Environmental Sustainability

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth and is fundamental to human well-being and the balance of ecosystems. Environmental sustainability consists of maintaining these balances over time, despite threats caused by humans

The University promotes sustainable waste management based on prevention, separate collection and reuse. Through plastic-free initiatives, dematerialisation and the free transfer of discarded goods, they contribute to the circular economy and the reduction of environmental impact

More and more Italian universities are integrating environmental sustainability with food culture, promoting conscious consumption models, responsible agri-food supply chains and healthy lifestyles. Through courses, projects and collaborations, the University becomes a laboratory of innovation where food is seen as a tool for education, inclusion and biodiversity protection

Water is at the heart of the environmental and social challenges of our time, and many Italian universities treat it as a crucial issue in promoting sustainability. Projects, courses and management practices are being developed to educate people about water conservation, encourage water saving, and spread a culture of water awareness and responsibility

Environmental sustainability is the context within which social and economic life takes place, and this requires decisions to be made and actions to be taken in the collective interest rather than the individual interest. When it comes to mobility, the University of Parma aims to manage the travel of the entire university community (students and staff) in a way that protects the environment and reduces the impact on the atmosphere, including by promoting more sustainable transport habits

Faced with the urgency of the energy and climate crisis, universities – in particular the University of Parma and those belonging to the Network of Universities for Sustainable Development (RUS) – are committed to playing a leading role in the energy transition. Through responsible policies, the adoption of efficient technologies and the enhancement of renewable sources, they promote concrete actions to reduce fossil fuel consumption and climate-changing emissions. At the heart of this commitment is the work of the University's Energy Managers, strategic figures for the implementation of sustainable and innovative practices

The University proposes actions to combat climate change through the sharing of information, materials and methods aimed at defining common metrics, skills, knowledge and best practices

In a world marked by environmental and social crises, education and training are essential for spreading a culture of sustainability. It is not just a matter of teaching, but of training responsible and aware citizens. This requires a change in educational models, with interdisciplinary and participatory approaches, where universities become drivers of innovation and social transformation

The building stock is a key element of every community's identity and, now more than ever, it must be rethought in terms of sustainability. Our organisation has long promoted green building projects, focusing on energy efficiency, low-impact technologies and environmental enhancement. This page presents experiences and best practices for a responsible, future-oriented building model