Plan to reduce energy consumption
Nazarbayev University (NU) is committed to reducing overall energy consumption through a formalized and evolving energy efficiency plan. Recognizing the interconnection between energy usage and climate impact, the university approaches energy planning not merely as a facilities management issue, but as a strategic priority integrated into operations, education, and research.
The plan was developed in response to the 2024 external energy audit and is based on principles set out in Kazakhstan's national legislation, specifically the Law No. 541-IV "On Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency Improvement." It reflects NU’s ambition to become a model of low-carbon development among higher education institutions in Central Asia.
Energy consumption at NU spans a wide range of activities: powering academic buildings, operating research laboratories, heating residential facilities, and running campus services. As such, the energy efficiency plan addresses each of these areas through tailored technical upgrades, digital monitoring, and user engagement mechanisms. It also prioritizes lifecycle cost savings, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and educational integration.
The plan is overseen by the Facility Construction Directorate in coordination with the Office of Sustainable Development and various academic and administrative departments. By combining infrastructure investments with behavioral change programs and student-driven innovation, NU’s plan creates both immediate savings and long-term cultural shifts in energy use.
The plan was developed in response to the 2024 external energy audit and is based on principles set out in Kazakhstan's national legislation, specifically the Law No. 541-IV "On Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency Improvement." It reflects NU’s ambition to become a model of low-carbon development among higher education institutions in Central Asia.
Energy consumption at NU spans a wide range of activities: powering academic buildings, operating research laboratories, heating residential facilities, and running campus services. As such, the energy efficiency plan addresses each of these areas through tailored technical upgrades, digital monitoring, and user engagement mechanisms. It also prioritizes lifecycle cost savings, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and educational integration.
The plan is overseen by the Facility Construction Directorate in coordination with the Office of Sustainable Development and various academic and administrative departments. By combining infrastructure investments with behavioral change programs and student-driven innovation, NU’s plan creates both immediate savings and long-term cultural shifts in energy use.
Strategic Energy Goals (2024–2030)
Integration with Renewable Energy
Educational and Community Integration
Regulatory Alignment and Institutional Oversight
Energy Efficiency Measures
Strategic Target
Description
Status
1. Lighting Upgrades
- Replacement of over 15,000 fluorescent tubes with LED fixtures
- Motion-sensor lighting introduced in restrooms and common areas
- LED retrofitting has reduced electricity use by ~20% in upgraded buildings
- Transition to programmable thermostats and zonal heating/cooling controls
- Scheduled maintenance to improve operational efficiency
- Central plant upgrades planned for academic buildings in 2025–2026
- Application of reflective window films and improved insulation in dormitories and labs
- Natural daylighting and passive cooling considered in new building designs
- Campus-wide implementation of energy-saving motion sensors
- Smart metering of electricity, gas, and water consumption by building
Digital Monitoring Infrastructure
In progress
Through efficiency upgrades and behavioral programs
Reduce total energy consumption by 15–20%
Ongoing
In planning
Beyond residential to academic and sports facilities
Expand use of solar thermal heating
Planned Expansion (2025–26)
NU promotes energy literacy and sustainability engagement through:
The plan complies with the following national standards
Curricular Integration: Topics on energy systems and carbon footprinting embedded in STEM courses
Academic facilities
Expected 100% solar hot water in summer
Saving over 10,280 m3 of gas annually
Hybrid solar/gas system
Residential Expansion (2024)
Townhouse Solar Thermal (2022)
Flat-plate collectors
Reduced heating gas use by 35%
Energy Reduction Contribution
Technology
Project
Transition all lighting to LED systems
Including interior and exterior fixtures
60% complete
Pilot phase
- Real-time tracking of electricity and gas consumption
- Comparative analysis by building, time period, and utility type
- Identification of energy anomalies and peak load demands
- Data-driven decisions for retrofits and operations
The university's energy plan is integrated with its renewable energy strategy:
HVAC controls, lighting sensors, and water-saving tech
Introduce smart building automation
