Energy Supply Contracts and Sources
The University purchases electricity, natural gas, heating oil, and fuel oil. In addition to these, it also acquires the supply of hot water from the urban heating network, which covers the energy needs of various buildings in Bologna, Imola, and in the campuses of Forlì, Cesena, and Rimini.
The University procures these energy sources through Consip framework agreements or on the MEPA (electronic marketplace of the Public Administration) or other e-procurement tools for purchases below the threshold.
- Electricity
Given the extensive real estate portfolio of Alma Mater, the number of active users is high and can vary from year to year due to temporary connections (for construction sites, research projects, etc.). In line with the University's Strategic Plan, and in particular with objectives 48 "Reduce energy consumption and promote energy efficiency in buildings" and 50 "Adopt an efficient environmental management model, also from the perspective of the circular economy," the University purchases electricity, when available, entirely from renewable sources (Green Option); furthermore, it prefers fixed-price offers to have certainty in expenditure and not be affected by any price volatility in the energy markets
- Gas
Similarly, in the case of gas, the number of active users can vary from year to year based on requests for new permanent connections to serve new locations or the refurbishment of existing spaces. In 2022, the University had 190 active users throughout the territory, with 189 in the Emilia-Romagna region and 1 in the Marche region. In this case too, the University usually relies on the two suppliers who have won the tenders provided by CONSIP or Intercent-ER in the territorial lots of competence.
- Heating Oil/Fuel Oil
Since the University's real estate inventory consists of old buildings, often subject to constraints, there are still some heating plants operating on heating oil and fuel oil. The University is gradually phasing out these plants in favor of more sustainable energy solutions and aims to complete this process in the coming years.
- Thermal Energy from Urban Heating
The University has monopoly suppliers (Hera for the territories of Bologna, Imola, Forlì, and Cesena; SGR for the territory of Rimini) that guarantee the supply of thermal energy. In particular, the provision of district heating services (heating and cooling) for buildings located in the municipality of Bologna (the largest in the University's real estate portfolio) includes:
- New connections in the University Citadel
- New connections in the 'Bertalia District'
- Maintenance and periodic revision of plants
- Definition of a new tariff
- Innovative services for monitoring, management, and control of consumption
The full document 'University Energy Plan' is available for consultation on this page.
