The funding will be used to implement specific energy-related improvements to the university buildings by the end of 2024. The structural improvements will help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and promote the expansion of renewable energies.

Minister Dr. Manja Sch¨¹le commented on the handover: "Innovative and sustainable: The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is working on shaping the world of tomorrow ¨C in teaching, practice and research. We are very happy to support the FHP in this endeavour, also with funds from the Brandenburg package to strengthen energy resilience. I am therefore delighted to be able to hand over a funding decision totalling around 1.78 million euros to the university management today. This will be used, for example, to convert the lighting systems in the university's buildings to LED lights and install photovoltaic systems ¨C good for climate protection, good for Brandenburg, good for us all!"

The following construction measures are planned:

• Conversion of the main building and buildings 4 & 5 to LED lighting
  Converting to LED lighting has many advantages for the university. LEDs are extremely energy-efficient and consume less electricity than conventional light bulbs or halogen lamps, which will result in noticeable savings in energy costs. In addition, LED lights are low-maintenance and have a long service life.
• Installation of photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the main building and House 3:
  The installation of solar panels aims to generate renewable energy that will be fed directly into the university's grid and consumed entirely on site. The university is thus taking further steps towards self-sufficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.

Chancellor Gerlinde Reich: "I would like to thank Minister Manja Sch¨¹le on behalf of the entire university for her support and for providing these important funds. It will enable us to realise tangible energy improvements in and around our university buildings. The energy package is not only a great support towards sustainability and energy efficiency, but also emphasises the expertise and commitment of the FH Potsdam in the construction sector. The fact that we are responsible for planning and implementing these measures shows very clearly what we are capable of in terms of construction. Since 2020, we have been able to independently dispose of funds and decide which construction projects need to be implemented as a matter of priority thanks to the pilot project 'Transfer of client responsibility'. The temporary assumption of the client function allows us to implement our construction projects outside the state building administration more quickly and with greater agility. With the funds handed over today, we will equip our university for a sustainable future, reduce energy costs in the long term and thus also make a valuable contribution to climate protection."

Brandenburg package

With the "Brandenburg Package", the state is supporting the effects of the Russian war of aggression on Ukraine and alleviating the consequences of the associated energy crisis in Brandenburg. The package of measures and the two billion euros in relief aid it contains have a limited term of two years and apply exclusively to the years 2023 and 2024.

Further information on the Brandenburg package