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

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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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Boeri & Beatrice Turillazzi & Francesca Sabatini & Louise-Nour Sassenou & Gabriele Manella, 2024. "The Threefold Role of the University in Fostering the Energy Transition: The Case of Bologna and Its Cesena Campus," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-16, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:15:p:3751-:d:1445689
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hilma Tamiami Fachrudin & Khaira Amalia Fachrudin, 2021. "Factors Influencing Energy Conservation Application in Green Campus Design Based on Green Behavior," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 11(4), pages 511-520.
    2. Jana J. Watson-Capps & Thomas R. Cech, 2014. "Academia and industry: Companies on campus," Nature, Nature, vol. 514(7522), pages 297-298, October.
    3. Gregory Trencher & Masaru Yarime & Kes B. McCormick & Christopher N. H. Doll & Steven B. Kraines, 2014. "Beyond the third mission: Exploring the emerging university function of co-creation for sustainability," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 41(2), pages 151-179.
    4. Lia Marchi & Licia Felicioni & Francesca Sabatini & Lidia Errante, 2023. "Exploring Energy Literacy in Italian Social Housing: A Survey of Inhabitants Preparing the Ground for Climate Transition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-18, May.
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    1. Janaina Melo Franco Domingos & Diego Gouveia Marques & Valquíria Campos & Marcelo Antunes Nolasco, 2024. "Analysis of the Water Indicators in the UI GreenMetric Applied to Environmental Performance in a University in Brazil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-19, October.

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