The Czech University of Life Sciences is one of the largest university campuses in the Czech Republic and systematically deals with the topics of sustainability and energy efficiency. The long-term cooperation with T-Mobile Czech Republic is based on a memorandum from May 2021. This assumes the construction of a comprehensively digitized campus and other university workplaces on the latest private 5G technology and using the IoT platform.
"Energy efficiency is a basic condition for the further development of the CZU campus. The most recent example of a sustainable project is a new building for children's groups, meeting the requirements for a zero-emission building," emphasizes Jakub Kleindienst, Bursar of the Czech University of Life Sciences, adding: "Smart sensors and other tools leading to energy savings are the only possible way to a sustainable future. That is why I consider T-Mobile's project to be another important step in the transition from a regular campus to an experimental space of the future, on which we have been cooperating with them for a long time. The use of cutting-edge technologies ranks CULS among the most modern universities in the Czech Republic and in the world. And the connection of a high-tech campus with student education and research is a unique combination that allows us to prepare high-quality professionals capable of solving the challenges that society will face in the coming decades."
Thanks to the modern smart metering infrastructure and online data transmission, CZU now has accurate and up-to-date environmental data at its disposal, which will allow for better planning of energy consumption within the overall operation of the complex. The project combines the installation of sensors, data transmission over the 5G network, people counting, carbon footprint calculation and advanced visualization in one integrated system.
How measurement works
IoT sensors have been installed at various locations on the campus to monitor energy consumption in all buildings. The measured data is transmitted at short intervals via an extended private 5G network built by T-Mobile. "This data is then transferred to the data platform. The web application removes them, stores them in a database and visualizes them, from current values to daily, monthly and annual reports. Based on the measured consumption, the carbon footprint of selected buildings and the entire campus is calculated," Jakub Kopecký, Director for Industry 4.0 at T-Mobile, describes the calculation methodology.
The project also includes a system of IP cameras connected via the 5G network, which count the passage of people. Thanks to this data, the carbon footprint can be recalculated on an individual basis and the values can be refined according to the actual use of buildings. "CO₂ emissions are displayed at different time intervals and levels of aggregation, thanks to which it is possible to analyze trends over time, compare objects with each other and support informed decisions in the field of sustainable operation," adds Kopecký about the calculation methodology. The measurement results are presented in a clear dashboard that allows you to monitor the current status and long-term trends.
The data is also available in the My CZU mobile application in a separate section focused on energy and sustainability. The mobile application also includes an augmented reality visualization that will allow visitors to view carbon footprint data directly on campus.
For the academic sphere, the project represents a living infrastructure – students and researchers have real data at their disposal for teaching, analysis and experimentation in the field of energy management, carbon footprint and modern communication technologies. The project serves not only as a demonstration of modern technologies in practice, but also as an inspiration for cities, municipalities and other institutions that are looking for ways to manage energy and carbon footprint based on real data. The combination of IoT metering, 5G connectivity and data analytics shows how energy consumption can be effectively evaluated, the ecological footprint can be reduced and the sustainable operation of sites can be planned.
The operator also cooperates with CZU on other projects. In addition to covering the campus with a private 5G network, it also works on the long-term Smart Forest Landscape project, which uses technologies such as 5G networks and IoT to study natural processes.