Energy-efficient renovation and building

CUT has adopted a comprehensive policy for the development and renovation of its buildings, prioritising optimal energy efficiency, minimal resource use, and alignment with national energy regulations. Guided by its Environmental Policy, CUT commits to constructing and renovating facilities to meet net zero energy standards, balancing consumption with on-site renewable generation. Recent projects feature advanced insulation, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and photovoltaic installations that reduce emissions and operational costs. Continuous energy audits and corrective actions ensure sustained performance improvement. Through these measures, CUT sets a regional benchmark for sustainable campus infrastructure and environmental responsibility in higher education.

Upgrade buildings to higher energy efficiency

CUT is undertaking a major upgrade to improve the energy efficiency of its buildings through a comprehensive, data-driven approach. Each facility is assessed based on its size, energy consumption, and occupancy to prioritise upgrades that deliver the greatest sustainability impact. An analysis of 40 buildings provides performance metrics and visual comparisons of energy use per person and per square metre, identifying high-consumption areas and guiding targeted interventions. CUT continuously monitors and updates its energy data to evaluate progress, ensure the effectiveness of implemented measures, and inform future plans. This systematic methodology enhances sustainability, reduces costs, and supports CUT’s commitment to SDG 7.

Carbon reduction and emission reduction process

CUT is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, setting a benchmark for sustainability in higher education. Its carbon reduction plan targets all three emission scopes through specific, measurable actions. By 2030, CUT aims to fully eliminate Scope 1 and 2 emissions through the transition to low-emission vehicles, replacement of fossil fuel systems, and large-scale photovoltaic energy generation. Scope 3 efforts focus on reducing emissions from commuting, travel, waste, and procurement through green policies and offset initiatives. Coordinated by the Environmental Policy Office and the Sustainability Education, Research, and Development Team, the plan integrates monitoring, education, and innovation to ensure progress. CUT’s roadmap supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and demonstrates leadership in advancing a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Plan to reduce energy consumption

CUT has adopted a comprehensive energy efficiency plan to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, supporting its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The plan includes replacing heating, cooling, and lighting systems with energy-efficient alternatives, constructing a photovoltaic park to generate renewable electricity, and transitioning the university’s vehicle fleet to low-emission models. Energy audits guide ongoing retrofits and the implementation of smart energy management systems, while initiatives promoting sustainable commuting and waste reduction further minimise energy use. Progress is continuously monitored and updated based on performance data to ensure steady improvement. Through these actions, CUT demonstrates leadership in energy management and its commitment to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

Energy wastage identification

CUT applies a systematic, data-driven approach to identify and address energy wastage across its operations. Through the use of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and detailed energy analyses, each building’s consumption patterns are assessed per square metre and per person to pinpoint inefficiencies and prioritise improvements. Regular energy audits validate findings and highlight outdated systems or user-related inefficiencies, guiding targeted upgrades such as retrofitting, HVAC modernisation, and smart energy management. Continuous monitoring and annual reviews ensure sustained progress and early detection of new inefficiencies. This structured methodology allows CUT to optimise resource use, reduce emissions, and strengthen its commitment to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Divestment policy

CUT responsibly manages its investments through a Sustainable Investment Policy aligned with the 17 UN SDGs. The Policy explicitly excludes investments in carbon-intensive energy industries such as coal, oil, and other fossil fuels, directing resources instead toward sustainable, research-driven, and innovation-oriented sectors. CUT prioritises funding for initiatives that promote green development, including Centres of Excellence and spin-off companies focused on sustainability. In parallel, the University applies these principles to its infrastructure by maximising energy efficiency in new buildings and investing in photovoltaic systems for renewable energy generation. Preference is also given to leased buildings with high energy performance ratings, reinforcing CUT’s commitment to responsible investment and carbon divestment.

Local community outreach for energy efficiency

CUT promotes energy efficiency and clean energy awareness through research, education, and community engagement. Through the MICIE Project, CUT developed action plans integrating research and innovation priorities into Cyprus’ National Energy and Climate Plans, directly informing national sustainability policy. Within the EU Mission for Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, CUT collaborates with the Municipality of Limassol to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, providing expertise, data analysis, and public workshops. The University also engages citizens through initiatives such as Cyprus Talks Green and large-scale events like EuroSun 2024, fostering dialogue on renewable energy and efficiency. Projects like FemPower and BuildSkills Academy further advance inclusion and capacity-building for the clean energy transition. These coordinated actions reinforce CUT’s leadership in advancing SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

100% renewable energy pledge

CUT actively supports the transition toward 100% renewable energy through partnerships, research, and public commitments. As a key partner in the European Mission for Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, CUT collaborates with the Municipality of Limassol to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, providing expertise in clean energy planning and policy. In 2024, CUT signed a cooperation agreement with the Municipality of Polemidia to develop a Solar Park that will serve as a research and innovation hub for advancing photovoltaic technologies and improving energy efficiency. These initiatives extend CUT’s impact beyond its campus, promoting renewable energy adoption in local communities and reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

Energy efficiency services for industry

The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) provides both free and paid consulting services to advance energy efficiency and clean energy transition across Cyprus. Free services include advisory workshops and capacity-building sessions with public organisations such as the Youth Board of Cyprus and the Cyprus Lifelong Learning Foundation (IDEP), supporting strategic planning to reduce energy consumption and adopt sustainable practices. Under the Green IDEP 2025 initiative, CUT experts helped assess and lower IDEP’s carbon footprint. Paid services include commissioned research and consultancy for private companies, such as a 2024 study for a Renewable Energy Sources provider on integrating energy storage systems into the national electricity market. These initiatives demonstrate CUT’s applied expertise and commitment to achieving SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.

Policy development for clean energy technology

CUT plays a central role in shaping evidence-based policies for clean and efficient energy across all governance levels. Locally, it supports the Municipality of Limassol in the NetZeroCities Pilot Programme, developing data-driven urban energy and cooling strategies. Nationally, CUT academics hold advisory positions in key institutions, including the Cyprus Organisation for Standardisation, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, and the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, advancing national standards and energy innovation. Regionally, CUT contributes to the European Academies Science Advisory Council (EASAC) and hosted the EuroSun 2024 International Conference, fostering regional dialogue on solar and renewable energy. Globally, CUT’s Sustainable Power Systems Group supports the Transmission System Operator of Cyprus in designing regulatory tools that guide renewable integration and grid stability.

Assistance to low-carbon innovation

CUT actively promotes low-carbon innovation through its leadership within the European University of Technology (EUt+) alliance. Building on the Inno-EUt+ project, funded by EIT Climate-KIC, which supported cleantech start-ups and integrated sustainable entrepreneurship into the EUt+ strategy, CUT launched the EUt+ Incubation Programme in 2024. This initiative engaged students and researchers through awareness campaigns, training, and mentoring, guiding teams in developing innovative low-carbon technologies and business models. Four start-ups specifically focused on reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency. CUT also organised EUt+ Innovation Talks, including “Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Energy,” fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs, academics, and industry experts. These initiatives demonstrate CUT’s commitment to supporting start-ups driving the low-carbon transition and advancing SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.