Energy
Efficient use of energy
The Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL) has been operating the Energy Efficiency Program since 2010, with the objective of reducing energy consumption in university facilities through the implementation of technical and cultural actions aimed at saving energy consumption, incorporating renewable sources and using high-efficiency technologies.
The program addresses the need to transition to sustainable consumption models, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It also contributes to achieving the institutional goals established in the UANL's Vision 2040, aimed at consolidating an innovative, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable university.
Over the past few years, the University has managed to stabilize the growth curve in energy consumption, despite increases in infrastructure, enrollment, and university services. In 2025, a significant step forward was achieved with a real decrease in energy consumption, resulting from technological modernization, operational improvements, and greater awareness of responsible energy use within the university community. This achievement led to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the institution's ecological footprint.
Energy saving strategies
One of the program's key pillars is reducing energy consumption through operational efficiency measures and responsible energy use. These actions include switching off electrical equipment at the end of the day, unplugging unused devices, adjusting the operating hours of air conditioning and lighting systems, and optimizing electrical loads in buildings.
In addition, automated measurement and monitoring systems have been implemented to record and analyze consumption by building, department, or campus. This information facilitates the identification of usage patterns, the detection of inefficiencies, and the timely application of corrective actions.
In addition, ongoing awareness campaigns are being developed for students, teaching and administrative staff, strengthening an institutional culture of responsible consumption.
Incorporation of renewable energy sources
The second focus of the program is the gradual integration of renewable energy into university infrastructure. A key element is the installation of photovoltaic systems on building rooftops, which produce 1,710,536 kWh annually.
These actions reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower operating costs, and contribute to climate change mitigation. Furthermore, the installed infrastructure serves as an educational resource for academic programs related to engineering, architecture, and environmental sciences.
Pilot projects are also being promoted to evaluate other alternatives, such as solar thermal energy, hybrid systems and emerging technologies adapted to the conditions of each campus.
In 2025, 37.27% of the electricity consumed by UANL was generated from renewable energy sources.
Equipment modernization
The technological upgrade of air conditioning and lighting equipment is another strategic component. In air conditioning, obsolete equipment has been replaced with high-efficiency systems featuring variable-speed compressors, refrigerants with a lower environmental impact, and automated temperature controls.
In lighting, the transition to LED luminaires has significantly reduced electricity demand, improved light quality, and lowered maintenance costs. These actions are complemented by occupancy sensors, timers, and smart controls that prevent unnecessary energy consumption.
Modernization has been applied to academic buildings, administrative buildings, libraries, laboratories, auditoriums and sports areas, raising the energy performance of the university infrastructure.
Control Panel
The Energy Control Panel integrates information from smart meters and sensors installed at strategic points throughout the University. This platform allows for real-time monitoring of energy consumption, detection of anomalies, evaluation of the impact of implemented measures, and generation of comparative reports over different periods.
Among its benefits are improved decision-making, greater institutional transparency, reduced operating costs, and a strengthened energy culture within the university community.
Scope of the program
The Energy Efficiency Program has a cross-cutting reach throughout the entire university structure. It is implemented on campuses, in high schools, faculties, research centers, and administrative offices. Furthermore, it is integrated into the institution's environmental management systems, ensuring monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
The use of key performance indicators allows for accurate measurement of results, the establishment of progressive goals, and the guidance of new strategic investments in energy efficiency.
Program benefits
The program's benefits are reflected in environmental, economic, and social dimensions. In the environmental sphere, the reduction in electricity consumption and the use of clean energy lower the institution's carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.
In economic terms, energy efficiency generates operational savings that can be allocated to educational infrastructure, scholarships, research, and the improvement of university services.
On an academic and social level, the program promotes the participation of the university community in the construction of a sustainable energy model, while also promoting the development of technical skills and applied innovation.
Taken together, these actions consolidate UANL as a national and international benchmark and strengthen its leadership in sustainability.
439 kWh of per capita energy consumption in 2025
See graphs of energy consumption per campus over the last three years.
See graphs of gas consumption per campus over the last three years.
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