The University has initiated the LIUC Sostenible programme, aimed at a direct adoption of operational solutions and good practices consistent with the principles of environmental protection, social sustainability and healthy and sustainable food.

Sustainability is becoming an essential element of new undertakings by public or private organisations. Its economic, environmental and social dimensions are balanced to generate and distribute wealth. The use of primary resources and related emissions in harmony with the ecosystem allows companies to be proactive players in generating safety and health.

Sustainability can only be achieved working together. Education for a sustainable future and greater respect for the environment has become a necessity. Sustainability thus means not only aspects of regulations introduced by governments, but also increasingly the sustainable behaviour of individuals, supporting a model of development that encompasses all aspects of human life.

LIUC’s commitment

At LIUC – Cattaneo University, sustainability has been integrated into the Economics and Engineering degree courses. In addition, its interest in the topic of sustainability is demonstrated by its membership of the RUS project (Network of Universities for Sustainable Development), the network of public and private Italian universities that are committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility issues and are recognised by the Ministry of Education, University and Research.

As well as by membership of the RUS project, the University’s interest in sustainability is demonstrated by establishing the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Desk.

LIUC ESG Desk

The project enhances and develops the University’s initiatives according to the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda with a participatory model involving academic figures, technical-administrative staff and the student component.

The specific areas around which continuous improvement actions are initiated include:

Environmental Sustainability

• Sustainable water management through the installation of water dispensers
• Energy efficiency through replacement of indoor and outdoor lighting and replacement of boilers in the thermal power plant
• Improved differentiated waste collection system with the introduction of three-compartment collection bins
• Improving the liveability of spaces through the installation of plants in common areas

Healthy and sustainable nutrition

• Elimination of plastic and introduction of organic and sustainably sourced products in vending machines
• Free distribution of fruit within the framework of the Ethical Purchasing Group (GAS)
• Scientific Information Seminars (Education and Health – Counselling and Wellbeing Service)
• Information space
• Activation of agreements with health centres for health promotion
• Surveys on eating habits and awareness

Social sustainability

• Structural interventions to improve the accessibility and liveability of buildings
• Opening of the refreshment room next to the Bar dei Gelsi
• Promoting equal opportunities in cooperation with the LIUC Women Empowerment Club
• Expansion of park lighting with new streetlights
• Installation of new street furniture for better use of the park

The RUS (Netwrok of Universities for Sustainable Development)

Promoted by the CRUI (Conference of Italian University Vice-Chancellors) since July 2015, the RUS is the first experience of coordination and sharing between all Italian universities committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility issues.

These are the main aims:

• to spread a sustainability culture and good practices, both within and outside universities, by pooling skills and experience, so as to increase the positive impacts of the actions implemented by individual universities;
• to promote SDGs – Sustainable Development Goals – and contribute to their achievement;
• to strengthen the recognition and value of the Italian experience at international level.
• to offer a model extendable to other sectors of public administration and education, encouraging the development of collaborations between universities and cities, spreading social innovation and providing cultural stimuli for the entire national system.

The LIUC Orchard: A sustainable choice

As part of a number of initiatives dedicated to sustainability, LIUC has decided to adopt 100 Calabrese Navelina orange trees cultivated by the De Falco farm in Rossano Calabro. The initiative supports a cause close to the University’s heart, namely support for the Mensa del Padre Nostro in Castellanza, which for many years has been committed to bringing help to the neediest families in the area. Fruit from the adopted trees will be donated directly to the charity.