Vilnius University will use electricity only from renewable sources

On February 1, Vilnius University (VU) is going to take a historic step by becoming one of the first large organizations in Lithuania that are set to meet 100% of their electricity needs from renewable sources. VU will be supplied with green electricity by Imlitex.

VU’s responsible approach to global environmental issues has been recognised with the award of a Green Energy Certificate.

An important aspect included in the University’s new strategic plan for 2021-2025 is the goal to become a more sustainable, environmentally friendly institution that steadily reduces its greenhouse gas emissions (CO2).

Vilnius University, which consumes an average of 18,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per year, has already abandoned the use of its polluting sources this year and will not emit about 7,500 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). It is planned to continue investing in solutions that reduce pollution and energy costs and are environmentally friendly.

VU rector Prof. Rimvydas Petrauskas says that universities should become more involved in sustainable development activities and pursue globally relevant sustainability goals not only through research and expert insights but also by setting a good example in their daily activities.

“The newly developed strategic plan of VU activities highlights the value of sustainability as a responsibility to the state, society, culture as well as the environment. The university is duty-bound and obliged to set an example for the state and society. The use of green energy is one of the inevitable parts of the foreseeable future, and by deciding to stop using polluting sources we want to show to society that this is not a symbolic step but a truly accelerating process,” points out Prof. Petrauskas.

From now on, the university, in implementing its infrastructure projects, will also take into account the principle of environmental impact.