Accelerating sustainability and smarter energy management at Maastricht University
Maastricht University (UM) is taking a significant step towards a sustainable and future-proof campus. Together with Facility Services (FS), an integrated approach is being implemented for the building at Duboisdomein 30 (DUB30), the former De Limburger building, to save energy and prepare the building for the future.
The building, formerly known as the ‘black box’, is being given a new name: the Gravity Box. This name refers to the ET-Pathfinder: a laboratory in the building where technologies are being developed and tested for the future Einstein Telescope, a detector for gravitational waves.
Why is this necessary?
UM has clear sustainability targets. By 2035, compared to 2019, the university aims to:
use 44% less natural gas
emit 40% less CO₂
consume 25% less energy
In addition, grid congestion (overload on the electricity grid) plays a role. This means that the electricity grid is sometimes overloaded, meaning there is not always enough capacity for electricity consumption.
With the arrival of a new lecture theatre and more intensive use of the building, this demand for electricity will increase further. Without measures, this could lead to disruptions or restrictions on the use of the building. That is why energy-saving and smart measures are necessary.
What will happen?
To achieve these goals, UM, under the leadership of Facility Services (FS), is implementing various measures:
Improving the building envelope (facade, roof and windows) to limit heat loss in winter and minimise cooling demand in summer.
Solar panels integrated into the building (BIPV) to generate energy on-site.
Energy storage in batteries.
Smart management of energy consumption using an intelligent energy management system.
Sustainable installations, such as heat pumps and more efficient air handling.
These measures also ensure that:
Grid congestion is addressed and exceeding the available power capacity is prevented.
Energy consumption, peak load and CO₂ emissions are reduced.
Energy independence is increased.
What are the benefits?
Based on gas consumption over recent years, this will save UM over 85,000 m³ of natural gas annually and reduce CO₂ emissions by 185,000 kg.
Working together towards a sustainable future
With this integrated approach, UM not only makes a structural contribution to reducing pressure on the electricity grid, but also lays the foundation for sustainable growth at this location. Facility Services plays an important role in the execution and further development of the campus.
The result: a gas-free building that is structurally less dependent on the energy grid, but also a significant step towards a climate-neutral university.
