Energy

The University of Pisa is working to reduce energy consumption, improve energy efficiency and promote the use of renewable and low-impact energy sources. These efforts are aligned with Goals 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, and 13 – Climate Action of the 2030 Agenda. The aim of the actions undertaken is to optimise energy use in University buildings and activities by promoting technical solutions, responsible and sustainable behaviours, as well as facilitating the transition towards more sustainable energy systems.

Energy efficiency: consuming better, not more

With over 290,000 m² of space and around 150 facilities, the buildings of the University of Pisa represent a significant source of energy consumption related to heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, research activities and digital infrastructure. Since 2014, the University has appointed an Energy Manager who works within and in coordination with the Building Management Division to promote technical and managerial measures for analysing, reducing and monitoring energy consumption.

Sustainable buildings: refurbishment and new green construction

The University’s historic and modern buildings are being developed according to sustainability criteria. Each renovation or new construction project — such as the San Rossore Campus, the new Engineering Teaching Centre, or the Veterinary Clinic — is integrated into the University’s building plan. This plan integrates high-performance materials, passive solar shading solutions to limit summer overheating, and efficient systems, with attention to the durability and recyclability of materials.

Renewable energy: photovoltaics and beyond

In order to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and increase the share of clean energy, the University is promoting the installation of photovoltaic systems for self-consumption on existing buildings, through planning, design, implementation and monitoring activities. The University is also including new systems in its plans for newly constructed buildings. These technologies are part of the strategy to reduce the University’s energy footprint and greenhouse gas emissions, supporting the integration of sustainable design and renewable energy production.

Monitoring and responsibility: the University Climate Pledge

The University has formalised a Climate Pledge, which involves monitoring energy consumption, improving building and system efficiency, encouraging responsible and energy-aware behaviours, supporting the generation of renewable electricity for self-consumption, and purchasing electricity from certified renewable sources. This commitment is also monitored through reporting documents such as the Climate Pledge Monitoring Report, which help to measure progress over time.

• Climate Pledge 2024
• Climate Pledge 2023
• Climate Pledge 2022

Digital good practices: saving energy on the screen

Using digital devices consciously is an integral part of the University’s energy sustainability strategy. Working alongside the University’s Digital Transition Committee, CoSA and the Energy Manager have developed a set of good practices to reduce the energy impact of digital tools, highlighting that data transmission and device usage involve non-negligible energy consumption.

Download the Good Practices.

Responsible for this initiative

• Daniele Testi
  Contact Person for Energy– Area: Energy
• Maria Luisa Cialdella
  Head of the Building Management Division – Area: Energy and Water
• Elena Menchetti
  Head of the Building Management Division – Area: Energy and Water
• Carla Pellicori
  Student Representative – Area: Energy, Education and Culture