savings
2. Each user (faculty/service) is responsible for their own energy consumption

To emphasize how important it is that we use our energy wisely, Hans Biemans signed the Energy Policy Statement on 14 July 2025.

What do we notice about energy saving at the UG?

Hopefully not too much in a negative sense! In the coming years, we as an organization will be looking at how we can save more energy. The goal is to reduce our total energy consumption by 2% each year. We will do this, for example, by regulating heating and ventilation more intelligently, so that they are only on when necessary. That sounds simple, but in practice it is quite complex! In addition, energy saving plays an important role in the renovation and maintenance of buildings. Does the glazing need to be replaced? Then we immediately opt for vacuum glass instead of the (old) standard HR++. Insulation? As thick as possible!

In addition, a large-scale project was launched this year in which we will gradually equip (almost) all our buildings with smart LED lighting. Nearly 40,000 lights! This is a huge task that several colleagues from the Real Estate Organization have been working on for a long time. We recently completed the first buildings, which is a great step forward!

The above measures not only reduce energy consumption, but also increase the comfort and “liveability” of our buildings.