Promoção da Eficiência Energética no Ensino Superior

The main goal of this opportunity is to support projects that improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Higher Education Institutions in the Azores. The focus is on making public buildings more sustainable through upgrades such as better insulation, efficient lighting, renewable energy systems, and smart energy management. It also encourages the use of audits and diagnostics to guide investments. The program aims to help institutions align with regional and national strategies for climate and energy. Only projects within the Autonomous Region of the Azores are eligible.

• Projects must promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Higher Education Institutions.
• Actions may include building envelope improvements, solar water heating, microgeneration, efficient lighting, HVAC, and energy management systems.
• Total project cost must exceed €200,000.
• Projects must align with Azores 2030 and relevant climate and energy strategies.
• Applicants must comply with environmental and financial requirements and demonstrate project feasibility.
• Projects already completed or focused solely on audits/diagnostics are not eligible.

Examples:

• Renovating a university building to add insulation, install solar panels, and upgrade lighting to LED systems.
• Implementing a smart energy management system across a campus to monitor and reduce electricity use.
• Carrying out a comprehensive energy efficiency upgrade, including new windows and efficient heating in a student residence.

• Thermal insulation for walls, roofs, and floors
• Installation of efficient windows and doors
• Upgrades to heating, cooling, and water heating systems (e.g., heat pumps, solar thermal, biomass boilers)
• Installation of renewable energy systems (e.g., photovoltaic panels)
• Implementation of energy management systems
• Replacement or improvement of ventilation and natural lighting systems
• Energy audits and certifications by qualified experts
• Civil construction works and technical assistance
• Acquisition of equipment related to energy efficiency
• Production of a video (minimum one minute) for projects over €500,000

Expenses must directly support energy efficiency goals and comply with program rules.

• Total budget of the grant: €600,000
• Co-financing rate: up to 85% (FEDER)
• Minimum per project: €200,000
• Other financial details: Payments are made as advances and reimbursements for eligible, paid costs. Projects must comply with accessibility, environmental, and energy efficiency priorities. Investments should be made in infrastructure owned or legally managed by the applicant.

• Applicants must be Higher Education Institutions in the Azores.
• Projects must align with the objectives of the Azores 2030 program and relevant climate and energy strategies.
• The minimum total project cost is €200,000.
• Applicants must demonstrate project maturity and feasibility, including procurement decisions where required.
• Applicants must comply with environmental, financial, and accessibility requirements.
• Projects must not be completed before the funding request.
• Eligibility is limited to projects that include energy efficiency actions, not only audits or diagnostics.