ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF GREEN CAMPUS TRANSFORMATION AT AZERBAIJAN TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This article investigates the economic efficiency, savings potential and institutional implementation mechanisms of energy efficiency measures and green technologies in higher education institutions using Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) as a case study. The research problem is that energy efficiency in universities is often treated as a set of isolated technical interventions, while the functional structure of energy consumption, investment feasibility, monitoring, governance and phased financing mechanisms are not sufficiently integrated into a single analytical framework. The study applies structural analysis, scenario-based assessment, simple payback calculations, energy and financial savings estimation, multi-criteria project prioritisation and a phased 2026-2030 roadmap approach. The findings indicate that AzTU’s electricity consumption increased from 2.184 million kWh in 2020 to 2.691 million kWh in 2025, while electricity expenditures increased from AZN 262.1 thousand to AZN 430.6 thousand. Total energy expenditure reached AZN 951.9 thousand in 2025. Preliminary calculations indicate a total energy savings potential of 12-18%. A 120 kW photovoltaic system can compensate for 6.3-7.1% of annual electricity consumption; achieving a 10-15% target would require expanding system capacity to approximately 250-300 kW. LED modernisation can generate annual savings of 100-150 thousand kWh, while a BMS pilot project may reduce heating and ventilation-related costs by 10-15%. The main contribution of the article is a measurable, phased and financially grounded green campus transformation model for AzTU.