Environment: making better use of energy, spaces and resources

Photovoltaic energy is one of the key elements of the University’s energy strategy. Solar systems are installed across campuses and designed to increase building self-consumption, reducing dependence on the electricity grid and limiting surplus energy fed back into the network.

The University prioritises installations on existing rooftops or architecturally integrated solutions. The University Energy Plan also includes system monitoring and the gradual replacement of older modules with more efficient technologies.

Installed capacity in 2025

In 2025, the University’s photovoltaic capacity reaches 3.077 MWp, more than double compared to 2024. In terms of estimated annual production, this is equivalent to the electricity consumption of over one thousand homes.  With this result, the University achieves the 2.5 MWp target set in the Strategic Plan for 2027 two years ahead of schedule.

New installations

New systems have been installed in the Navile District, the Fanin District – School of Agriculture, the Romagna Campus (former ENAV building) and the new Forlì Hangar.  By 2025, the University’s photovoltaic infrastructure includes 19 systems, of which 16 are operational and 3 awaiting activation.

Long-term objective

The Energy Plan aims for a total increase of 5.4 MWp, with the goal of covering approximately 17% of the University’s total electricity demand through self-produced solar energy.

Smart monitoring and management: real-time data

To make better use of energy, the University is strengthening its monitoring and smart energy management systems. In 2025, work began on the digitalisation of its photovoltaic installations and their integration with the University's Building Management System (BMS).

The necessary infrastructure has been put in place, and equipment such as gateways, data loggers and sensors has been installed to collect real-time data. The system will make it possible to coordinate photovoltaic generation with building energy demand, monitor energy bills and consumption loads, maintain an inventory of plant assets, improve maintenance activities, and promptly identify inefficiencies. The goal is to make energy use more rational, dynamic and measurable. 

In particular, the following can be monitored:

• Current daily power output (kW), updated every 15 minutes + chart
• Current daily energy generation (kWh), updated every 15 minutes + chart
• Total daily energy generated (kWh) over the last month + chart
• Total monthly energy generated (kWh) over the last year + chart
• Total energy generated since system activation (kWh)

View real-time data

The decarbonisation of heating systems is one of the core actions of the Energy Plan.

In the Strategic Plan 2022–2027 and milestone M1 of the Energy Plan, the University committed to phasing out heating plants powered by diesel and fuel oil. In 2023, systems of this type were still operating in several Bologna buildings, including  Ex Clinica Neuro, Clinica Odontoiatrica, Via San Giacomo 9, the former Mangini Institute (Via San Giacomo 11), the former ASB premises, and buildings in Belmeloro 8/2 and 8/3.  By the end of 2025, the phase-out had been completed. In some buildings, such as San Giacomo 11 and Belmeloro 8/2–8/3, systems were connected to the district heating network. In others, such as Ex Clinica Neuro and Clinica Odontoiatrica, next-generation natural gas boilers prepared for future hydrogen use were installed.

This replacement reduces particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides, improves air quality, lowers CO₂ emissions compared to liquid fuels, reduces risks linked to underground or basement storage tanks, limits tanker traffic and simplifies the management of combustion residues, which are often classified as hazardous waste. Where possible, the University also evaluates replacing old tanks with rainwater collection systems for sanitary services or irrigation of green areas.

The University uses green roofs and micro rooftop gardens to improve the environmental performance of its buildings Vegetated roofs help reduce heat loss, improve indoor comfort, absorb fine particles and CO₂, reduce noise and mitigate urban heat island effects.

Roof substrates retain a significant proportion of rainwater and can return up to 80% of it to the environment through evapotranspiration, reducing runoff into drainage systems.

Projects and monitoring

The University has developed more than 1,000 m² of green roofs. Key projects include:

• Engineering - Lazzaretto: two extensive green roofs covering 120 m², equipped with a weather station and water runoff sensors.
• School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine - CAAB: five extensive green roofs across 932 m², also used for research on new plant species and drainage water quality.
• Former Red Cross Building, Via San Petronio Vecchio: a green roof with drought-resistant succulent plants, requiring limited irrigation and maintenance while improving thermal and acoustic insulation.

Green infrastructure also concerns the quality of university outdoor spaces. The University monitors its tree heritage and green areas to better understand, protect and manage vegetated spaces.

This dimension is closely linked to sustainable mobility: cycle paths, the Almabike project and safer routes help reduce the environmental impact of travel and improve the liveability of the university campuses.

Every year, the University conducts a survey on home-to-work and home-to-study travel patterns.  The data collected helps shape mobility strategies that better reflect the needs of students and staff.

2024

Travel Plan 2024 [.pdf 7081 KB]

Updated on 28 May 2025

2023

Travel Plan 2023 [.pdf 6242 KB]

Updated on 28 May 2025

The University community can benefit from discounted public transport schemes in Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna and Rimini, encouraging more sustainable and efficient mobility choices.

Discounts for students

Discounted public transport passes in Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna and Rimini.

Learn more

Discounts for staff

Dedicated benefits are available for staff to support more sustainable and efficient mobility.

Information is available on the University Intranet

The University promotes shared mobility and the gradual reduction of emissions from its vehicle fleet. In 2022, it launched a fleet rationalisation project, involving 50 hybrid and electric vehicles, supported by a management system developed by CESIA to optimise their use.

Electric charging across campuses

To support the electric fleet, fast-charging infrastructure has been installed: 24 kW fast chargers in Bologna and Cesena, enabling charging in approximately two hours, and a 22 kW charging station in Rimini, halving traditional charging times. These facilities also support more sustainable travel between campuses, including routes such as Bologna–Rimini.

In collaboration with the Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering, the University studies electricity consumption and develops innovative charging systems.

The Almabike project promotes cycling across campuses through 600 custom-designed bicycles. In 2022, 300 Almabikes were distributed, along with an additional 200 bicycles for ER.GO student residences, encouraging sustainable mobility for resident students.

Staff can also access 100 electric scooters, available upon request for work-related travel. In addition, a cycle path has been developed to improve safety and sustainable mobility within the university area.

The DICAM-ATES project, carried out in collaboration with the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, equipped 50 Almabikes with environmental sensors to monitor air quality during commuting. Conducted between May and July 2022, the study gathered urban pollution data, later analysed and visualised through an interactive web application.

The University of Bologna has installed more than one hundred microfiltered mains water dispensers across its campuses, in line with the University’s Strategic Plan to reduce environmental impact, improve quality of life in university spaces and promote more responsible lifestyles.

Reducing the use of single-use plastic not only means cutting waste, but also adopting a more conscious approach to managing an essential resource such as water.  The installation of dispensers, carried out according to a technical and logistical plan, is now almost complete.

Through the Plastop project, the University has distributed more than 37,000 reusable water bottles, helping avoid the use of 237,000 plastic bottles.

View the list of active water dispensers [.pdf 48 KB]

The University of Bologna has currently developed more than 1,000 m² of green roofs, through several pilot projects:

• Engineering - Lazzaretto: two extensive green roofs (120 m²) equipped with a weather station and water runoff sensors.
• School of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine - CAAB: five extensive green roofs covering 932 m², also used for research on new plant species and drainage water quality.
• Former Red Cross Building, Via San Petronio Vecchio: a green roof with succulent plants requiring limited water, reducing irrigation and maintenance needs while improving thermal and acoustic insulation.

The University of Bologna manages the separate collection of plastic, paper, cans, glass, toner cartridges and batteries. The system has expanded from the university district to campuses and buildings in Bologna, Cesena, Forlì, Ravenna and Rimini.

To encourage proper waste separation, the University has installed customised waste bins featuring the University logo. This practical solution makes the system more visible and strengthens awareness of sustainability across university spaces, including outdoor areas.