Just over a week ago, on February 1, Vilnius University took a big step towards sustainability, as they became one of the first large organisations in Lithuania to purchase 100% of their electricity from renewable sources.
The green electricity is being sourced from Imlitex and the university will be awarded with a Baltic Green Energy Certificate.
This is in line with the university's newly created strategic plan for 2021-2025, which sets a goal of becoming a more sustainable, environmentally friendly institution that will work towards steadily reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
Vilnius University, typically consumes an average of 18,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity per year. The change to renewable energy from more polluting power sources this year, will save about 7,500 tons of CO2 emissions. In line with their strategic plan they intend to continue investing in solutions that reduce pollution and energy costs and are environmentally friendly.
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.
It's hard to disagree with Prof. Petrauskas, educational institutions really do need to be leading the way in promoting more sustainable infrastructure and taking action to reduce their environmental impact, and it is nice to see Vilnius University stepping up and working towards doing so.
