The University of Verona promotes responsible management of natural resources through technological innovation, infrastructure efficiency, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Our commitment aims to reduce the University's environmental footprint in line with the objectives of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Energy purchase and management
The University pursues a strategy of progressive decarbonisation and plant modernisation. In 2024, an important Public-Private Partnership (PPP) operation was approved, dedicated to extraordinary maintenance and energy efficiency improvement of all the University's property complexes. The goal is to integrate the best market technologies to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and optimise procurement costs.
These are the main interventions currently being implemented on a large part of the University's property portfolio:
- New geothermal system with water/water heat pump and 50 closed-circuit geothermal probes.
- New air/water heat pumps more efficient, connected to existing thermal power stations.
- Replacement of existing heat generators with new condensing boilers.
- Supervision and intelligent management systems for the production of carrier fluids with preferential start-up logic for generators.
- Installation of heat meters for energy consumption monitoring.
- Revamping of distribution networks and thermal exchange substations.
- New solar thermal system for domestic hot water production.
- New rainwater harvesting systems.
- New photovoltaic system at the Biological Institutes with a power of 92 KWp.
- LED relamping with upgrading of existing lighting fixtures.
Savings
- 7.31 TOE (tonnes of oil equivalent)
- 633 tCO2
Consumption and renewable energy production
We constantly monitor our performance to ensure maximum transparency and measure the effectiveness of the actions taken:
Electricity Consumption
In 2024, consumption decreased by 0.5% compared to the previous year.
Methane Gas Consumption
Thanks to containment policies and mild temperatures, in 2023 consumption decreased by 10% compared to 2022.
Water Consumption
In 2024, drinking water consumption fell by 2.1% compared to 2023. This figure consolidates the positive trend of the previous year, which had recorded a -9.7%.
Renewable Energy Production
The University self-produces clean energy to power its facilities, reducing dependence on fossil sources.
Green facilities and fleet
The University's infrastructures are designed to be models of efficiency:
Geothermal System (Santa Marta)
A state-of-the-art network consisting of 136 probes reaching up to 100 metres deep to heat and cool a complex of approximately 22,000 sqm.
Photovoltaic Systems
Active systems on the Biotechnologies greenhouses (15 kW) and at Ca' Vignal 3 (30 kW), with further installations underway on the Biologico 3 building.
A4 Class Buildings
The new Biologico 3 building was designed to the highest energy standards, integrating air-water heat pumps and BEMS monitoring systems.
Smart Irrigation and Water Monitoring
We use the Hunter-Hydrawise system, which manages irrigation in predictive mode using weather data. Furthermore, in 2024, digital devices were installed for real-time monitoring of water leaks and consumption.
Green fleet
Electric service vehicles and charging station
Awareness campaigns
Change starts with individual behaviour. The University actively promotes a culture of sustainability:
"Think Green"
An ongoing campaign encouraging the use of LED lamps and the adjustment of electronic thermostats (limited to 18-19°C in winter and 27-28°C in summer).
Saving energy is culture
Communication campaign on the university's plant and energy policies
"Take your University to heart"
Initiative dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of graduation celebrations, encouraging recycling and the use of sustainable materials instead of plastic.
"Sustainability Pills"
Informative meetings organised every year on topics such as the future of nuclear energy, circular fashion, and water management.
I turn off less light
The University participates in the initiative "M'illumino di meno" to raise the University Community's awareness about energy saving
Food & Colour
Food & Colour is a research project promoted by the University of Verona at the request of ESU Verona, with the aim of analysing and improving the University's catering services while gaining a better understanding of the eating habits of the University community.
The research is based on an online questionnaire, accessible via a link or QR code, and addressed to students, academic staff, technical and administrative staff, research fellows, medical residents, and scholarship holders at the University.
The project aims to collect data on how University dining halls are used—including which facilities are frequented, at what times, and with what expectations—in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the current system. At the same time, for the student population, the study explores eating habits, including food choices, adherence to specific diets, and body image perception.
Food & Colour goes beyond a simple statistical survey: the findings will support broader reflections on nutrition education and food culture, helping to shape future University catering policies towards more sustainable, inclusive models that better respond to the real needs of the academic community.
The project is led by Professor Debora Viviani of the Department of Human Sciences.
Food & Colour