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  1. Home
  2. Energy-saving measures at FAU
  3. Steps we are already taking

Steps we are already taking

In page navigation: Energy-saving measures at FAU
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Steps we are already taking

Energy-saving measures at FAU

Socket and plug
Image: Colourbox

We started to implement several energy-saving measures at FAU in early September. They are described in the “Verordnung zur Sicherung der Energieversorgung über kurzfristig wirksame Maßnahmen” (ordinances on energy saving measures effective in the short term) and the 5-point plan of the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts (StMWK).

The Executive Board agreed further measures in September.

The Executive Board calls on all members of staff in the various faculties, chairs, departments and teams to do all they can to help implement these measures.

Switching off water heaters in sanitary facilities

Most systems for heating drinking water predominantly for the purpose of washing hands such as flow heaters or individual boilers will be switched off. An exception to the rule may be granted if it is necessary for these systems to be kept running for hygiene reasons, possibly for a defined time period.

The temperature of warm water in centralized water heating systems will be lowered. It goes without saying that a minimum temperature will be maintained in order to avoid the risk to health of Legionella bacteria in drinking water systems. Systems required for operating showers are exempt from the temperature restrictions.

Basis: EnSikuMaV and 5 point plan of the StMWK

Switching off floodlights at night

The floodlights used to light up buildings at night will be switched off and other lighting on the grounds, paths and roads at FAU will be adjusted according to local times of use, provided this does not entail a security risk or violate our obligation to ensure public safety in any way.

Basis: EnSikuMaV and 5 point plan of the StMWK

Prohibition of heating communal areas

Rooms or areas within buildings such as staircases, storage rooms or corridors will no longer be heated. An exception to this rule will be rooms that have to be heated for technical reasons, for instance because the technology installed there or objects and materials stored there require a certain temperature.

Rooms that would be damaged or that would lead to increased consumption of energy if they were not heated are also exempt.

FAU relies on the cooperation of members of staff in order to ensure that the government ordinances are implemented across the university as a whole.

Basis: EnSikuMaV

Maximum temperatures in workspaces

In workspaces such as offices, the air temperature may not exceed the following maximum temperatures:

  1. For light physical work conducted predominantly while seated: 19 degrees Celsius
  2. For light physical work conducted primarily while standing or walking: 18 degrees Celsius
  3. For moderately physical work conducted predominantly while seated: 18 degrees Celsius
  4. For moderately physical work conducted predominantly while standing or walking: 16 degrees Celsius
  5. For strenuous physical work: 12 degrees Celsius

FAU relies on the cooperation of members of staff in order to ensure that the government ordinances are implemented across the university as a whole.

Basis: EnSikuMaV

Electronic devices in the workplace

You may not use personal electronic devices, in particular fan heaters, ventilators or air conditioners in the workplace.

While not in use, in particular during breaks or outside of office hours, all electric devices should be removed from the electricity supply wherever possible by pulling the plug or switching off the socket strip. This applies to all devices and appliances with and without a standby function.

Renovation of technical building services

FAU has already made considerable energy savings by implementing the following renovation measures:

  • Biologikum:  Modernization of climatic chambers using central measurement, control and regulation technology (2022: 4, 2023: 5-6 to follow)
  • Schlossgarten: Exchanging lanterns and conversion to LED lighting
  • In the high pressure laboratory (Process Engineering): Conversion of walkway lighting from HQL to LED
  • In public areas: Mounting official thermostats

Restructuring measures relating to lecture halls

  • Pharmacy: Building 68.01 has been shut down. All facilities have been placed at minimum requirements (emergency lighting, heating on frost free setting).
    (In addition, we are looking into whether and to what extent the side building should still be used as a warehouse for chemicals, or whether the facilities such as ventilation and heating can be turned off there as well).
  • Lecture hall complex Henkestraße: No lectures to be held in the small lecture hall in winter semester 2022/23. In the large lecture hall, lectures have been reduced from 35 to 13 hours (approx. 35%), distributed over 4 days per week.
    (This led to us saving 50% of heating consumption and 27% of electricity consumption in the months of October and November compared to 2020)

FAU’s step-by-step plan

Level 1

Energy-saving measures and optimizing facilities
(valid since September 9, 2022)

  • Implementation of 5-point plan in all areas (lower, optimize, switch off, organize, inform)
  • No restrictions on university operations, research and teaching

Level 2

More extensive energy-saving measures
(valid since September 9, 2022)

  • Implementing effective, practicable and financially feasible energy-saving measures
  • Discussion, analysis and if applicable implementation of measures entailing few restrictions but a considerable impact

Level 3

Cutting off power supplies to the first buildings (initial step)

  • Buildings will be allocated into different categories determining from which point they can be shut down as the situation escalates
  • Buildings used entirely or predominantly for offices will be shut down
  • Buildings that are only infrequently used for laboratory research and/or teaching will be shut down

Level 4

Extensive shutting down of buildings

  • Buildings will be allocated into different categories determining from which point they can be shut down as the situation escalates
  • Operations, research and teaching on campus must be increasingly shut down
  • Eventually, only those buildings will be left fully operational where reducing power supplies would endanger humans and animals

Level 5

Complete shutdown of university operations

  • Central services (e.g. RRZE) must be closed down
  • At the latest from this point on: centralized local supply of energy, own cogeneration plants shut down
  • Animals can no longer be kept



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