Abstract
Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose: The Green Metric ranking system is based on three environmental, economic, and social indices. The purpose of this ranking system is to examine how universities deal with issues based on the sustainable development model. As a result, many universities are working to implement programs in line with the goals of sustainable development with the aim of reducing environmental impacts. On the other hand, the use of renewable energy such as solar energy as an important source to replace fossil fuels based on sustainable development goals has always been the focus of university ranking systems. In this regard, the present study compares the ranking and performance of the University of Guilan and the Hungarian University of Szeged in the use and development of renewable energy based on the Green Metric ranking system.
Materials and Methods: This paper was done by descriptive method and document analysis. To collect data and compare the position of Guilan and Szeged universities in the ranking system of the world's greenest universities, the statistical information available in Green Metric has been used. As well as, by referring to the website of the University of Guilan and the University of Szeged, the performance of these universities in the field of green management and especially the use of renewable energy was investigated. Then, the theoretical foundations and the history of research in the field of using renewable energies in universities were examined. Finally, after analysis and evaluations, conclusions were drawn.
Findings and Discussion: The results showed that the University of Szeged has achieved 1141.85 points and installed 2754 pieces of solar panels and plans to install another 2040 pieces of solar panels in its 42 buildings. In terms of energy consumption, to be introduced as the greenest university in Hungary. Therefore, the installation of solar panels on the roof of buildings based on the standard angle has reduced the proportion of sunlight and, as a result, reduced energy consumption in cooling in this university. In addition, by implementing the unique technology of using sewage heat for cooling and heating, more than 300 tons of carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced annually at the University of Szeged. According to the results, despite its short and 4-year presence in the Green Metric ranking, the University of Guilan has been able to take the 198th rank of the greenest universities in the world by adopting a special approach in the field of renewable energy management. Installing a solar lighting system on the bus station, installing flashing traffic lights using solar panels, and building a photovoltaic power plant with a production capacity of 100 KW are among these measures. As well, at the University of Guilan, greenhouse gas production has decreased by 112,500 kg, equivalent to not using 215 tons of coal per year. Furthermore, the construction of a photovoltaic power plant at the University of Guilan made it possible to prevent the loss of energy while providing part of the energy needed by this university.
Conclusion: Although the University of Guilan with the construction of a photovoltaic power plant with a capacity of 100 kW has been able to provide part of its energy needs, the University of Szeged is the greenest university in Hungary and a pioneer in the use of renewable energy with planning and investment has been able to install 2754 pieces of solar panels in 24 main buildings of the university to be an effective member of the international green metric network. In this regard, it is suggested that in order to achieve sustainable development in universities, guidelines for the use of renewable energy should be developed and implemented according to the capacity of universities. According to the results of this study, the use of solar energy and the construction of photovoltaic power plants can reduce the effect of ecological footprint and reduce dependence on fossil fuel sources in universities.
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