sustainability

Article
Solutions for an Ecological and Healthy Retrofitting of Buildings
on the Campus of the University of Oradea, Romania, Built
Starting from 1911 to 1913
Constantin C. Bungau 1,2 , Constantin Bungau 3,4, * , Mihaela Teodora Toadere 5 , Ioana Francesca Prada-Hanga 1,2 ,
Tudor Bungau 6, * , Daniela Elena Popescu 7 and Marcela Florina Prada 5

1 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Constructions, Cadaster and Architecture, University of Oradea,

410058 Oradea, Romania
2 Doctoral School, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, 400114 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
3 Doctoral School of Engineering Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
4 Department of Engineering and Management, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
5 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Constructions, Cadaster and Architecture, University of Oradea,
410058 Oradea, Romania
6 Civil, Industrial and Agricultural Constructions Program of Study, Faculty of Constructions, Cadastre and
Architecture, University of Oradea, 410058 Oradea, Romania
7 Department of Computers and Information Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information
Technology, 410087 Oradea, Romania
* Correspondence: [email protected] (C.B.); [email protected] (T.B.)

Abstract: On university campuses, retrofitting studies have historically concentrated on individual

buildings (or building components) instead of the entire campus. In the present paper, we examine
how an incorporated strategic planning strategy might be used to investigate the socio-technical
construction of a campus retrofit operation throughout multiple scale/sectors. The campus of the
University of Oradea (CUO), Romania, with its beginnings in the 1910s was investigated using
its new master plan. The developed strategies for a “green” and “healthy” campus depict a CUO
Citation: Bungau, C.C.; Bungau, C.; redesign involving complex solutions for the green renovation of old buildings. In addition, the
Toadere, M.T.; Prada-Hanga, I.F.; improvement effects of the modernization interventions already carried out were analyzed and
Bungau, T.; Popescu, D.E.; Prada, M.F. quantified. Sixteen buildings (30% of the built area) were consolidated/rehabilitated/modernized,
Solutions for an Ecological and
and/or equipped in the last decade, seven educational spaces being included in the circuit of
Healthy Retrofitting of Buildings on
the buildings fund (totaling 5491.59 sq m). For the renovated spaces, energy consumption was
the Campus of the University of
reduced by 20–88% and CO2 emissions by 41.82–86%, depending on the specifics of each space. The
Oradea, Romania, Built Starting from
reconfiguration, rehabilitation, and energy efficiency of the entire heating system of CUO (which
1911 to 1913. Sustainability 2023, 15,
6541. https://doi.org/10.3390/
uses geothermal water as a specific characteristic) significantly improved (20% decrease in energy
su15086541 and 21% decrease in geothermal water consumption). Our findings offer new directions and design
solutions for the ecological modernization of other outdated university campuses, highlighting new
Academic Editor: Firoz Alam
perspectives in the green university campuses’ management, as a way to implement sustainability
Received: 22 February 2023 in the higher education environment. Data presented give professionals in the field (architects,
Revised: 3 April 2023 designers, engineers, planners, and decision makers) a clear picture of the benefits due to ecological
Accepted: 10 April 2023 renovation, also offering the necessary tools to implement new solutions for reducing the impact of
Published: 12 April 2023 urban areas on the environment.

Keywords: ecological renovation; green retrofitting; university campus; green building; sustainable
development; renewable energy; thermal water; University of Oradea
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
1. Introduction
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// Rehabilitation of existing buildings, taking into account compliance with ecological
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ construction requirements, leads to improvement of the environmental attributes of the
4.0/). buildings [1]. Therefore, this sector has great potential to reduce CO2 emissions since

Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086541 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability

Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 2 of 21

traditional buildings increase environmental pollution by generating a large amount of

waste during their life cycle [2,3]. Globally, the construction industry consumes 40% of total
energy production, 12–16% of all water available, 32% of nonrenewable and renewable
resources, 25% of all timber, 40% of all raw materials, produces 30–40% of all solid wastes,
and emits 35–40% of CO2 , which has resulted in a rising global awareness of the importance
of sustainability in the construction industry [4]. Therefore, the reduction of emissions
in the field of construction is necessary to mitigate climate changes, which are already
extremely noticeable [5–7].
The past decade has witnessed an increased interest in sustainable, healthy, or green
building (GB) concepts and practices across the globe [8]. Generally, sustainable building
design considers the impact of buildings on their habitat from multifaceted dimensions,
including ecology, economy, and society. It involves formal as well as informal initiatives
expanded by private industry, professional organizations, and governments. Such endeav-
ors have resulted in the development of improved energy codes, low environmental impact
materials, design guides, renewable energy and resources, and the concept of analyzing
consequences of design choices over the building’s entire life cycle [9,10].
Academic institutions dedicated to education, research, and community services, can
have a particularly visible and important role in sustainable development, as well as in
the management of measures taken to mitigate/stop climate change [11,12]. Moreover,
universities have a fundamental role in helping society understand and get involved in
the current environmental conditions and climate change. The challenges mentioned by
the international frameworks (i.e., Green Deal [13], the framework for achieving climate
neutrality [14]) are focused in the short/medium term on achieving climate neutrality.
In the current period, numerous higher education institutions have clearly established
objectives that are based on sustainability, emphasizing the role of universities on the path
of transforming the environment in which people live and carry out their activities towards
sustainability. Most of these initiatives are carried out through operational activities, to raise
awareness among interested parties, but also through educational and research activities
(e.g., greening/cleaning of campuses; curriculum redesign; strengthening of networks
built in local/regional/continental/international areas, etc.) to positively influence human
behavior and attitude towards the environment [15]. Mutual cooperation between different
stakeholders can contribute to the improvement of sustainable development activities [16].
The green campus can thus be seen as a community with the unitary goal of increasing
the efficiency of energy use, supporting, and saving natural resources, improving the quality
of the environment, etc. It is obvious that these objectives can only be achieved through an
education focused on sustainable development, as well as implementing projects based on
a healthy, ecological lifestyle, and with care for everything that surrounds us [17].
Considering the above, the ecological modernization of old buildings must be seen as
an effective solution, with a practical approach, in view of sustainable urban development.
The retrofitting of old buildings is different from the modern design given to new ecolog-
ical buildings, emphasizing the location of the site within a settlement (urban or rural),
adaptability, functionality, technology, and taking into account the existing climate [18].
Due to its complex heritage, Romania possesses many remnants of its cultural history.
The architectural heritage of the University of Oradea is a significant component of the
local cultural heritage, though a part of it still needs to be acknowledged, restored, and
preserved [19,20].
Sustainable retrofitting and green restoration of old buildings on university campuses
began to receive considerable interest because of their promise to enhance energy perfor-
mance and decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, but extensive research is required due
to the limited number of publications on this subject [21,22].
Researching the scientific literature to identify publication trends and research gaps
is essential in this promising field for a future based on sustainable development. In
this regard, the relevance of the topic chosen for the study was assessed by applying
search algorithms in three large and scientifically validated databases (i.e., SpringerLink,
Sustainable retrofitting and green restoration of old buildings on university cam-
puses began to receive considerable interest because of their promise to enhance energy
performance and decrease emissions of greenhouse gases, but extensive research is re-
quired due to the limited number of publications on this subject [21,22].
Researching the scientific literature to identify publication trends and research gaps
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 3 of 21
is essential in this promising field for a future based on sustainable development. In this
regard, the relevance of the topic chosen for the study was assessed by applying search
algorithms in three large and scientifically validated databases (i.e., SpringerLink, Sci-
ScienceDirect,
enceDirect, andand WebWeb of Science).
of Science). The results
The results displayeddisplayed
in eachin each database
database (Figure 1) (Figure
under-1)
underline the low number of publications that have addressed the
line the low number of publications that have addressed the concepts of green retrofitting, concepts of green
retrofitting, ecological renovation, and geothermal water as a heating
ecological renovation, and geothermal water as a heating agent; moreover, when using agent; moreover,
when using the
the Boolean Boolean
operator operator
AND, whichAND,
filterswhich filters andthese
and associates associates
conceptsthese
with concepts with
university
university campuses, the results obtained are even more drastically
campuses, the results obtained are even more drastically reduced, reaching only one re- reduced, reaching
only one resultindisplayed
sult displayed in a Web
a Web of Science of Science
search. Moreover,search. Moreover,
the whole workingthecontext
whole applied
working
context applied to
to the situation inthe situation
Romania in Romania
shows a majorshows
deficita of
major deficit of publications
publications evaluating
evaluating university
university
campuses campuses in theseparts
in these integral integral parts of sustainable
of sustainable development,development, thus identifying
thus identifying certain
certain knowledge gaps. In Romania, there is a significant gap in
knowledge gaps. In Romania, there is a significant gap in knowledge regarding the need knowledge regarding
the need for
for green green retrofitting
retrofitting studies ofstudies of old buildings
old buildings on university on university
campuses.campuses. The only
The only resulting
resulting paper identified in the Web of Science for the application of
paper identified in the Web of Science for the application of geothermal water as a heating geothermal water
as a heating agent in university campuses in Romania belongs to a
agent in university campuses in Romania belongs to a part of the authors’ collective [23], part of the authors’
collective
the use of [23], the usewater
geothermal of geothermal
in renewablewater in renewable
energy energy
is an essential andisrare
an essential
aspect forand rare
a uni-
aspect
versityfor a university
campus campus
in general in general
(no paper in the(no paper
world in the world
provided provided
studies related to studies related
retrofitting
to retrofitting
buildings in abuildings
university in campus,
a university
builtcampus, built in
in different different
years years
during more during
than more than a
a century,
century, some of them changing their initial function, and heated with
some of them changing their initial function, and heated with geothermal water), and even geothermal water),
and
moreeven more
so for so for aone.
a “green” “green” one.

Figure 1. Linking the very low number of publications evaluating the green renovation/retrofitting
Figure 1. Linking the very low number of publications evaluating the green renovation/retrofitting
of university campuses, and especially in the case of the deficit registered in Romania, with the
of university campuses,
identification andgap
of the research especially
and the in thefor
need case of research.
new the deficit registered in Romania, with the
identification of the research gap and the need for new research.
The idea of this study came naturally from the current context detailed above and
The idea of this study came naturally from the current context detailed above and
from the daily needs of the campus of the University of Oradea (CUO). The main purpose
from the daily needs of the campus of the University of Oradea (CUO). The main purpose
of the research was to analyze the works in progress dedicated to the modernization of
of the research was to analyze the works in progress dedicated to the modernization of
this 150-year-old campus, a campus developed in different stages and periods. Another
this 150-year-old campus, a campus developed in different stages and periods. Another
goal was to summarize coherent and effective principles for approaching the conversion
goal was to summarize coherent and effective principles for approaching the conversion
of an existing urban complex, with a certain functionality (such as a university campus)
of an existing urban complex, with a certain functionality (such as a university campus)
into a “green” built complex (“green” campus), in which daily activities are carried out in a
healthy way. The authors aim to demonstrate that this is achieved at the micro level (for
example through interventions in each building) as well as at the “macro” level, through a
global and holistic approach, on various levels, through integrated management.
The present study proposes a distinct approach to address some of the research gaps
identified in the literature search process by applying sustainable development principles
to the design of a green university campus and highlighting the advantages offered in
a distinct way, since as Figure 1 shows, it is the first of its kind in Romania (meeting all
into a “green” built complex (“green” campus), in which daily activities are carried out in
a healthy way. The authors aim to demonstrate that this is achieved at the micro level (for
example through interventions in each building) as well as at the “macro” level, through
a global and holistic approach, on various levels, through integrated management.
The present study proposes a distinct approach to address some of the research gaps
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 4 of 21
identified in the literature search process by applying sustainable development principles
to the design of a green university campus and highlighting the advantages offered in a
distinct way, since as Figure 1 shows, it is the first of its kind in Romania (meeting all the
the
keykey points
points wewe have
have approached
approached in in thisresearch—e.g.,
this research—e.g.,green
greenretrofitting
retrofittingofofnumerous
numerous
buildings
buildings with multiple
multipleuses,
uses,ecological
ecological renovation
renovation of very
of very old buildings
old buildings whosewhose prior
prior util-
utility
ity hashas
notnot been
been correlated
correlated with
with thethe university,asaswell
university, wellasasthe
theapplication
applicationofofrenewable
renewable
energy
energyprinciples
principlesthrough
throughthe implementation
the implementation of of
geothermal
geothermal water as aasheating
water agent,
a heating with
agent,
application to an to
with application entire university
an entire campus).
university Hence,
campus). the suggested
Hence, approach
the suggested cancan
approach serve as a
serve
useful guide for finding viable retrofitting solutions for both older and more
as a useful guide for finding viable retrofitting solutions for both older and more contem-contemporary
university campuses,
porary university as well as well
campuses, otherascampus types that
other campus match
types that this
matchperspective.
this perspective.

2.2.Materials
Materials and
and Methods
Methods
2.1.
2.1. Presentation of the
Presentation of the University
University Campus
Campus
The
TheCUO,
CUO, located in northwest
located Romania,
in northwest 47◦ 020 26.40
latitude:latitude:
Romania,
00 N, longitude: 21◦ 550 7.19”
47°02′26.40″ N, longitude:
E21°55′7.19″
[24] (Figure 2), is
E [24] very close
(Figure 2), is (17.1 km) to
very close thekm)
(17.1 border between
to the border Romania and Hungary,
between Romania and
isHungary,
almost 150
is almost 150 years old, was originally intended as a Gendarmerie[25],
years old, was originally intended as a Gendarmerie School and
School has
[25],
developed and expanded over time.
and has developed and expanded over time.

Figure2.2.Satellite
Figure Satellite image
image of
of the
the location
location of
of University
University of
of Oradea,
Oradea, Romania.
Romania.

The current
The current campus
campus is is aa complex
complex urban architectural
architectural composition,
composition,which whichincludes
includes
the historic campus and later buildings. The historic campus is composedofofaaunitary
the historic campus and later buildings. The historic campus is composed unitary
urbanarchitectural
urban architecturalensemble,
ensemble,Category
Category A—historical
A—historical monument
monument (architectural
(architectural monu-
monument
ment
of of national
national interest
interest from afrom valuea value
point point of view)
of view) [26],reference
[26], the the reference
workwork of avant-
of avant-garde
garde secession
secession by theby the architect
architect VágóVágóJószef.Jószef. Around
Around it, different
it, in in different stages,
stages, thethePedagogical
Pedagogi-
cal Institute
Institute campus
campus waswas developed
developed (between
(between thethe 1960s
1960s and and 1970s),
1970s), andand later
later thethebuildings
buildingsof
of today’s
today’s UOUOwerewere
builtbuilt
(in (in
thethe years
years 2000–2010).
2000–2010).
Inthe
In thelast
lastdecade,
decade,the
themanagement
managementofofthe theUOUO has
has focused
focused onon renovation,
renovation, rehabilita-
rehabilitation,
tion, modernization, and retrofitting of existing buildings. All these
modernization, and retrofitting of existing buildings. All these activities are part activities are part of
of the
the extensive development actions of a green campus, remaining at
extensive development actions of a green campus, remaining at the same time focused on the same time focused
on legislation/directives
the the legislation/directives in force
in force [27].
[27].
The study was
The was carried
carriedout outononthe site
the of the
site Central
of the CentralCUO, which
CUO, occupies
which a landa area
occupies land
of 222,307.00
area square
of 222,307.00 meters
square (sq m).
meters (sqAm). satellite Google
A satellite MapsMaps
Google imageimage
[28] of[28]
theof site
theissite
pre-is
sented in in
presented thethe
Figure
Figure 3. 3.
The The existing
existing buildings
buildings onon this
thissite
sitehave
havea aconstructed
constructedarea areaofof
33,456.74 sq m, with various height regimes (one to five levels) and a developed area of
90,002.40 sq m. The buildings were constructed with different concepts, having different
structures, depending on the stage in which they were built; consequently, for exploitation,
they have different consumptions.
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 21

33,456.74 sq m, with various height regimes (one to five levels) and a developed area of
90,002.40 sq m. The buildings were constructed with different concepts, having different
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 5 of 21
structures, depending on the stage in which they were built; consequently, for exploita-
tion, they have different consumptions.

Figure 3. The site of the Central Campus of the University of Oradea.

Figure 3. The site of the Central Campus of the University of Oradea.
The
The interventions
interventions onon the
the infrastructure
infrastructure ofof the
the university
university campus,
campus, highlighted
highlighted mainly
mainly
in
in the present paper, refer to the retrofitting of some buildings with an ageage
the present paper, refer to the retrofitting of some buildings with an of 100
of 100 years,
years, but
but also to the thermal and/or energetic rehabilitation of other buildings, all of which
also to the thermal and/or energetic rehabilitation of other buildings, all of which represent rep-
resent
a quota a quota
of 30%ofof30%
the of theof
area area of existing
existing buildings.
buildings. This This specific
specific building
building waswaspartpart of
of the
the “Smart
“Smart CampusCampus University
University of Oradea”
of Oradea” project,
project, financed
financed bothboth
fromfrom European
European funds
funds and
and from its own revenues.
from its own revenues.

2.2. Data
Data Analysis
Analysis
The method of the study consisted of several stages following the master plan of the
campus. To To begin
beginwith,
with,data
dataanalysis
analysis waswas conducted
conducted by focusing
by focusing on existing
on the the existing docu-
documents
ments in thearchives,
in the state state archives, university
university documents,
documents, European,
European, and international
and international directives
directives in the
context
in of the of
the context study [23]. This
the study stagestage
[23]. This involved the identification
involved and and
the identification description
descriptionof the
of
strategies
the and solutions
strategies for a “green”
and solutions and “healthy”
for a “green” campus,campus,
and “healthy” created and implemented
created and imple- by
the UO management
mented in various stages
by the UO management of thestages
in various reconversion or rehabilitation
of the reconversion of the buildings
or rehabilitation of
under
the study. Next,
buildings under the results
study. obtained
Next, fromobtained
the results the retrofitting
from the of very old buildings
retrofitting of very andold
the thermal
buildings andand/or energyand/or
the thermal rehabilitation of other existing
energy rehabilitation buildings
of other were
existing analyzed.
buildings To
were
this end, existing documentation at the General Administrative
analyzed. To this end, existing documentation at the General Administrative Direc-Directorate/Sustainable
Campus Directorate
torate/Sustainable of the UO
Campus was consulted
Directorate of theandUOstudied, as follows:
was consulted andthe “Smartas
studied, Campus—
follows:
University of Oradea—stage I” project, from whose Energy
the “Smart Campus—University of Oradea—stage I” project, from whose Energy Audit Audit [29–31] (including
the Energy
[29–31] Performance
(including the EnergyCertificates
PerformancefromCertificates
both the beginning
from both and from the reception
the beginning and from
of the
the rehabilitation
reception works of the E-F
of the rehabilitation body
works ofwere considered
the E-F body were [32]), interpreting
considered their
[32]), results
interpret-
ing their results and observing the differences in the parameters. Later, the indicatorsthese
and observing the differences in the parameters. Later, the indicators provided by pro-
certificates
vided werecertificates
by these used to calculate
were used the to
impact of the
calculate theinterventions
impact of the tointerventions
be modernized to on
be
energy consumption and CO2 emissions, comparing the values of initial parameters with
those resulting after the rehabilitation. Thus, the results of energy efficiency were studied
on a developed built surface of 7915.29 sq m.
ciency were studied on a developed built surface of 7915.29 sq m.
From the “Smart campus—University of Oradea—stage II” project, information was
taken from the historical study. The campus network rehabilitation project and how to
implement it was studied. Data on consumption monitoring from existing reports within
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 the University’s Investments and Consolidations Office were analyzed, processed, 6 of 21 and
interpreted. Based on the records of consumption before and after the thermal rehabilita-
tion, the impact of the thermal rehabilitation on the thermal energy consumption was cal-
culated.From the “Smart campus—University of Oradea—stage II” project, information was
To provide
taken from thesolutions
historical for the The
study. construction/rehabilitation of a building
campus network rehabilitation to become
project and how to a GB,
implement it was studied. Data on consumption monitoring from existing
as well as for the solutions for the development of a green campus, the authors reports withinof the
the University’s Investments and Consolidations Office were analyzed, processed,
paper corroborated the information of the indicated references with those of the andenergy
interpreted. Based on the records of consumption before and after the thermal rehabilitation,
efficiency projects implemented in the UO.
the impact of the thermal rehabilitation on the thermal energy consumption was calculated.
To provide solutions for the construction/rehabilitation of a building to become a GB,
3. Results
as well as for the solutions for the development of a green campus, the authors of the paper
3.1.corroborated
Strategies and
theSolutions forofa “Green”
information and references
the indicated “Healthy”with
Campus—The
those of theCase of the
energy University
efficiency
projects implemented in the UO.
of Oradea
3. Starting
Results from 2013, the management of the UO, at all its levels, was oriented towards
creating a sustainable
3.1. Strategies education
and Solutions by and
for a “Green” transforming the existing
“Healthy” Campus—The Casecampus into aof“green”
of the University Oradea and
“healthy” one. from
Starting At this stage,
2013, the investments
the management of thewere
UO, atdedicated especially
all its levels, to the
was oriented thermal ef-
towards
ficiency of the buildings. In the following years, a new stage, with
creating a sustainable education by transforming the existing campus into a “green” and a better determined
trajectory
“healthy” towards
one. Ata this
“green”
stage,and the “healthy”
investments campus (with more
were dedicated complex
especially to works related to
the thermal
its efficiency
infrastructure) took shape;
of the buildings. In therefore, through
the following years, a new
holistic approach,
stage, Oradea
with a better City Hall, in
determined
trajectory towards
collaboration with thea “green”
UO’s and “healthy” campus
management (with more complex
team, developed in 2018 aworks related todevelop-
sustainable its
infrastructure) took shape; therefore, through a holistic approach, Oradea
ment strategy for the university, respectively a regional urban plan called “Masterplan” City Hall, in col-
laboration with the UO’s management team, developed in 2018 a sustainable development
[33].
strategy for the university, respectively a regional urban plan called “Masterplan” [33].
The project was developed by an architect with European experience in the design of
The project was developed by an architect with European experience in the design of
university
university campuses,
campuses,and and itit states that,“The
states that, “Theconcept
concept starts
starts fromfrom
the the
ideaidea of a green
of a green spinespine
with the role of a connector along the entire length of the campus.
with the role of a connector along the entire length of the campus. This spine unites This spine unites
the the
historical
historicalpart
partofofthe
thecampus
campus with theproposed
with the proposednew new areas,
areas, giving
giving the the
wholewhole complex
complex a a
unitary
unitaryaspect
aspectfrom
fromaacompositional
compositional point pointofofview.
view. The
The proposed
proposed newnew functions
functions relaterelate
to to
thethe existing
existing onesthrough
ones through an an integrated
integrated system
systemofofpublic
public and green
and spaces”.
green A figure
spaces”. from from
A figure
thisthis Masterplanpresents
Masterplan presents the
the approach
approachtotothetheproject (Figure
project 4) [33].
(Figure 4) [33].

Figure 4. Masterplan—Campus of the University of Oradea. Reprinted/adapted with permission

Figure 4. Masterplan—Campus of the University of Oradea. Reprinted/adapted with permission
from Ref. [33]. 2023, Năstase, R.P.
from Ref. [33]. 2023, Năstase, R.P.

From the point of view of the infrastructure (buildings and their related utilities) of
the university campus, the management team’s actions focused on:
• Efficient use of the existing buildings fund and their “recycling” through:
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 21

Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 7 of 21

From the point of view of the infrastructure (buildings and their related utilities) of
the university campus, the management team’s actions focused on:
•– Efficient
Structural rehabilitation;
use of the existing buildings fund and their “recycling” through:
– - Introduction into the circuit of educational spaces of buildings abandoned over
Structural rehabilitation;
- time and unused
Introduction intowith their of
the circuit reconversion;
educational spaces of buildings abandoned over
time and unused
– Application of GB with their reconversion;
principles to all interventions on the existing buildings, through
- theApplication of GB principles
actions described in Figureto all interventions on the existing buildings,
5 [34].
• Imposing the “Green”, “Smart,” and nearly5 zero
through the actions described in Figure [34]. energy building “NZEB” criteria on
• Imposing the “Green”, “Smart,” and nearly zero energy building “NZEB” criteria
new constructions proposed during the design, execution, and operation period.
on new constructions proposed during the design, execution, and operation period.
• Efficient use of renewable energies: existing geothermal water on the CUO site, geother-
• Efficient use of renewable energies: existing geothermal water on the CUO site, geo-
mal energy (use of ground-water heat pumps), outdoor air energy (air-to-air heat
thermal energy (use of ground-water heat pumps), outdoor air energy (air-to-air heat
pumps), solar energy (photovoltaic panels).
pumps), solar energy (photovoltaic panels).
• Instituting an integrated system to ensure heating of the buildings of the entire campus.
• Instituting an integrated system to ensure heating of the buildings of the entire cam-
This is possible through efficient use of the existing renewable energy source on site:
pus. This is possible through efficient use of the existing renewable energy source on
geothermal water as the primary agent, residual geothermal water with the equipment
site: geothermal water as the primary agent, residual geothermal water with the
of thermal plants with heat
equipment of thermal plantsexchangers and heat pumps
with heat exchangers and heat[8].
pumps [8].

Figure 5. Application of GB principles.

Figure 5. Application of GB principles.

AtAtthethe same time, in the context of the circular economy and protection of the envi-
same time, in the context of the circular economy and protection of the envi-
ronment, re-injection of residual geothermal water into the custom drilled locations was
ronment, re-injection of residual geothermal water into the custom drilled locations was
ensured. Consequently, two thermal power plants were equipped with heat exchangers
ensured. Consequently, two thermal power plants were equipped with heat exchang-
for use of geothermal water as the primary agent and high-performance heat pumps
ersequipped
for use ofwith
geothermal
monitoring water as the systems
and control primaryfor agent andofhigh-performance
the use residual geothermalheat pumps
water.
equipped with monitoring and control
The principles are illustrated in Figure 6. systems for the use of residual geothermal water.
The principles are illustrated in Figure 6.
Another series of important measures for development in a sustainable context are:
• Metering of buildings (thermal energy, cold water, hot water, electricity).
• Rehabilitation of external heating networks and sanitary networks (cold water, hot
water, and wastewater).
• Putting into operation a system of rainwater recovery to be used for sprinkling green
spaces and outdoor sports fields.
• Implementation of an integrated and efficient IT system, considering the explosive
growth of information, the emphasis on digitization, which involved numerous re-
sources (facilities, hardware, infrastructure, energy, personnel). UO data centers have
significant annual consumption, but there are studies showing that energy savings
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 8 of 21

can
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW be achieved (about 46%) using integrated concepts, residual heat, and optimized
8 of 21
operating temperatures [33].

Figure6.6.Principle
Figure Principlescheme
schemefor
forensuring
ensuringheat
heatfor
forthe
theUniversity
UniversityofofOradea
OradeaCampus.
Campus.

Another
Data and series of important
communication aremeasures
essentialfor development
to the conduct ofinUOa sustainable context
activities [35]. are:
Hence,
•
for efficient operation at the university level, an intranet and extranet
Metering of buildings (thermal energy, cold water, hot water, electricity). communication
•
solution is providedof
Rehabilitation based on a heating
external wide range of latest
networks andgeneration technologies
sanitary networks (coldthat ensure
water, hot
safe, high-speed
water, and access. The IT services offered in the context of UO (Figure 7) conditions
wastewater).
•
offer both
Putting high quality
into andaappropriate
operation information/data
system of rainwater recovery tosecurity
be used[36]. The solutions
for sprinkling green
Sustainabilityimplemented by the IT department
spaces and outdoor sports fields.
2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW offer both a high level of security and confidentiality of 9 of 21
information/data,
• constituting a true spine for the development of a real smart
Implementation of an integrated and efficient IT system, considering the explosive campus [34].
growth of information, the emphasis on digitization, which involved numerous re-
sources (facilities, hardware, infrastructure, energy, personnel). UO data centers have
significant annual consumption, but there are studies showing that energy savings
can be achieved (about 46%) using integrated concepts, residual heat, and optimized
operating temperatures [33].
Data and communication are essential to the conduct of UO activities [35]. Hence, for
efficient operation at the university level, an intranet and extranet communication solu-
tion is provided based on a wide range of latest generation technologies that ensure safe,
high-speed access. The IT services offered in the context of UO (Figure 7) conditions offer
both high quality and appropriate information/data security [36]. The solutions imple-
mented by the IT department offer both a high level of security and confidentiality of
information/data, constituting a true spine for the development of a real smart campus
[34].

Figure 7. IT servicesFigure 7. IT services for UO.

for UO.

From the point ofFrom

viewthe ofpoint of view
applying theofprinciples
applying theof principles
a circularofeconomy,
a circular waste
economy,
man-waste man-
agement is implemented (organic waste treatment, inorganic waste treatment, toxic waste
agement is implemented (organic waste treatment, inorganic waste treatment, toxic waste
treatment, and sewage disposal). The waste management programs within the UO are
treatment, and sewage disposal). The waste management programs within the UO are
designed to reduce pollution, protect and be friendly to the environment, as well as to
designed to reduce pollution,
encourage protect
recycling byand be friendly
the whole to the Current
community. environment, as well
and future wasteasmanagement
to
encourage recycling by the
policies whole
at the community.
level of Current
any institution and future
are intertwined with waste management
the waste management strategy
of the locality of the institution. Considering both the constant decrease in the cost of new
technologies and the numerous wireless software/technologies available to facilitate the
intelligent management of waste, UO is considering substantial improvement of the cur-
rent management system of all types of waste [37], since in the CUO, 15 faculties carry out
their activity, and some of them (Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 9 of 21

policies at the level of any institution are intertwined with the waste management strategy
of the locality of the institution. Considering both the constant decrease in the cost of new
technologies and the numerous wireless software/technologies available to facilitate the
intelligent management of waste, UO is considering substantial improvement of the current
management system of all types of waste [37], since in the CUO, 15 faculties carry out their
activity, and some of them (Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences (includ-
ing Chemistry, Biology), Engineering, etc.) produce specific waste (tissue samples, medical
and pharmaceutical [38,39], chemical, electronical, etc.). This vision is also included in
Figure 7. At the same time, the UO’s sustainable development strategy includes a program
to reduce the use of paper and plastic on campus.
When rehabilitating existing buildings and constructing new buildings, as well as dur-
ing the phase of ensuring mobility within the campus, facilities for people with disabilities,
special needs and/or maternity care are considered.
From the point of view of the distribution of urban green space, through the Masterplan
(Figure 4) a “green rail” is proposed, which increases the existing generous green area,
by abolishing morally and physically worn buildings. Their rehabilitation would be
unsustainable. The considerable number of trees on campus contribute significantly to
the air quality, comfort, and health of campus life. In the CUO, there are protected plant
species, which are given special attention. A dedicated service ensures the maintenance of
the university’s green spaces.
In terms of ensuring mobility within the campus, special attention has been paid to the
arrangement of pedestrian walkways, so that vehicles have access only to the parking lots
arranged in the marginal areas. Bicycle parking racks are distributed around the campus
and an electric scooter station is interconnected with the city network. The municipality
extended the tram line from the city to the campus, thus ensuring easy and non-polluting
access to the CUO. Through the same Masterplan (Figure 4) it is proposed to close the street
that currently divides the campus into two areas, by transforming it into a pedestrian street.
Regarding study programs dedicated to sustainable and intelligent development, the
following are offered at the UO:
– Degree program: “Engineering of renewable energy systems”;
– Master’s programs: “Smart and sustainable constructions”, “Environmental man-
agement, evaluation, conservation, and protection”, “Renewable energies”, “Energy
systems management”, “Biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring”, etc.
In other study programs, disciplines applied to sustainable development and climate
change, regarding the circular economy, are supported.
The teaching philosophy encourages friendly explanation and understanding, as well
as tools using some of the most advanced technologies. The university is equipped with
smart boards, video projectors, 3D printers, and other appropriate equipment (Figure 8).
In addition, within the university, two educational platforms (“eLearning—Moodle”
and Microsoft—Teams platform) are operable through which teaching activities can be
carried out under the best conditions. The UO’s IT service is available to assist both
teaching staff and students in their operation. At the same time, as shown in Figure 7, a
platform created by UO is operable, namely Studinfo/UNIWEB platform, for management
of didactic activities with students (grades, fees, etc.).
For economic and administrative management, related staff are trained to use dedi-
cated electronic/computer applications. Special interest is currently given to digitization,
which is supported by European funds for which the UO applied.
Regarding research-innovation activity, through the Oradea University Library, stu-
dents and teaching staff have access to the “Anelis Plus” database, which connects them
to the latest publications. This activity is stimulated by the university by awarding au-
thors of innovations, valuable articles, students participating in various competitions, or
conferences.
In the geopolitical context of today, the University of Oradea has all the tools to carry
out its activity both in a pandemic situation and in other extreme/special situations. In
following are offered at the UO:
- Degree program: “Engineering of renewable energy systems”;
- Master’s programs: “Smart and sustainable constructions”, “Environmental man-
agement, evaluation, conservation, and protection”, “Renewable energies”, “Energy
systems management”, “Biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring”, etc.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 10 of 21
In other study programs, disciplines applied to sustainable development and climate
change, regarding the circular economy, are supported.
The teaching philosophy encourages friendly explanation and understanding, as
the CUO, conferences, scientific and cultural activities, and extracurricular activities are
well as tools using some of the most advanced technologies. The university is equipped
organized in which students and teaching staff are trained, so that life on the student
with smart boards, video projectors, 3D printers, and other appropriate equipment (Fig-
campus is harmonious, balanced, and attractive.
ure 8).

(a) (b)
Figure
Figure8.
8.(a)
(a)”Aula
“AulaMagna”;
Magna”;(b)
(b)”Smart
“SmartMat”
Mat” laboratory.
laboratory.

In
Theaddition, within the
administrative university, two
management of theeducational
universityplatforms
has special (“eLearning—Moodle”
involvement in main-
and Microsoft—Teams
taining the existing sports platform)
fields and areinoperable
developingthrough which
a sports teaching
base, ensuring activities can be
to the students
carried out under
and teaching staffthe
thebest conditions.
possibility The UO’s
of accessing IT service
them is available
both during sportstoclasses
assist both teach-
and during
ing
thestaff
timeand students
dedicated to in their operation. At the same time, as shown in Figure 7, a platform
recreation.
created Thebyopening of the UOnamely
UO is operable, to internationalization
Studinfo/UNIWEB provides another
platform, forcorridor
management for students
of di-
and teaching
dactic activitiesstaff
with towards
studentsan (grades,
attitude fees,
anchored
etc.). in European and world current affairs.
For economic and administrative management, related staff are trained to use dedi-
3.2. Results
cated following Intervention
electronic/computer on Existing
applications. Buildings
Special interest is currently given to digitization,
whichTable 1 highlights
is supported the consolidation/rehabilitation/retrofitting,
by European funds for which the UO applied. modernization/
endowment activities on 16 existing buildings, during the last
Regarding research-innovation activity, through the Oradea University Library, decade. These buildings
stu-
represent
dents 30% of the
and teaching developed
staff have access builtto surfaces
the “Anelis existing
Plus”indatabase,
the CUO. Example
which of Energy
connects them
Performance
to Certificates This
the latest publications. (for the original
activity building vs.
is stimulated bythe
thethermally
university+by energetically rehabil-
awarding authors
itated
of building)valuable
innovations, is presented in the
articles, Figure 9.
students participating in various competitions, or con-
ferences.
Interventions
TableIn1.the geopolitical oncontext
the infrastructure
of today, the of the UniversityofofOradea
University OradeahasCampus
all the(buildings) from
tools to carry
2012 to present, by results.
out its activity both in a pandemic situation and in other extreme/special situations. In the
CUO, conferences, scientific and cultural activities, and extracurricular activities are orga-
Name of
nized in which students and teaching staff are trained, so that life on the student campus
Building/Function/Developed Area Type of Intervention/Year Results
is harmonious, balanced, and attractive.
(sq m)/Year(s) of Construction
The administrative management of the university has special involvement in main-
Energy efficient
taining the existing sports fields and in developing a sports base, ensuring to the students
Body C1: Building L—Geothermal
and teaching staff the possibility ofGeothermal
accessing themlaboratory
both for practical
during work
sports and research
classes and during
Reconversion/
laboratory—Thermal power activities, as well as a thermal plant equipped with a heat
the time dedicated to recreation.
2020–2022
plant/1915.83/1970 exchanger and heat pumps for the central CUO
The opening of the UO to internationalization provides another corridor for students
and teaching staff towards an attitude Initially havingin
anchored theEuropean
function ofand
a canteen,
world later usedaffairs.
current as a
university library, after a period of 20 years of abandonment,
this building was returned to the university circuit, having
Body C3: Building J—Department3.2. of
Results following Intervention on the
Consolidation/ Existing Buildings
function of offices (for the Department of International
International Relations, Council Reconversion/ Relations) and also having a Council Room for the UO;
Room/846.85/1911–1913 2018–2020 being a historical monument building, it did not lend itself
to thermal rehabilitation. Heating is accomplished with
geothermal water—a renewable source; the building is
included in energy performance class “C” [32]
In recent years, the building had been abandoned and fell
Body C15: Building Retrofitting/Equipment/ into disrepair; after the retrofitting (through enveloping it
B-N/706.26/1912–1914 2014–2015 and energy efficiency, being equipped with a heat pump), it
was put into the circuit of the research activity
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 11 of 21

Table 1. Cont.

Name of
Building/Function/Developed Area Type of Intervention/Year Results
(sq m)/Year(s) of Construction
Green and towards NZEB
Analyzing the Energy Performance Certificates for the
original building vs. the thermally + energetically
rehabilitated building, comparing the initial energy
Rehabilitation/
Body C4: Building E-F—Educational consumption vs. that resulting from the rehabilitation (e.g.,
Modernization/
spaces/7915.29/1993–1995 Figure 9a,b), it is found that the energy consumption of the
Equipment/2020–2022
building has decreased by 77%, an 86% decrease in CO2
emissions as well as its transition from energy class C to
energy Class A [29,40]
Analyzing the Energy Performance Certificates for the
original building vs. the thermally + energetically
rehabilitated building, comparing the initial energy
Body C5: Building D—Rectorate Rehabilitation/
consumption vs. that resulting from the rehabilitation, it is
Building/1182.52/ Modernization/
found that the energy consumption of the building has
1993–1995 2021–2022
decreased by 88%, a 76% decrease in CO2 emissions as well
as its transition from energy class C to energy Class
A [30,41]
Analyzing the results of energy audit and comparing the
Rehabilitation/ initial energy consumption vs. those resulting from the
Body C20: Building P—Gym/
Modernization/ rehabilitation, it is found that the energy consumption of the
869.04/1968
Equipment/2018–2019 building has decreased by 63%, a 51% decrease in CO2
emissions [31]
Analyzing the results of energy audit and comparing the
Body C: Building V2— “Smart-Mat” initial energy consumption vs. that resulting from the
Consolidation/Retrofitting/
Research rehabilitation, it is found that the energy consumption of the
Equipped/2013–2014
laboratory/673.00/1950–1960 building has decreased by 42.43%, a 41.82% decrease in CO2
emissions [42]
The building, being used for >40 years as a warehouse, did
not benefit from utilities; according to the Energy
Body C4: Building V3—Research Expansion/Consolidation/ Performance Certificate (EPC) from the construction’
laboratory/1413.22/ Retrofitting/Equipped reception, the current estimated energy consumption is
1950–1960 2020–2022 66.34 kWh/m2 year, and the equivalent CO2 emission index
is 19.08 kg/m2 year, the values is very low, and the interior
comfort is high
The buildings, being used for >40 years as warehouses, do
not benefit from utilities. Following the retrofitting,
buildings with low consumption and high comfort were
Body C8: Building B-H/
obtained. According to the EPCs of the buildings, the
368.00/1912–1914
current estimated energy consumption is 66.55 kWh/m2
year, and the CO2 equivalent emission index is 16.55 kg/m2
year [43]
Retrofitting/
The current estimated energy consumption is
Body C11: Building B-K/ Equipment/
49.51 kWh/m2 year, and the CO2 equivalent emission index
808.61/1912–1914 2020–2022
is 15.03 kg/m2 year [43]
The current estimated energy consumption is
Body C12: Building
52.83 kWh/m2 year, and the CO2 equivalent emission index
B-L/760.62/1912–1914
is 14.93 kg/m2 year [43]
The current estimated energy consumption is
Body C13: Building
51.44 kWh/m2 year, and the CO2 equivalent emission index
B-M/761.87/1912–1914
is 13.99 kg/m2 year [43]
14 2020–2022 the CO2 equivalent emission index is 15.03 kg/m2 year [43]
g B- The current estimated energy consumption is 52.83 kWh/m2 year, and
914 the CO2 equivalent emission index is 14.93 kg/m2 year [43]
g B- Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 The current estimated energy consumption is 51.44 kWh/m2 year, and
12 of 21

914 the CO2 equivalent emission index is 13.99 kg/m2 year [43]
Thermally
Table 1. Cont.
efficient
1—Stu-
Thermal Namerehabili-
of
32/ Building/Function/DevelopedAnalyzing
Area Type ofand comparing the consumptionsResults
Intervention/Year before and after the
tation/2016–2017
(sq m)/Year(s) of Construction
thermal rehabilitation, a reduction in energy consumption of 20% is
Thermally efficient
2—Stu- appreciated, according to consumption registration documents—
Thermal rehabili-
Body C25: Building C1—Student
32/ dorm/4793.32/ General
Thermal Administrative
Analyzing andDirectorate—UO.
comparing the consumptions before and
tation/2021
1970
rehabilitation/2016–2017 after the thermal rehabilitation, a reduction in energy
consumption of 20% is appreciated, according to
—Edu- Body C21:dorm/4793.32/
Building C2—Student
Analyzing the results of the energy
Thermal auditregistration
consumption comparing the initial en-
documents—General
rehabilitation/2021 Administrative Directorate—UO.
arch la- Thermal rehabili-
1967 ergy consumption vs. that resulting from the rehabilitation, it is
45/ tation/2016 found that the energy consumption Analyzingof thethe
results of the energy
building hasaudit comparing the
decreased by
Body C26: Building T—Educational initial energy consumption vs. that resulting from the
Thermal
spaces, research laboratories/3007.45/ 42.43%, and a 41.82% decreaseitin
rehabilitation, CO2that
is found emissions [42]
the energy consumption of the
rehabilitation/2016
1966–1967 building has decreased by 42.43%, and a 41.82% decrease in
—Edu- Rehabilita- Analyzing and comparing the consumptions before and after the
CO2 emissions [42]
of- tion/Moderniza- thermal rehabilitation, a reduction Analyzing inand
energy
comparingconsumption
the consumptions ofbefore
20%and is
Bodytion/Equip-
C3: Building X—Educational Rehabilitation/ after the thermal rehabilitation,
appreciated, according to consumption registration documents— a reduction in energy
spaces, offices/814.00/ Modernization/ consumption of 20% is appreciated, according to
ment/2018–2022
1912–1914 General Administrative
Equipment/2018–2022 Directorate—UO.
consumption registration documents—General
Administrative Directorate—UO.

(a) (b)
Figure 9. Energy performance
Figure 9. certificate: (a) initial
Energy performance building;
certificate: (a) initial(b) thermally
building; and energetically
(b) thermally and energetically reha-
rehabili-
bilitated building. tated building.

3.3. Results following the Retrofitting of Seven Buildings on the CUO

In the last decade, seven educational spaces were added to the circuit of buildings
fund, totaling a developed area of 5491.59 sq m. These buildings were abandoned or
Sustainability 2023,
Sustainability 15,15,
2023, x FOR PEER
x FOR REVIEW
PEER REVIEW 13 13
of of
21 21

Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 3.3. Results

3.3. Resultsfollowing
following thethe
Retrofitting
Retrofittingof of
Seven Buildings
Seven Buildings ononthethe
CUO
CUO 13 of 21
InInthethe
last decade,
last decade, seven
seven educational
educational spaces
spaces were
were added
added to to
thethecircuit of of
circuit buildings
buildings
fund, totaling a developed area of 5491.59 sq m. These buildings
fund, totaling a developed area of 5491.59 sq m. These buildings were abandoned were abandoned ororused
used
asaswarehouses.
used
warehouses. Complying
as warehouses. with
Complying
Complying withthethecriteria
with the of
criteria thethe
criteria
of circular
of economy,
the circular
circular economy, thethe
economy, buildings were
the buildings
buildings were
“recycled”
were
“recycled” through
“recycled”
through “retrofitting”
through
“retrofitting” and
“retrofitting”
and were
and
wereequipped.
were They
equipped.
equipped. They are
They currently
are are being
currently
currently used
being
being usedasas
used
spaces
spacesforfor
as spaces education
for
education and
education andresearch.
and Figure
research.
research. 1010shows
Figure
Figure two
10 shows
shows twoof of
these
two ofbuildings,
these these which
buildings,
buildings, whichwere
which
were
included
were
included in inthethe
included Hungarian—Romanian
in the Hungarian—Romanian
Hungarian—Romanian “Smart
“Smart Mat”
“Smart
Mat”(Figure
Mat” 10(a1,b1))
(Figure (Figure and “Smart
10(a1,b1))
10(a1,b1)) and and Cam-
“Smart “Smart
Cam-
Campus—UO”
pus—UO” (Figure (Figure 10(a2,b2))
10(a2,b2)) projects, projects,
resulting resulting
in in
educationaleducational
spaces
pus—UO” (Figure 10(a2,b2)) projects, resulting in educational spaces and research labor- spaces
and and
research research
labor-
laboratories
atories
atories(Figure
(Figure (Figure 10(c1,c2)).
10(c1,c2)).
10(c1,c2)).OnOn theOn the
roof
the roof
of
roof of“Smart
thethe
of the “Smart
“Smart Mat” Mat”
Mat” building
building
building (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 10(b2)),
10(b2)),
10(b2)), the
thethe
photovoltaic
photovoltaic
photovoltaic panels
panels
panels can
can bebe
can be seen.
seen.
seen. These
These
These were
were
were arranged
arranged
arranged for
for use
use
for ofof
of
use renewable
renewable solar energy
energy
solar energyin
addition
in in
addition
addition to
to the geothermal
thethe
to geothermal
geothermal energy.
energy.
energy.

(a1)
(a1) (b1)
(b1) (c1)
(c1)

(a2)
(a2) (b2)
(b2) (c2)
(c2)
Figure 10.10.
Figure Two cases
Two of:of:
cases (a1,a2) initial buildings—deposits; (b1,b2) retrofitted buildings; (c1,c2) re-
Figure 10. Two cases of: (a1,a2) initial
(a1,a2) initial buildings—deposits;
buildings—deposits; (b1,b2)
(b1,b2) retrofitted
retrofitted buildings;
buildings; (c1,c2)
(c1,c2) re-
re-
search laboratory
search inside
laboratory insidethethe
renovated
renovated buildings. .
buildings
search laboratory inside the renovated buildings.

3.4.
3.4.
3.4. Results
Results
Results following
following
following the
thethe Intervention
Intervention
Interventiononon
thethe
on Existing
Existing
the Hot
Existing Hot Water
Water
Hot Water Networks
Networks
Networks andand following
following
and followingthethe
the
Reconfiguration
Reconfiguration of
of of the
thethe Heating
Heating System
System
Reconfiguration Heating System
TheThe entire
entire heating
heating system
system of of CUO
CUO has
has been
been reconfigured,
reconfigured, rehabilitated,
rehabilitated, and
and made
made
The entire heating system of CUO has been reconfigured, rehabilitated, and made
more
more efficient,
efficient, resulting
resulting in in two
two modern
modern thermal
thermal plants
plants (Figure
(Figure 11)11) equipped
equipped with
with high-
high-
more efficient, resulting in two modern thermal plants (Figure 11) equipped with high-
performance
performance equipment
equipment with
with monitoring
monitoring andand control
control systems,
systems, geothermal
geothermal water
water (renew-
(renew-
performance equipment with monitoring and control systems, geothermal water (renew-
able
able energy)
energy) being
being used/reused.
used/reused. Respectively,
Respectively, after
after the
thethe residual
residual geothermal
geothermal water
water from
from
able energy) being used/reused. Respectively, after residual geothermal water from
heating
heating a part
a part of buildings,
of of
the the buildings,
thethethe resulting
resulting geothermal
geothermal water water
is is is re-injected
re-injected into into
thethe
injec-the
heating a part the buildings, resulting geothermal water re-injected into injec-
injection well.
tion well.
tion well.

(a)(a) (b)(b)
Figure 11.11.
Figure
Figure Thermal
11. power
Thermal plants:
power (a)(a)
plants: geothermal laboratory;
geothermal (b)(b)
laboratory; laboratory of of
laboratory renewable energies.
renewable energies.

With the rehabilitation solutions described above, the reduction of geothermal water
consumption m3 /m2 year is 21%, given that only 30% of the used spaces have been
rehabilitated (according to the descriptions in Table 1) and, at the same time, only 10% of
areas have been introduced into the circuit of education and research spaces.
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 21

With the rehabilitation solutions described above, the reduction of geothermal water
consumption m3/m2 year is 21%, given that only 30% of the used spaces have been reha-
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 14 of 21
bilitated (according to the descriptions in Table 1) and, at the same time, only 10% of areas
have been introduced into the circuit of education and research spaces.

4.4.Discussion
Discussion
Since
Since2013,
2013,the University
the University of Oradea
of Oradea hashasgradually integrated
gradually integratedsustainable development
sustainable develop-
strategies and actions
ment strategies into teaching,
and actions research,
into teaching, infrastructure,
research, and campus
infrastructure, operations.
and campus operations.
The
TheCUO’s
CUO’smanagement
management activity is focused
activity is focused on on
European
European decision makers
decision makersand and
targets,
tar-
with a focus on climate change policy. The actions and legislative
gets, with a focus on climate change policy. The actions and legislative packages issued packages issued by
both the United
by both the United Nations
Nationsandandthethe
European
European Union
Union form
formthetheframework
framework for
forthe
theproposed
proposed
targets.
targets. In this legislative and geopolitical context presented, the UO’s managementteam
In this legislative and geopolitical context presented, the UO’s management team
isisconcentrating
concentratingefforts
effortstotoprovide
provideaasustainable
sustainableeducation
educationon onaa“green”,
“green,”“healthy”,
“healthy,”and and
sustainable
sustainablecampus.
campus.TheThetermterm“Smart
“SmartCampus”
Campus”has hasbeen
beencoined
coinedtotodescribe
describeprojects
projectsthat
that
are
arebeing
beingdeveloped
developed to to raise funds. Part
raise funds. Partofofthe
thefunding
fundingfor forthese
these projects
projects comes
comes from
from the
the European Union, with funds coming from projects such as the
European Union, with funds coming from projects such as the Regional Operational Pro- Regional Operational
Program
gram (POR) (POR) 2014–2020.
2014-2020. Priority
Priority AxisAxis 10. Improving
10. Improving the educational
the educational infrastructure,
infrastructure, Invest-
Investment Priority 10.1. Investments in education and training, including
ment Priority 10.1. Investments in education and training, including vocational training, vocational train-
ing, for the acquisition of skills and lifelong learning through the development
for the acquisition of skills and lifelong learning through the development of education of education
and training infrastructure; Specific Objective 10.3. Increasing the relevance of university
and training infrastructure; Specific Objective 10.3. Increasing the relevance of university
tertiary education in relation to the labor market and competitive economic sectors. As part
tertiary education in relation to the labor market and competitive economic sectors. As
of the “Smart Campus—University of Oradea” [44] project carried out under this financing,
part of the “Smart Campus—University of Oradea” [44] project carried out under this
existing buildings were “recycled” through consolidation and “retrofitting”, the buildings
financing, existing buildings were “recycled” through consolidation and “retrofitting”,
were thermally and energetically rehabilitated, the investments committed to renovation of
the buildings were thermally and energetically rehabilitated, the investments committed
the buildings were from the existing construction stock (Figure 12).
to renovation of the buildings were from the existing construction stock (Figure 12).

Figure12.
Figure 12.“Smart
”SmartCampus-UO”,
Campus-UO”,European
Europeanfunding,
funding,2020–2023.
2020–2023.

Regardingthe
Regarding theconstruction
constructionofof a GB
a GB oror the
the transformation
transformation of of
anan existing
existing building
building into
into a
a sustainable
sustainable building,
building, the authors
the authors of study
of this this study propose
propose the scheme
the scheme of approach
of approach high-
highlighted
inlighted
Figurein13.Figure 13. The proposal
The proposal starts
starts from the from theof
concept concept
a GB inofthe
a GB in theofcontext
context climateofchange
climate
change
and and theeconomy,
the circular circular taking
economy,into taking
accountinto
the account
solutionsthe
andsolutions and resultsinhigh-
results highlighted the
lightedwork.
present in the present work.
The image suggests the ideal case, namely construction concept designed and arranged
on multiple levels, starting with the base:
• The legal framework, as well as management at the organizational level (state, admin-
istrative territorial units).
• A favorable economic environment (including funding, construction activity creditors)
will play a decisive role in the realization of a sustainable construction or complex, but
only in the context of a healthy and extensive educational and research system that
would provide additional support.
• The ground floor of the designed building: with an adequate design and a specialized
execution, depending on the financial power of the investors, the building will be able
to meet the requirements of a sustainable one.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 15 of 21

• The body of the projected building: GB, NZEB, and smart construction that is subject
to the circular economy. Within the structure of the building, elements of composition
and building equipment, building functions, mode of operation, and use are arranged
on different levels.
• The designers (architects and engineers) must have the capacity to select the ge-
ometric shape of the building (a compact volume structure is recommended), to
which they must associate a suitable envelope. Depending on the abilities of the
designer/architect and the financial resources of the investor, the building should
ideally be projected in such a way that it can easily be adapted to other functions—with
minimal financial implications.
• The architectural solutions and materials used will be sustainable and green, contribut-
ing to the creation of a healthy environment within the building. The building will be
equipped to meet the performance and functionality requirements, with guaranteed
consumption efficiency and renewable energy input taken into consideration. It is
very important to prepare the building user for the administration and operation of a
Smart building system. The quality of the comfort provided, the satisfaction of the
occupants, the appearance and the identity imprinted on the building represent the
parameters of the building’s functions and aesthetics. The initial cost of the building
and the cost of its maintenance and operation are the parameters that become the
focus of the beneficiary.
• The roof of the projected building is represented by the results of building operation:
the amount of energy consumed, pollution, low carbon emissions, garbage, and
ultimately the idea of post-use of the building—all in the context of circular economy
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 21
and sustainability.

Figure 13. Factors helping in obtaining a green building in the circular economy.
Figure 13. Factors helping in obtaining a green building in the circular economy.

The image suggests the ideal case, namely construction concept designed and ar-
ranged on multiple levels, starting with the base:
• The legal framework, as well as management at the organizational level (state, ad-
ministrative territorial units).
• A favorable economic environment (including funding, construction activity credi-
tors) will play a decisive role in the realization of a sustainable construction or com-
the occupants, the appearance and the identity imprinted on the building represent
the parameters of the building’s functions and aesthetics. The initial cost of the build-
ing and the cost of its maintenance and operation are the parameters that become the
focus of the beneficiary.
• The roof of the projected building is represented by the results of building operation:
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 the amount of energy consumed, pollution, low carbon emissions, garbage, and16ulti- of 21
mately the idea of post-use of the building—all in the context of circular economy
and sustainability.
All the
the aforementioned
aforementioneddata areare
data suggested in conceiving
suggested a summarizing
in conceiving hybridhybrid
a summarizing model
for thefor
model design or conversion
the design of an of
or conversion existing building
an existing into ainto
building sustainable building,
a sustainable as itas
building, is
presented
it in Figure
is presented 14. 14.
in Figure

Figure
Figure 14.
14. Hybrid
Hybridmodel
model for
fordesign
designor
orconversion
conversion of
ofan
anexisting
existingbuilding
building into
into aasustainable
sustainable building.
building.

In this
In this theoretical
theoretical hybrid
hybrid approach,
approach, aa conventional
conventional design
design and
and planning
planning stage
stage can
can be
be
followed by an agile development process. Moreover, this approach allows
followed by an agile development process. Moreover, this approach allows for the devel- for the develop-
ment and
opment execution
and executionof of
a detailed plan
a detailed while
plan whileproviding
providing adaptability
adaptabilityin the implementation
in the implementa-
phase, maximizing the benefits of both strategies
tion phase, maximizing the benefits of both strategies [45].[45].
Climate change
Climate change mitigation
mitigation targets
targets are
are set
set at
at international, European, and
international, European, and national
national
levels. These are taken over in the development strategies of the territorial administrative
levels. These are taken over in the development strategies of the territorial administrative
units, in
units, in our
our case—in
case—in the
the development
development strategy
strategy ofof the
the UO.
UO. The
The present
present paper
paper emphasizes
emphasizes
that the defining elements, respectively the criteria for the certification of GB,
that the defining elements, respectively the criteria for the certification of GB, settlements settlements
and further—of green university campuses are applicable and constitute
and further—of green university campuses are applicable and constitute an incentive an incentive
for
for both
both beneficiaries
beneficiaries andand investors.
investors. By applying
By applying for certification
for certification in theinUI
theGreen
UI Green
MetricMetric
sys-
system
tem [46,47],
[46,47], UOUO understood
understood andand directed
directed itsits developmentstrategy
development strategytotomeet
meetthe
thecriteria
criteria of
of
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER a “green” campus (Figure 15), to provide students and teachers with a healthy environment,
REVIEW 17 of 21
a “green” campus (Figure 15), to provide students and teachers with a healthy environ-
to have a sustainable development, and to help combat climate change.
ment, to have a sustainable development, and to help combat climate change.

Figure15.
Figure 15.UI
UIGreen
GreenMetric
MetricWorld
WorldUniversity
University Rankings
Rankings Certificate,
Certificate, from
from 2021.
2021.

ToToadvance
advanceininthis
thisranking,
ranking,respectively
respectivelytotoadvance
advanceininthethe“Green”
“Green”and
and“Heathy”
“Heathy”
development of its campus, UO will at least follow the criteria highlighted in this research,
development of its campus, UO will at least follow the criteria highlighted in this research,
starting from the material/patrimonial components of the campus (buildings, land, equip-
ment, endowments, utilities) reaching a holistic approach to education, student life on
campus, educational and research activity and their results.
In this context, the UO has a very good collaboration with the local authorities. UO
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 17 of 21

starting from the material/patrimonial components of the campus (buildings, land, equip-
ment, endowments, utilities) reaching a holistic approach to education, student life on
campus, educational and research activity and their results.
In this context, the UO has a very good collaboration with the local authorities. UO
also initiated and responded to the request to enter clusters/consortia/alliances dedi-
cated to sustainable/green development actions. The European Universities Alliance for
Sustainability: responsible growth, inclusive education and environment (EU GREEN)
can be mentioned here. The following nine universities are part of this alliance: Uni-
versity of Parma, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of
Extremadura, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, University of Évora, University of
Angers, University of Gävle, University of Oradea and Atlantic Technical University [48].
The actions for the sustainable development of an existing university campus and its
orientation towards a “green” campus must be located on different levels highlighted in Fig-
ure 16. This scheme proposes a gradual holistic approach, starting from the simple material
elements that define the campus and reaching its spirit and purpose. Thus, the challenges
of a “green” campus address the site, the buildings, respectively the infrastructure, and the
biodiversity by:
– Furnishing and equipping the site with a special respect for nature and the natural;
– The sense of safety created, the healthy ambience and the comfort in which the entire
activity is carried out;
– The quality of life inside the campus;
– The services provided to students and teaching staff;
–
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEWThe educational and relational system offered by the research and innovation18condi-
of 21
tions created through technology transfer approaches [49,50].

Figure 16. New Green campus conceptual model including as promoting factor the clean infrastruc-
Figure 16. New Green campus conceptual model including as promoting factor the clean infrastructure.
ture.

The CUO redesign initiated and led to a framework that integrates strategies and
complex solutions that cover buildings with multiple destinations (for education—labor-
atories and lecture halls, student dormitories, warehouses, offices, etc.). It should also be
emphasized that it is specific to CUO that it contains buildings built throughout the last
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 18 of 21

All these principles and criteria are subject to the desire to ensure a future for the
following generations, obeying the principles of the circular economy, enhancing adaptation
to climate change, recovery, and green growth, obeying international and European policies.
The CUO redesign initiated and led to a framework that integrates strategies and com-
plex solutions that cover buildings with multiple destinations (for education—laboratories
and lecture halls, student dormitories, warehouses, offices, etc.). It should also be empha-
sized that it is specific to CUO that it contains buildings built throughout the last century,
in different stages: 1910–1920, 1960–1970, as well as buildings built relatively recently,
1990–2000. Moreover, the constructions addressed originally had various functions, most
of them different from the ones they have today. Another very special feature of CUO is
the existence of geothermal water (renewable energy) that the campus benefits from as a
heating agent.
It is undeniable that other already published papers have also evaluated and quan-
tified the impact of modernizing university campuses [51–53]. However, their different
approaches, the numerous differences between the campuses at the geoclimatic, architec-
tural level, the construction materials used, the age of the buildings, the heating agent used,
etc. make it very difficult to compare the results obtained. However, as a leitmotif, the
positive impact of modernization, especially related to the consumption of thermal and
electrical energy, but also on the communities served, respectively, the need for sustainable
development, is emphasized in this research.

5. Conclusions
The study deepens the case of UO which is the beneficiary of renewable energy
(geothermal water), used/reused as a heating agent and domestic hot water. In addition, the
authors summarize the CUO heating/cooling principle, proposing it as an effective solution
of sustainable development, for this type of location. With the intervention solutions on
some of the buildings and networks of the university campus presented in the paper
(energy efficiency, thermal efficiency, rehabilitation, renovation, retrofitting, modernization)
a 20% reduction in the specific energy consumption for heating alone was obtained, under
the conditions of a relevant contribution (10%) of educational spaces obtained through
retrofitting. Corroborating all the interventions on the existing infrastructure described, it
is obvious that the “wave of renovation” will contribute significantly to reach the targets
set regarding sustainable development.
Through this paper, not only have we framed the “green” evolution of CUO, but
we came up with new aspects compared to those presented in the specialized literature,
namely:
– The efficiency and modernization of some buildings, older than 100 years (heritage
buildings), are described;
– Buildings with various destinations (for students, professors, staff, and materials) are
addressed in the same work;
– Constructions changing their initial destination are presented;
– A summarizing scheme depicting the main aspects which help in the construction
of a GB or in the transformation of an existing building into a sustainable building
(Figure 13);
– A green campus conceptual model (Figure 16), including as a promoting factor the
clean infrastructure (both for new and existing buildings, a coherent approach solu-
tion was provided, in the context of the circular economy, so that the result of the
construction/intervention on the existing construction is that of a GB).
In addition, through the practical solutions presented, the study demonstrates that a
“recipe”/solution for a “green” and “healthy” campus is the application of the principles
enunciated in the policies of sustainable and “green” development on different levels.
Regarding the case study brought to attention (CUO), as future directions, it would be the
combination of thermal and energy efficiency solutions and the introduction of renewable
energies from various sources, in order to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6541 19 of 21

Finally, there is an obvious need to continue the management of this campus in a “green”
vision, respectively to intensify the application of the principles and concepts synthesized
for “green” development. It is noticeable that the solutions applied to CUO and presented
in the paper can be taken over and adapted according to the specifics of each campus,
considering the types of interventions on buildings, their age, original vs. final function,
heating agent, etc.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, C.C.B. and C.B.; Data curation, C.C.B. and I.F.P.-H.;
Formal analysis, C.C.B. and M.T.T.; Investigation, C.C.B., I.F.P.-H. and T.B.; Methodology, C.C.B., C.B.,
T.B. and M.F.P.; Project administration, C.B. and M.F.P.; Resources, M.F.P.; Software, C.C.B. and D.E.P.;
Supervision, C.B.; Validation, M.T.T. and M.F.P.; Visualization, C.C.B. and M.F.P.; Writing—original
draft, C.C.B., I.F.P.-H. and T.B.; Writing—review & editing, C.C.B. and T.B. All authors have read and
agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: The data used in the work are available within the General Adminis-
trative Directorate/Sustainable Campus Directorate//Investments and Consolidations Office and
Heritage Office, of the University of Oradea, Romania, being included as appropriate: in the con-
struction books, the technical documentation of construction interventions, the energy audits within
them, the documents for the reception of the renovation works, the energy performance certificates
drawn up at the initiation of the rehabilitation works and at their reception, the technical projects
authorized and put into operation, as well as on the data basis of monitoring and controlling the
utilities consumption within the University of Oradea.
Acknowledgments: The authors express their gratitude to the University of Oradea for providing
the facilities required by this research.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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