Sustainability

Since its founding in 2014, Humanitas University has placed sustainability at the core of its academic and scientific project, integrating it as a crosscutting value across all teaching and research activities.

The university is committed to being a point of reference not only for disseminating scientific culture among students, businesses, and citizens but also for promoting sustainable and responsible practices that protect the environment and public health. With this perspective, it has developed an integrated approach to sustainability and established a specialised team dedicated to studying the interactions between humans and the environment, aiming to safeguard well-being and safety for the entire university community, and to ensure a healthy, inclusive, and respectful environment.

Energy and Energy Saving

The Humanitas University campus has been designed to be gas-free:

  • Uses versatile refrigeration units that simultaneously produce thermal and cooling energy, reducing the need for additional generators
  • Utilises a geothermal system that exploits groundwater at a stable temperature, minimising treatments and reducing energy consumption
  • Has a photovoltaic system covering part of the electricity demand, resulting in an average saving of 20%
  • The cogeneration plant in the hospital’s central building recycles the heat produced to power other thermal processes
  • The LED lighting system, supported by smart home technology, adjusts lighting and climate control based on actual needs, reducing waste and consumption

Water Management 

Water is a precious resource, and the university promotes sustainable use:

  • Provides drinking water dispensers to encourage the use of reusable bottles
  • Groundwater is used also for toilet flushing and irrigation
  • Installed state-of-the-art filters on bathroom taps that can save up to 80% of potable water consumption

Separate waste collection, plastic reduction, circular economy 

Throughout the campus there is a separate waste collection system to promote the proper disposal of waste, and the plastic bottles in the vending machines have been replaced with bio bottles and aluminum containers.

Humanitas University has launched a project to recycle hospital plastic to produce, via 3D printing, anatomical models and items useful for research and clinical practice. Students and staff can contribute by collecting plastic bottle caps at the dedicated collection points on campus to support this virtuous process.

Sustainable mobility 

Since 2023 the University has introduced new green mobility services, such as car-pooling and car-sharing, in partnership with qualified providers, allowing students and staff to share journeys, optimise costs and reduce environmental impact. Drivers with at least two passengers can park free of charge on campus, and management has introduced an incentive scheme to encourage use of the service.

The car-sharing service, in partnership with Enjoy, offers discounted rates for the university community and designated parking spaces within the campus.

Responsible procurement

Even in the selection of furniture and materials, Humanitas University favours FSC‑certified suppliers, guaranteeing a responsible, environmentally respectful supply chain and thereby contributing to a sustainable approach when building or refurbishing new spaces.