The energy efficiency projects of the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar) started in 2017 and are already equivalent to the planting of 4,400 trees per year. 7 Photovoltaic Plants were installed on the University's campuses and at the University Hospital (HU-UFSCar). Almost 50 thousand conventional lamps were also replaced by LED technologies.

The project is coordinated by the Vice-Rector of the University, Prof. Dr. Walter Libardi. It has the direct support of the projects area of the Institutional Support Foundation for Scientific and Technological Development (FAI-UFSCar) and, in particular, of Engineer Armando Gullo Martins, supervisor of the projects area of the Foundation.

As of now, 2 new Photovoltaic Plants are in operation, on the São Carlos campus: the first, at the Health-School Unit (USE), in the North Area, with a generating capacity of 73.83 KwP; the second, at the Theoretical Classes Building (AT) 01, in the South Area, with a generation capacity of 60.72 KwP.

From 2017 to 2020, UFSCar worked to implement energy efficiency projects. "We reduced the University's energy consumption by 30%, improved lighting and contributed to the preservation of the environment", says Vice-Rector, Prof. Dr. Walter Libardi.

The entire investment was made at zero cost for UFSCar. "We participated in public notices issued by the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) and obtained R $ 8.5 million for investment in energy efficiency", explains Prof. Dr. Walter Libardi. "At the end of 2019, UFSCar also received R $ 2 million in extra-budgetary resources from the Ministry of Education (MEC) for investment in clean energy", adds the Vice-Rector.

The investment results in a reduction in electricity consumption. "This reduction is equivalent to the consumption of 1,905 families per year. In addition, there are 733 tons of CO2 less being emitted into the atmosphere", says Engineer Armando Gullo Martins. The data were prepared jointly with the company Vitális Energia, which works in partnership with the University in these projects.

"To preserve the environment is to think about future generations", says the Dean of UFSCar, Profª. Drª. Wanda Hoffmann. "With this savings of 30% in the electricity of the University, we were able to invest more in our students, in their student stay, guaranteeing better study conditions. As a public university, our mission is to transform society through teaching, research and education. So, investing in our students is fundamental ", he concludes.