Some students at the Berlin universities could have to adjust to colder seminar rooms in the coming winter semester. In view of the impending gas shortage, the three major universities in the capital are currently examining which measures can be used to save energy – some are already implementing them.
For example, the Humboldt University (HU) is currently examining a lower room temperature for the winter semester and restricted use in its buildings or turning off warm water from the tap, as a spokesman said.
During the lecture-free period, the ventilation systems in unused rooms at the HU were said to have been switched off. It was initially unclear how much the university can save in terms of energy costs through these measures.
The Technical University (TU) also turned off the warm water and turned the room temperature down, as a spokeswoman said. According to the TU, it is also working on merging the computer servers so that fewer rooms have to be air-conditioned. Energy should also be saved in the outdoor lighting.
Further measures are planned for August, and the university public should also be involved with their ideas.
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Freie Universität (FU) has not yet decided on any specific measures. A spokeswoman said that the university had set up a working group to plan the procedure and coordinate it with the presidency.
For several years, the FU has been saving energy with the help of its own combined heat and power plant and a photovoltaic system. As a result, the FU was able to save around six million euros on its energy costs of 12.8 million euros last year.
