SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation - 1.5. Water-conscious building standards - Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation - 1.5. Water-conscious building standards
Last modified: 21. November 2025
1.5. Water-conscious building standards
Since its founding, MATE has been committed to modernizing and upgrading its campus buildings with a strong focus on sustainability. In recent years, renovations and reconstructions with energy- and water-efficiency in mind have become increasingly common. Recent upgrades have introduced a range of water-conscious features, including automatic sensor or push-button urinals with flush valves, water-saving hand-held showerheads, self-closing taps, and water flow regulators in bathrooms and restrooms across the main buildings and other campus facilities. These measures help significantly reduce water consumption while maintaining high standards of hygiene and comfort for students and staff.
Environment and Energy Efficiency Operational Programme
Under the Operational Programme for Environment and Energy Efficiency, MATE has successfully secured two major grants. The first, running from 2022 to 2023, focused on enhancing the energy efficiency of campus buildings and promoting the use of renewable energy sources. The second, from 2021 to 2023, supported initiatives aimed at preparing for a circular economy by improving the management and processing of agricultural and green waste.
Increasing the energy efficiency of the buildings of MATE with renewable energy
The energy retrofit of the Gödöllő Campus buildings, constructed between 1860 and 1970, was designed to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the campus’s environmental footprint. Previously, outdated heating systems and poor thermal insulation resulted in excessive energy consumption and significant heat loss. The renovation addressed these challenges through window and door replacements, improved insulation, modernized heating systems, and the installation of solar panels, all compliant with Hungary’s 2006 TNM energy standards.
The project supports the objectives of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive and Hungary’s Operational Programme for Environment and Energy Efficiency, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced energy costs. Beyond technical improvements, the investment promotes sustainable development, climate change mitigation, and an eco-conscious culture within the university. The upgrades create a safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly campus, fully aligned with national and EU energy policies.
At the Georgikon Campus in Keszthely, energy efficiency projects are being implemented on multiple buildings, including the D and E buildings. The upgrades include enhancing primary energy production capabilities and overall building performance, ensuring that facilities used for teaching and research are more sustainable and energy-conscious. This development complements similar projects on the other campuses, reflecting MATE’s broader commitment to modern, eco-friendly educational infrastructure. Campus project overview.
A major energy‑saving (“rezsicsökkentő”) investment has begun at the Kaposvár campus of the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences (MATE), involving the modernization of two buildings with over half a billion forints in funding. The contract, worth HUF 517 million, was awarded to Pillér Invest Ltd., and is expected to be completed by September of next year. Among the renovated structures is a locally protected circular building, as well as an older teaching building of about 4 130 m², where they will replace windows and insulate the roofs. The project also includes a modern lightning‑protection system, and the old academic building will be heated and cooled via a new heat‑pump system, which is projected to reduce maintenance costs by 30–35%.
