Smart sensors, a private 5G network, and advanced data analytics tools enable the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) to measure energy consumption in detail and automatically calculate the carbon footprint of the entire campus or selected buildings. The project was created in cooperation with the largest mobile operator, T-Mobile. Its goal is to make data on energy consumption and emissions accessible not only to the university but also to students and the public.
Cooperation between CZU and T-Mobile Czech Republic dates back to May 2021. The memorandum signed at that time envisaged the development of a fully digitalized campus and other university facilities based on the latest private 5G technology and an IoT platform.
“Energy efficiency is a basic prerequisite for the further development of the CZU campus. Smart sensors and other tools leading to energy savings are the only possible path toward a sustainable future. That is why I consider T-Mobile’s latest project to be an important step in the transition from a conventional campus to an experimental space of the future, on which we have been working with them over the long term,” emphasizes CZU Bursar Jakub Kleindienst, adding: “The use of cutting-edge technologies places CZU among the most modern universities both in the Czech Republic and worldwide. And the connection between a high-tech campus, student education, and research is a unique combination that makes it possible to prepare highly qualified experts capable of addressing the challenges society will face in the coming decades.”
Thanks to modern smart metering infrastructure and online data transmission, CZU now has access to precise, up-to-date environmental data that will enable better planning of energy consumption across the entire campus. The project combines sensor installation, data transmission via a 5G network, people counting, carbon footprint calculation, and advanced visualization into a single integrated system.
For academia, the project represents a living infrastructure—students and researchers have access to real data for teaching, analysis, and experimentation in energy management, carbon footprint, and modern communication technologies.
How the measurement works
IoT sensors have been installed at various locations across the campus to monitor energy consumption in all buildings. The measured data are transmitted at short intervals via the extended private 5G network built by T-Mobile. “The data are then transferred to a data platform. A web application retrieves them, stores them in a database, and visualizes them, from current values to daily, monthly, and annual overviews. Based on the measured consumption, the carbon footprint of selected buildings as well as the entire campus is calculated,” describes the calculation methodology, Jakub Kopecký, Director for Industry 4.0 at T-Mobile.
The project also includes a system of IP cameras connected via the 5G network that count the people´s movement. Thanks to these data, the carbon footprint can be recalculated for each user, resulting in a more precise calculation based on actual building use. “CO2 emissions are displayed across different time intervals and levels of aggregation, making it possible to analyze trends over time, compare individual buildings, and support informed decision-making in the area of sustainable operations,” Kopecký adds regarding the methodology. The measurement results are presented on a clear dashboard that enables monitoring both the current situation and long-term trends.
The data are also available in the My CZU mobile app in a separate section focused on energy and sustainability. The mobile app also includes an augmented reality visualization that allows visitors to display carbon footprint data directly on-site around campus.
The project serves not only as an example of modern technologies in practice, but also as inspiration for cities, municipalities, and other institutions seeking ways to manage energy and carbon footprints using real data. The combination of IoT measurement, 5G connectivity, and data analytics demonstrates how energy consumption can be effectively evaluated, environmental impact reduced, and sustainable campus operations planned.
The operator is also cooperating with CZU on other projects. In addition to deploying a private 5G network, the two partners are also working together on the long-term Smart Forest Landscape project, which uses technologies such as 5G networks and IoT to study natural processes.