Projects and Initiatives
An overview of our key projects and ongoing initiatives, with a particular focus on efforts to curb climate change
We strive to create and disseminate knowledge and critical thinking skills to help educate people, not just managers or entrepreneurs. We aim to prioritize global challenges and share the tools needed to address them.
The University's commitment to promoting a culture of sustainability is reflected in its research, teaching, outreach activities and opportunities for scientific exchange.
MUSA Project Partner
Bocconi University is a partner in the Multilayered Urban Sustainability Action (MUSA) project, an innovation ecosystem funded by the Ministry of Universities and Research under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
The project involves four universities in Milan: Università di Milano-Bicocca as the proposing institution, Bocconi University, Politecnico di Milano and Università Statale di Milano, along with several public and private partners. The initiative aims to develop solutions for urban sustainability through collaboration between academic institutions, public agencies and the private sector, using National Recovery and Resilience Plan resources earmarked for strengthening the research and innovation system.
Specifically, Bocconi University participates in the following areas of research, called SPOKES:
- SPOKE 1: As the reference scientific unit for MUSA Spoke 1 at Bocconi University, the SUR Lab continued in 2025 to conduct research into the impacts of regeneration processes, analyzing how the development of university campuses can generate impacts and spillovers at the neighborhood and urban scales.
- SPOKE 2: The Bocconi University research group has addressed the issue of sustainability with a specific focus on the environmental dimension in the context of digital transformation in healthcare.
- SPOKE 3: Through SPOKE 3, the University aims to strengthen entrepreneurship and the creation and growth of high-tech initiatives.
- SPOKE 4: Research has focused on completing the creation of an innovative platform for sustainable financial education (Financial Education Lab - FEL).
- SPOKE 5: Research has focused on developing innovative strategies for integrating sustainability into the fashion, luxury and design sectors.
- SPOKE 6: The project has focused on developing innovative policies to combat inequality and strengthen social inclusion.
The CIVICA Network
CIVICA brings together ten leading European higher education institutions in the social sciences, humanities, business management and public policy, with a total of 72,000 students and 13,000 faculty members. Together, they build on an ever-stronger combination of teaching, research and innovation to mobilize and share knowledge as a public good and to facilitate civic responsibility in Europe and beyond.
In addition to Bocconi, the network includes: Central European University (Austria), European University Institute (intergovernmental organization), Hertie School (Germany), IE University (Spain), National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (Romania), Sciences Po (France), SGH Warsaw School of Economics (Poland), Stockholm School of Economics (Sweden) and The London School of Economics and Political Science (UK).
2025 Initiatives
- CIVICA Multicampus Course – The Future of Europe
- CIVICA Multicampus Course – The Road to the Green Transition
- CIVICA European Week 2025 – Empowering Youth for an Inclusive Future
- CIVICA Honor Seminar – Green industrial Policy in a Global Perspective
- CIVICA at the European Student Assembly 2025
- CIVICA Project Arctic – Exploring Climate and Geopolitical Challenges in the Arctic Region
- CIVICA High School Activity – Promoting Access to Higher Education
- CIVICA'S Environmental Sustainability Board (ESB)
Promoting a culture of environmental responsibility and managing direct environmental impacts
Planned energy efficiency upgrades continued and intensified in 2025. This, together with the awareness and engagement campaigns conducted for the benefit of the entire university body, has resulted in a further containment of overall energy consumption, which has been reduced by 3.5% since 2024. The reduction in natural gas consumption was particularly significant, falling by almost 40% from the previous year and by more than 50% from 2023 — a reflection of the progressive replacement of traditional gas boilers with high-efficiency heat pumps.
Over the 2023–2025 three-year period, total energy consumption showed an overall decline of about 6%, highlighting the effectiveness of the energy sustainability policies adopted.
Starting with the 2022 data, the University’s greenhouse gas emissions inventory undergoes annual third-party verification in accordance with the ISO 14064-1:2018 standard.
Over the years, the methodology for calculating emissions has been progressively refined to ensure greater data accuracy.
Photovoltaic Energy Production
1,280+ MWh of clean electricity in 2025
During 2025, the Bocconi photovoltaic park produced more than 1,280 MWh of clean electricity, saving nearly 254 tons of CO2.
Energy Consumption
90,844 GJ* in 2025
Note: The calculation follows the requirements of ISO 14064-1:2018.
Waste Production
24.0 t Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste in 2025
Note: The increase in the 2025 figure compared to previous years is attributable to the disposal of furniture and equipment - such as household appliances, ovens, hoods, cabinets, tables and chairs - related to planned modernization work at certain University sites, including the bar and restaurant at the main Sarfatti25 location. It is also due to the continued replacement of lighting fixtures, such as fluorescent lamps, with LED devices as part of the ongoing energy efficiency improvements across the campus.
Limiting Paper Usage
The reduction in the use of paper is closely linked to the digitization of teaching processes (lessons, exams, graduations) and research over the years.
Overall, the University introduced a series of innovations such as the elimination of printed theses, digital signature of exam reports, digitization of the faculty register, and other improvements that have enabled a steady reduction in printing and consumption of paper and ancillary materials (e.g. toner).
ISO 14001 Certification
Bocconi achieved certification of its Environmental Management System in accordance with the ISO 14001 standard in February 2025.
ISO 14001 Certification demonstrates that the University has adopted and implemented a systematic approach aimed at:
- improving its environmental performance
- preventing or reducing negative impacts on the environment resulting from its activities
- mitigating the potential negative effect that environmental conditions may have on the University.
Biosafety Trust Certification
The Biosafety Trust Certification was renewed in October 2023.
The Biosafety Trust Certification attests to the proper implementation of an infection prevention and control system at all Bocconi University facilities and locations (including the SDA location in Rome).
ISO 50001 Certification
ISO 50001 Certification was renewed in April 2023.
Bocconi's commitment to energy-efficient management of all its facilities and infrastructure is confirmed by ISO 50001 Certification.
In addition to guaranteeing lower energy costs, ISO 50001 Certification has several advantages:
- it is valid support of the organization and optimization of energy consumption
- it identifies best practices in energy management
- it is an instrument for improving energy management to reduce CO2 emissions.
ISO 14064-1 Certification
Since 2023, Bocconi began reporting its greenhouse gas emissions by preparing an annual GHG inventory subject to annual verification based on the ISO 14064-1 international standard.
LEED Platinum Certification
The Bocconi urban campus area (Via Sarfatti 10 location) achieved LEED Platinum Certification in 2021.
LEED Platinum Certification attests to full compliance with the sustainability criteria defined by the Green Building Council throughout the life cycle of constructed buildings, from design to construction.
Download the Sustainability Report for a compendium of our University's main achievements, initiatives and perspectives in the field of sustainability in its various forms – from environmental to related social, economic and institutional aspects.