PROPERTY AND TRAVEL In a university, property is an important part of management, whether in terms of energy consumption, construction, or energy renovation. ULiège is therefore stepping up its efforts in this area, regularly increasing its photovoltaic electricity production capacity. «We have also set aside a substantial budget to replace conventional light bulbs with LEDs, and to install intelligent thermostatic valves on radiators,» explains Anne Girin. The University has also set itself ambitious targets in terms of infrastructure. «Sustainable development is now an important criterion when awarding public contracts, both for construction and renovation, with a clear objective of achieving 30% energy savings for each building renovated,» explains Anne Girin. The architectural firm responsible for developing the Faculty of Architecture’s new Fonck campus was chosen for its expertise in this area: «We’ve even done away with the car parks completely, to encourage staff to come by bike or public transport!» Mobility is also a major factor in the energy transition. Having drastically reduced international air travel in recent years, ULiège is now focusing its local initiatives on promoting working from home and soft mobility. «We have developed a very strong policy in favour of cyclists, with a very democratic bicycle workshop available to the community,» explains Anne Girin. «In the long term, we also want to make Sart Tilman a fossil fuel-free campus thanks to soft mobility and new autonomous electric shuttles.» MACHINES AND HUMANS This electrification of transport must not, of course, cause us to lose sight of the fact that the best energy is still that which is not consumed. In addition to a major #SaveEnergy communication campaign on energy sobriety, ULiège has taken a number of concrete measures. The IT servers have been reorganised for greater efficiency, in particular by sharing them with the CHU, and the lifespan of the equipment has been increased. An institutional repair café was inaugurated in October 2023, to increase the lifespan of all the University community’s electronic equipment and domestic appliances,» adds Anne Girin. The fact remains that, used properly, digital technology can considerably reduce our material footprint, and all parts of the University are moving towards a paperless environment, with invoices and contracts now signed electronically. Finally, sustainable development also concerns a less visible but equally important aspect: health in the workplace and living together. In addition to the #Respect campaign, information about which was displayed wherever possible, ULiège has set up a committee dedicated to psychosocial risks, which includes problems of moral and sexual harassment «so that they are treated with all the seriousness they require.» And in order to tackle these problems at the source, a staff training programme has been set up to give team leaders the keys to good management. «This training has even become compulsory within the central administration» Anne Girin points out. 19 | ACTIVITY REPORT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AT ULIÈGE | 2022 – 2023
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