Energie-Effizienz-Challenge
Gemeinsam für weniger Energieverbrauch an der RWTH
The sustainable structure of the University is closely linked to the issue of energy consumption. Self-imposed targets and legal requirements are what are behind our drive to save energy. Ultimately, our aim is to exploit potential savings through a synergy of user behavior and building technology. This is the goal of the Energy Efficiency Challenge (E2C).
In a nutshell, E2C creates additional incentives for users of the University’s buildings to save energy via a reward system. In the first year, 100% of the funds saved flow back to the participating institution. The funds are then available for use for infrastructural expenditure or to support further energy-saving measures.
The participating facilities go through various intermediate steps during the challenge. The first step is an inspection of the building in question and the preparation of the second step, which is the installation of any additional measuring devices that may be required, if these are not already present. Once all the technical requirements are in place, a workshop is held with the building’s users. A joint savings target is set—and we always keep RWTH’s savings target of up to 20% energy by 2030 in mind. Ideas are exchanged and a list of measures is drawn up for users and the University administration alike. Examples of things everyone can do include switching off the lights, disposing of unused appliances, and optimizing operating times. The University administration can contribute to the success of this project by taking steps to reduce temperature, regulate ventilation, or by replacing components.
At the end of each challenge there is a mini-audit. The improvements are recorded, savings are recorded and these are then evaluated. The information is bundled together in an RWTH building profile.
E2C started in 2025 in a pilot phase with five building complexes. These include the Manfred-Weck-Haus of the WZL, the PPS lecture hall building in Professor-Pirlet-Straße, the administrative building of the technical services department in Süsterfeldstraße, the NGP² research building (part A+B), and the library in the Mitte area. After the pilot phase has been evaluated, we will hopefully be able to start regular operations and gradually enter into discussions with all users and embark on a continuous efficiency improvement path.