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Purpose-This paper proposes an energy efficiency plan (with technical and behavioural improvement measures) for a Portuguese higher education building-the Teaching Building of the Faculty of Economics of the University of Coimbra (FEUC). Design/methodology/approach-The study was developed in the context of both the "Green Campus-Challenge for Energy Efficiency in Higher Education" and the Energy for Sustainability Initiative of the University of Coimbra, Portugal. An energy audit was conducted based on the analysis of the energy consumption profiles. A monitoring campaign was carried out to measure and disaggregate the electricity consumption. The consumption of natural gas and water were also assessed. The building envelope and the heating and lighting systems were also evaluated. Some patterns of energy-environmental behaviours of the academic community were investigated through a web-based survey. Findings-The energy efficiency plan contemplates short-term tangible/intangible actions. It also considers the investment and payback period of the tangible measures. The implementation of three improvement measures in the lighting system would lead to a consumption reduction of about 26123 kWh/year, avoiding the emission of 3704 KgCO 2 /year, for an initial cost of 9920 € (payback period of 3.7 years).

Abstract:Argues for changes in the traditional way of viewing economic growth and questions the role that contemporary institutions, specifically universities, play in this process. Shows, empirically, the increasing importance that knowledge is assuming in economic activity in developed countries. Outlines a new conceptual approach to economic growth, in which the accumulation of knowledge acts as the fundamental driving force. Describes new economic growth theories, laying out principal concepts relevant to an analysis of the present-day role of the universities. Examines the role of the university in the context of knowledge-based economies. Concludes that while the role of the university is of renewed importance, its institutional integrity must be preserved through a strengthening of its ability to create and disseminate knowledge.Keywords: economic growth; knowledge-based economies; universities; institutional integrity; research and development; threats and opportunities -February 1998 -*Pedro C onceiyao is a Fulbright Scholar doctoral candidate al the LB J School o f Public A ffairs at T he U niversity o f Texas at Austin, and a visiting scholar at IC2 Institute. H e is on leave from Instituto Superior T ecnico in Lisbon, Portugal, where he is a lecturer. fM anuel V. H eitor is deputy president at Instituto S uperior T ecnico in Lisbon, Portugal. IC² O N T H E R O L E O F T H E U N IV E R S IT Y IN T H E K N O W L E D G E E C O N O M Y PED R O C O N C E ig A B S T R A C TThe wealth and well-being of individuals, organisations and nations is increasingly based on the creation, dissemination, and use of knowledge. This fact is reflected in the trend in developed economies towards increasing investment in advanced technology, research and development, education, and culture. Given this situation, concepts such as learning ability, creativity and sustained flexibility gain greater importance as guiding principles for the conduct of individuals, institutions, nations and regions. It is thus legitimate to argue for changes in the traditional way of viewing economic growth and to question the role that contemporary institutions play in this process. It is against this background that this paper outlines a new conceptual approach to economic growth, in which the accumulation of knowledge acts as the fundamental driving force behind this process. The role of the university is then examined in the context of the knowledgebased economies, and it is posited that, although the functions that society commonly attributes to the university are beginning to be shared among a wide range of institutions, the university is faced with demands that require a strengthening of its ability to create and disseminate knowledge.The paper begins by describing a series of empirical indicators that demonstrate the increasing importance of knowledge in developed economies. The main concepts behind the new theories of economic growth are then presented, which seek to include knowledge as a fundamental factor in understanding the proces...