The Italian National Day for Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles returns on February 16.
The Day originated from M’illumino di Meno, the historic Rai Radio2 campaign promoted by the Caterpillar programme, dedicated to environmental sustainability and the responsible and conscious use of resources.
This year, now in its 22nd edition, the event focuses on the valuable contributions of scientists, who work every day to find solutions to the climate crisis and imagine more virtuous lifestyles. Over the past 20 years, the campaign has successfully has built partnerships with the country’s leading scientific institutions, primarily with the RUS (Italian Network of Universities for Sustainable Development).
For several years, Politecnico di Milano has taken part in the National Day by turning off the light on the Rectorate’s historic façade (Building 1, overlooking Piazza Leonardo da Vinci). This year, the lights of the Rectorate’s façade will be turn off from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 throughout the entire week, from February 16 to 20, 2026. This symbolic action reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to reducing energy consumptions.
Thanks to the adoption of both structural and management measures (for example, interventions on lighting and air conditioning systems and continuous monitoring of consumption in individual buildings), in 2025, compared to 2022, electricity consumptions decreased by 22%, while natural gas consumption by 20%.
The university has also developed, and continues to implement, guidelines and awareness-raising campaigns aimed at fostering more responsible individual behaviors, with the goal of reducing energy consumption and, in general, limiting CO2 emissions. For example, the Orizzonti Sostenibili newsletter, intended for the entire academic community, for sharing projects, initiatives, and call to actions to engage in particular the student community.
For further insights
To learn more about the university’s strategy and plans to achieve its environmental sustainability goals, as outlined in the 2023-2025 Strategic Sustainability Plan, with reference to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, some of the main areas of investment are outlined below:
Energy transition and decarbonization
The Politecnico’s contribution to the global goal of climate change mitigation is illustrated in the CO2 Emissions Mitigation Plan, while actions aimed at ensuring an efficient and responsible energy use fall under the Energy Management, coordinated by the Energy Commission.
Sustainable mobility within Politecnico community represents a key factor to improve both individual and collective well-being. The university promotes active mobility, improves travel safety, and reduces overall emissions associated with access to university buildings.
The actions scheduled by the university are described in the Home University Commute Plan, a strategic document that mainly identifies alternatives to the use of private vehicles for the Home-University commute.
Digital sustainability
Among the latest tools developed by the Politecnico, are the Digital Sustainability Guidelines, a collection of tips to keep in mind to reduce the environmental impact of our digital activities.
For information:
servizio-sostenibilita-ambientale@polimi.it
sostenibilita@polimi.it