The Threefold Role of the University in Fostering the Energy Transition: The Case of Bologna and Its Cesena Campus

Andrea Boeri, Beatrice Turillazzi (), Francesca Sabatini, Louise-Nour Sassenou and Gabriele Manella
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Andrea Boeri: Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
Beatrice Turillazzi: Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
Francesca Sabatini: Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
Louise-Nour Sassenou: Departamento de Construcción y Tecnología Arquitectónicas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Gabriele Manella: Department of Sociology and Business Law, University of Bologna, 40125 Bologna, Italy

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-16

Abstract: As acceleration toward the transition to a carbon-neutral energy production becomes an urgent imperative, universities are called to play a multifaceted role: to produce knowledge and cutting-edge research for the pursuit of energy transition; to transform infrastructures to promote circular economy practices and a more sustainable use of their building stock; and to promote energy citizenship through formal and informal education. The authors aim to move from these considerations to critically present some actions and programs in education, research, and campus operations in which the University of Bologna is engaged. The first part presents an overview of the role of universities in this transition, with a focus on the UI GreenMetric international standard for assessing the different dimensions of sustainability. In the core section, an empirical focus is provided on Bologna and its Cesena campus through three directions: the University’s multicampus sustainable strategy (campus operations), the relevant research–action projects on energy justice and the energy transition (research), and the EN-ACTION project to foster energy citizenship and behavioral change in students and citizens (education). This study concludes that the comprehensive approach of the University of Bologna in integrating sustainability into its operations, education, and research while fostering student engagement in energy citizenship, provides a replicable model for other institutions. It highlights the need for consistent and ongoing support to ensure the long-term impact and effectiveness of sustainability initiatives. The integration of social components and engagement with civil society is crucial for fostering a collective behavioral shift toward low-carbon systems, which can be further supported by interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research approaches.

Keywords: energy transition; sustainable campuses; energy citizenship; Bologna; Cesena (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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