Local community outreach for energy efficiency
CUT promotes energy efficiency and clean energy awareness across the local community through targeted research initiatives, public engagement programmes, and educational actions. These activities build a bridge between scientific knowledge and citizens’ daily lives, advancing Cyprus’s transition toward sustainable and affordable energy.
Research-driven initiatives supporting national and local energy planning
As part of the MICIE Project (“Mobilising Institutional Change in the Energy Transition”), CUT developed comprehensive action plans to systematically integrate research and innovation priorities into the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). The project ensures that academic research directly informs policymaking and supports Cyprus’s sustainability objectives, strengthening the connection between higher education, innovation, and national energy planning.
MICIE Project – Cyprus University of Technology
In addition to its policy-level contributions, CUT also focuses on public communication and outreach to raise awareness about the importance of clean energy transitions.
Dr. Alexandros Charalambides, Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering and coordinator of the MICIE project, delivered public presentations and media interventions explaining Cyprus’s energy transition goals and the role of innovation in achieving them. These efforts make scientific findings accessible to citizens and encourage public understanding of national sustainability priorities.
MICIE Project – Integrating Research and Innovation into Cyprus’s National Energy and Climate Plan
Through the Lemesos City Cooling Challenge (LC3) under the NetZeroCities Pilot Cities Programme, CUT collaborates closely with the Municipality of Limassol and local stakeholders to design climate-neutral urban strategies and energy-efficient cooling systems. The initiative promotes community engagement in sustainable urban transformation.
In addition, CUT actively supports the Limassol Municipality’s initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2030 as part of the EU Mission on Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities (Mission City / NetZeroCities Programme). Through this collaboration, CUT contributes scientific expertise, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement support in the development of the city’s Climate City Contract, aligning Limassol’s urban transition with EU sustainability objectives.
The University co-organises workshops and participates in technical committees for the preparation of Limassol’s climate-neutral portfolio, engaging local businesses, civic groups, and policymakers. This partnership strengthens the integration of academic knowledge into community-driven climate action.
Public awareness and community education
CUT fosters public dialogue and awareness through the Cyprus Talks Green presentation series, providing a platform for citizens, researchers, and policymakers to discuss sustainability, energy efficiency, and responsible consumption. The series encourages community participation in addressing local and global environmental challenges while highlighting CUT’s leadership in sustainability education and outreach.
Cyprus Talks Green – 5th Conference organised by CUT and Ideopsis
In 2024, CUT hosted the EuroSun 2024 Scientific Conference, in collaboration with the International Solar Energy Society (ISES), the IEA Solar Heating and Cooling Programme, and ISES Cyprus. The event, inaugurated by the Minister of Energy of Cyprus, brought together international experts, local authorities, and the public to exchange knowledge on renewable energy technologies and efficiency solutions.
Additionally, Assistant Professor Avraam Georgiou from the Department of Electrical Engineering contributed to public outreach through national television, offering citizens practical guidance on how to significantly reduce household electricity costs—making academic expertise accessible to everyday life.
Interview – Economy Today / SIGMA TV
Education, equality, and capacity-building for the clean energy transition
Through the FemPower Project (Breaking the Glass Ceiling in the Transition to Clean Energy), implemented by the Social Computing Research Centre (SCRC), CUT promotes gender equality and women’s participation in STEAM disciplines, addressing inequalities in the clean energy sector and fostering creativity and inclusion.
The BuildSkills Academy Project, funded under Erasmus+, advances Vocational Education and Training (VET) for the construction sector. The initiative equips professionals with the green and digital skills necessary to implement energy-efficient building practices and support Europe’s green transition.
BuildSkills Academy – CUT News
Through its research, public engagement, and education initiatives, the Cyprus University of Technology plays a central role in raising awareness, informing policy, and empowering citizens on energy efficiency and clean energy. These coordinated efforts strengthen Cyprus’s progress toward climate neutrality, contribute to EU sustainability objectives, and demonstrate CUT’s commitment to the UN SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).