SDG 7 – AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY
INTRODUCTION
Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. It promotes energy efficiency, the expansion of renewable energy sources, technological innovation, and inclusive energy policies that support environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
“Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași (UAIC) contributes to SDG 7 through a comprehensive approach that integrates institutional policies, infrastructure investments, research, and education, all supporting the transition toward a low-carbon and energy-efficient campus.
Policies
UAIC integrates clean energy and energy efficiency as core components of its institutional sustainability framework, in alignment with European energy transition objectives and national strategies such as the National Strategy for Sustainable Development of Romania 2030. The university promotes a gradual shift toward low-carbon energy systems, focusing on reducing dependence on conventional energy sources and increasing the share of renewable energy in campus operations.
Institutional policies support energy efficiency in buildings, responsible energy consumption, and the adoption of renewable technologies, ensuring coherence with the broader objectives of the Iași 2035 initiative.
Planul strategic multianual de dezvoltare instituțională a Universității „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” din Iași pentru perioada 2024–2029 (The Multiyear Strategic Institutional Development Plan of “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași (2024–2029)) outlines the university’s long-term commitment to sustainability, with a particular focus on improving energy efficiency and promoting the transition toward clean and modern energy systems. The plan includes measures aimed at reducing the university’s environmental footprint through infrastructure modernization, responsible energy management, and the gradual integration of renewable energy technologies across campus facilities.
Planul operațional de dezvoltare instituțională al Universității „Alexandru Ioan Cuza” din Iași 2025 (The 2025 Operational Institutional Development Plan) further details the actions and monitoring indicators necessary to achieve these objectives, including programs for improving building energy performance, upgrading heating and lighting systems, implementing smart energy-use monitoring, and fostering awareness initiatives that encourage responsible and efficient energy consumption within the academic community.
Actions
Energy efficiency measures and sustainable campus initiatives
UAIC has implemented multiple measures to improve energy efficiency and promote clean energy use, including:
- modernization of lighting systems through LED technology
- optimization of heating and domestic hot water systems
- thermal rehabilitation of buildings
- energy audits and performance monitoring
- implementation of smart energy management systems
These interventions contribute to reduced energy consumption, lower operational costs, and improved environmental performance.
Renewable energy integration
A key example of renewable energy integration is the Agigea Research Station, where solar thermal systems provide domestic hot water. During the warm season, these systems can fully cover hot water demand, significantly reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.
Major infrastructure project
A major contribution to SDG 7 is the project:
“Modernisation of University Infrastructure to Ensure an Equitable Academic Environment within UAIC” (22 July 2024 – 31 August 2026)
Within this project, several energy-related measures are implemented:
- installation of photovoltaic panels at the “Titu Maiorescu” canteen and Dormitories C10 and C11
- installation of solar panels at Dormitories C12 and C13
- replacement of conventional lighting with LED systems
- modernization of heating and climate systems
- energy audits for buildings
- integration of smart energy management solutions
- installation of LED lighting poles with photovoltaic panels
UAIC official project page:
https://www.uaic.ro/organizare/biroul-proiecte-de-dezvoltare-bpd/modernizarea-infrastructurii-universitare-pentru-un-spatiu-academic-echitabil-in-cadrul-universitatii-alexandru-ioan-cuza-din-iasi/
In addition, UAIC has secured approximately €4 million in non-reimbursable funding to retrofit student housing with:
- thermal insulation
- photovoltaic panels
- high-efficiency lighting systems
These interventions directly support the transition toward renewable energy use and improved energy performance.
Green procurement and sustainable operations
UAIC integrates sustainability criteria into procurement processes by prioritizing:
- energy-efficient equipment
- environmentally friendly technologies
- sustainable solutions for laboratories, classrooms, and administrative spaces
UNIVERSITY-LEVEL ACTIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SDG 7
Energy efficiency measures and sustainable campus initiatives
UAIC continuously invests in energy-efficient upgrades of its buildings, including thermal insulation, modern heating systems, LED lighting, and smart energy management solutions. These measures significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs.
UAIC has secured nearly €4 million in non-reimbursable funding to retrofit student housing with thermal insulation, photovoltaic panels and high-efficiency lighting as part of its clean-energy infrastructure upgrade.
Green procurement and sustainable operations
UAIC integrates sustainability criteria into procurement processes, prioritizing energy-efficient equipment and environmentally friendly technologies for laboratories, classrooms, and administrative spaces.
Partnerships and collaborations
UAIC actively collaborates with national and international partners to promote clean energy research and sustainable development.
Examples include:
Participation in
- EC2U Alliance initiatives related to environmental sustainability, smart campuses, and green infrastructure.
- Iași NetZero City Coalition
Research and projects supporting SDG 7
UAIC researchers contribute to national and European projects addressing energy sustainability, environmental processes, and climate adaptation. Examples include:
- Research at CERNESIM on environmental monitoring, atmospheric chemistry, and pollution analysis—key fields for understanding energy-related environmental impacts.
- Projects on sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and environmental risk assessment developed within the Faculties of Chemistry and Physics.
Results and Impact
Energy efficiency measures such as LED lighting and thermal insulation are expected to reduce energy consumption in renovated buildings by 20–30%, based on standard benchmarks.
The ongoing infrastructure modernization project is expected to significantly increase the share of renewable energy in UAIC’s energy mix.
Overall Contribution to SDG 7
UAIC contributes to SDG 7 by:
- increasing energy efficiency across campus infrastructure
- expanding the use of renewable energy sources
- reducing dependence on fossil-based energy
- promoting sustainable energy practices through policy, education, and research
- investing in modern, energy-efficient and low-carbon infrastructure