First University in Italy to launch a Centre for Sustainability and Ecological Transition
The Centre for Sustainability and Ecological Transition has kicked off at the University of Palermo led by Prof Maurizio Cellura and run with a Scientific Board composed by professors of the university all expert in one of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDG).
The SDGs have been defined in the Agenda 2030 of the UN and aim at changing the idea of sustainability towards an interdisciplinary approach, ranging from equal opportunities, to instructions, to consolidating democratic institutions.

"I truly believe that the fate of future generations depends on the SDGs and with this in mind, they will make the different for a better future. Our youngsters need to receive a adequate education to get relevant competences, knowledge, and a set of values in order to trigger the change - the Principal of the University of Palermo Massimo Midiri said.
The activities of the first Centre for Sustainability and Ecological Transition will strengthen even more our standing as inspiration, especially within the Mediterranean. The development of living labs will spread new working methods and good practices that will undoubtedly provide our communities with solutions and technologies economically advantageous to foster jobs and support development. In this way, UniPa directly contributes to sustainability, not just with eduction and research, but also with approaches for energy consumption, supply chain, and mobility to minimise the environmental, social, and economic impact of our activities and with responsible choices towards decarbonisation as stated in the New Green Deal of the European Union"

Regional Forum for Sustainability and Ecologic Transition

We are also planning to create a Regional Forum on Sustainability and Ecological Transition to tighten the cooperation between the University and the stakeholders working on themes connected to sustainability.

The Centre will involve in such a forum also small and middle sized companies to lead them towards innovative and sustainable patters, the assessment and reduction of the energetic and environmental impact connected to their production process, and eco-design, especially using already existing good practices.
 
Network of sustainable universities

The Centre has started to cooperate with the network of sustainable universities (RUS), whose the University of Palermo is a founding member, through the participation in thematic working groups, ranging from sustainable food to climate change, evaluating actions readily applicable to our University.

Education and research

The idea of sustainability and ecological transition will be added to all education activities, especially to address the needs of new professional figures for the ecological transition.

We will setup a forum with departments and single researchers in the University engaged in research activities and innovation in the field of sustainability and ecological transition to implement new solutions applicable to the management of university structures and society.

Green Public Procurement

We will engage in a structured and continuous discussion amongst various technical and administrative offices of the University to spread “Green Public Procurement” practices.

We will support local initiatives aimed at reaching the goals of the “New Green Deal” of the European Union.

Assessment of consumptions and energy use

We started the assessment of the energy use and mobility practices at the University in cooperation with technical offices, the energy manager, and mobility manager to assess the carbon footprint. We are, moreover, redacting the energy consumption of the university buildings.

Scientific Board

SDG “No poverty”: Annalisa Busetta, Dip. Scienze Economiche, aziendali e statistiche
SDG “Zero hunger ”: Riccardo Lo Bianco, Dip. Scienze Agrarie, Ambientali e Forestali - Silvio Buscemi, Dip. Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, di Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza “G. D’Alessandro”
SDG “Good health and well-being”: Alberto Firenze, Dip. Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, di Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza “G. D’Alessandro”; Vera Panzarella, Dip. Discipline Chirurgiche, Oncologiche e Stomatologiche
SDG “Quality education”: Giuseppina D’Addelfio, Dip. Scienze Psicologiche, Pedagogiche, dell’Esercizio fisico e della Formazione – Valentina Cammarata, Dip. Scienze Psicologiche, Pedagogiche, dell’Esercizio fisico e della Formazione
SDG “Gender equality”: Ida Fazio, Dip. Scienze Umanistiche
SDG “Clean water and sanitation”: Giorgio Micale, Dip. Ingegneria – Daniela Piazzese, Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare
SDG “Affordable and clean energy”: Maurizio Cellura, Dip. Ingegneria (Direttore del Centro di Sostenibilità)
SDG “Decent work and economic growth”: Vincenzo Provenzano, Dip. Scienze Economiche, Aziendali e Statistiche
SDG “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure”: Giovanna Lo Nigro, Dip. Ingegneria
SDG “Reduced inequality”: Giulia De Spuches, Dip. Culture e società
SDG “Sustainable cities and communities”: Daniele Ronsisvalle, Dip. Architettura
SDG “Responsible consumption and production”: Fabio Massimo Lo Verde, Dip. Scienze Economiche, Aziendali e Statistiche – Sonia Longo, Dip. Ingegneria
SDG “Climate action”: Leonardo Noto, Dip. Ingegneria – Paolo Pagano, Dip. Fisica e Chimica “Emilio Segrè”
SDG “Life below water”: Salvatrice Vizzini, Dip. Scienze della Terra e del Mare
SDG “Life on land”: Daniela Campobello, Dip. Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche
SDG “Peace, justice and strong institutions”: Nicola Gullo, Dip. Giurisprudenza
SDG “Partnership for the goals”: Carmine Bianchi, Dip. Scienze Politiche e delle relazioni internazionali
Osservatorio dati: Simona Ester Rombo, Dip. Matematica e Informatica