Operations
Patrick Meier, Head of Facility Management, notes that the vast majority of potential technical savings have already been planned or even implemented. A great potential for CO2 reductions lies in changing the behavior of university members. Even the most sophisticated technology is only of limited use if devices draw electricity in stand-by mode, the air conditioning in lecture halls and seminar rooms is disturbed by open windows, the lights are still on after leaving the room or the barely used plastic bags from the station restaurants a few meters away are still sticking out of the waste garbage cans. Ecological awareness must be strengthened and maintained with concrete measures. Sustainable operational management requires the cooperation of everyone.
The Uni/PH building has a modern Minergie standard, which was realized with the conversion of the old post office building over ten years ago under the leadership of the canton. The building was given an additional ecological "facelift" at the time with the distinctive facade made of recycled old glass with a polyurethane coating. The building is located in the immediate vicinity of Lucerne railroad station, which is why it does not have its own parking spaces.
The facility management team at the University of Lucerne, headed by Patrick Meier, is very keen to ensure that the building is operated as ecologically as possible on an ongoing basis using technical means in order to achieve sustainable optimizations in this regard. As a result, upgrades that have already been installed, such as a control system for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, a heat recovery system, taps with special mixers, LED lights, a 500 m2 photovoltaic system on the roof and an air curtain at the main entrance, ensure a significant reduction in energy consumption in building operations.
This relentless pursuit of efficiency is viewed very positively by several stakeholders at the University of Lucerne, such as Energie-Schweiz and the cantonal environment and energy department. In 2021, the University of Lucerne signed a target agreement with the company "act Cleantech Agentur Schweiz" on behalf of "energie-schweiz" to examine further possible energy-saving opportunities. In this regard, the building technology is subject to an annual audit, which checks and confirms the effectiveness and implementation of the energy efficiency measures.
The University of Lucerne has a modern recycling and disposal concept that is operated by the facility management. The disposal manual indicates where members of the University of Lucerne can dispose of the various materials. Waste (paper, cardboard, PET and other plastics, batteries, toner, glass, metal, wood, etc.) is then collected centrally and recycled where possible. Food waste from the canteen is disposed of properly.
During the tendering process for a new canteen partner in 2021, the University of Lucerne, together with the Lucerne University of Teacher Education, was keen to provide students, staff, lecturers and other guests with a sustainable and healthy catering service. With the Zurich Women's Association (ZFV), a provider has been found that offers vegan-vegetarian menus with Mensa 1574 and thus promotes an environmentally conscious and balanced diet. The buffet offers a limited amount of meat and fish from Swiss producers.
The empty plates in the stack and the small amount of leftovers show that the freshly cooked meals are very popular with guests and that the canteen does an excellent job. Its commitment is also reflected in the sale of seasonal products from the region and measures against food waste. In addition, food waste (food waste collector) and fat residues (fat cutter) are collected in the waste water and fed into biogas production at regular intervals.
With the vegan-vegetarian menu lines with ecologically produced and fair-trade food, Mensa 1574 has set completely new standards in the area of public canteens, which has made waves throughout the country. The creation of the "Canteen Echo Group", which is made up of representatives from the respective departments, the university management and the management of the canteen, ensures a participatory exchange of interests and evaluation of any needs.
