Climate and Environment Report : reduced travel and record-low energy consumption

As a certified Eco-Lighthouse (Miljøfyrtårn), VUC submits an annual report documenting its environmental efforts and measurements. The university college was recertified as an Eco-Lighthouse in 2024 - and this certification is valid for three years.

The climate and environmental report for 2025 is now ready.

Energy consumption more than halved

The report reveals that energy consumption at the university college decreased from 115 to 112 kWh/m² between 2024 and 2025. This is the lowest consumption level recorded by the institution since measurements began in 2017 - and more than halved compared to 2017.

The reduction is primarily due to energy-efficiency measures implemented in recent years. Among other things, the radiators in the Berte Kanutte Building were replaced, heat pumps have been installed and deep wells drilled for heat extraction.

However, VUC is not satisfied with the current situation and is working towards further reduction in emissions and even greater energy efficiency. Consequently, the lighting in all the campus buildings is being replaced with LED lights. There are also initiatives proposed to further reduce electricity consumption in the Kaarstad Building and heat loss in the Berte Kanutte Building.

Lower emissions from air travel and driving

Greenhouse gas emissions are also a key performance indicator for the university college. From 2024 to 2025, these emissions fell from 249 tonnes of CO₂e to approximately 229 tonnes. Fuel consumption for vehicles owned by VUC is at its lowest level since measurements began in 2017, with just over 1,300 litres consumed in 2025.

The reduction in greenhouse gass emissions is partly due to two fossil-fuel vehicles beiing replaced by a single electric vehicle. Still, electricity consumption for the electric vehicle park also decreased in 2025.

The number of flights booked at VUC shows a slight reduction compared to the previous years. Excluding the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, the number of flights booked by VUC staff in 2025 is the lowest recorded since statistics began in 2017.

Better at sorting waste

In 2025, further improvements have been made in the sorting of waste on campus, in particular concerning the sorting of organic waste. This progress has been achieved through collaboration with the SiVolda cafiteria; better information on waste management, the use of cardboard tableware that can be disposed of as food waste, and various other measures.

New waste-sorting stations were also installed at the Kaarstad Building, contributing positively to the effort.

Overall, the university college’s total waste-sorting rate rose from approximately 22 percent in 2024 to 25 percent in 2025. This is an area the institution is prioritizing for further improvement, including through continued collaboration with the cafeteria.

Other initiatives

In addition, several other positive initiatives have been implemented or launched at VUC.

• Sustainability in education is a key theme in the review and revision of study programmes. Efforts to ensure sustainable operations are underway in various areas and form part of the strategic plan for 2022–2029.
• Outdoor areas are regularly maintained and upgraded, with measures taken to support biodiversity.
• The aim is to make the most environmentally friendly purchases possible and to consider reuse options when procuring goods.