In the short term, Freie Universität is limited in its capacity to replace natural gas and district heating with other energy sources. Currently, the university has four cogeneration plants. As these generate heat and electricity at the same time, they make very efficient use of the natural gas that we do source. In Berlin as a whole, district heating is primarily generated through combined heat and power plants and is thus very efficient.

In the mid- to long-term, making the switch to renewable energies is the best option if we wish to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. This is something Freie Universität is committing to, which is why we are swiftly organizing the construction of more solar systems on campus. However, natural gas and district heating remain the most available and most efficient sources of heating to date. With regard to electricity, Freie Universität has been sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources since 2010. This was part of a decision made by the Berlin House of Representatives.

Currently, Freie Universität is also evaluating the feasibility of a project that would establish a system for re-using organic waste (e.g., hedge and tree cuttings, dung). This would generate vegetable carbon while also enabling the heat required for the carbonization process to be used as room heating. This technique is considered a “negative emissions technology.” By implementing projects such as these, Freie Universität is taking steps toward achieving its aim of becoming climate neutral by 2025. Unfortunately, this project will not be able to be implemented this winter or in the winter of 2023/2024.