Sustainability Report

2024-2025

Website Report

Palazzo Bo

The University of Padua

Founded in 1222, the University of Padua is among the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. As a multidisciplinary, top-ranked institution for the teaching quality, the University meets the higher educational needs of the Italian Northeast, a territory with over 7 million residents and more than 650,000 businesses. Leaders in terms of its quality of teaching, research, and student services, the University makes freedom of thought, study, and research the basis of its motto: Universa Universis Patavina Libertas.

 buildings and campus locations
 m2

Campus locations

dot Padua – main campus
Other Campus Locations: Asiago, Bressanone, Castelfranco Veneto, Chioggia, Conegliano, Feltre, Legnaro, Monselice, Portogruaro, Rovigo, San Vito di Cadore, Spert, Treviso, Venezia-Mestre, and Vicenza.
Map of Padua

A city of

  residents

A community of more than

 

individuals

An articulated

organization

2018
2020
2022

2023
2024
The apparent decrease in the number of female and male students in 2023 is due to a survey carried out according to a new parameter, which relies on data from the student component at the end of the academic year, rather than during its course.
under-graduate studentspost-doctoral fellowsfaculty members and researcherstechnical and administrative staff membersPhD students

8

Schools

32

Departments

12

Organizational areas

53

Central administration offices

3

Multifunctional hubs

15

Service centres

1

Experimental farm

1

Higher education school

29

Interdepartmental research centers

Value

The University of Padua generates a significant impact on local and national stakeholders as well as the international economic systems thanks to its ability in redistributing resources and wealth directly and indirectly.

2024

Economic Value Attracted (tot.)

 

Economic Value Distributed Directly (tot.)

 

+8.9%

increase to value attracted from that of 2023, and a 9.5% increase in its ability to directly distribute value

Economic Value Attracted (tot.)
851,481,470

Economic Value Distributed Directly (tot.)
823,198,964

2024

Economic Value Distributed Directly (tot.)

823,198,964

Origin of suppliers (%)

The University of Padua, as a public administration, places most of its purchases through digitally means to guarantee transparency and traceability during the procurement process. Suppliers are mainly located nationally.

100%90%80%70%60%50%40%30%20%10%0%23%18%40%19%Suppliers in PaduaSuppliers from the Veneto region (excluding the province of Padua)Other Italian suppliersInternational suppliers

Plastic free Unipd

Aimed at reducing plastic consumption and use, the University launched its "Plastic free UniPd" project in 2019. The project included mainly the installation of microfiltered water dispensers across all locations, plus the distribution of 18.000 reusable water bottles to students and the elimination of plastic cups and coffee stirrers from vending machines. The project remains active and includes adding more water dispensers to encourage the consumption of water from the aqueduct.

In 2024 there are

 

water
dispensers

with an estimated annual saving of:

plastic bottles

plastic cups and stirrers

Management of special waste

The University of Padua produces a significant amount of chemical and laboratory waste collected from educational and research activities, especially scientific ones. While waste management of hazardous and non-hazardous materials ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, it also ensures ethical and environmental protection principles aimed at the reduction and reuse of materials across multiple production cycles as foreseen in a circular economy.

 

members of the waste management staff

 

waste management delegates

 

temporary waste management storage sites

 %

of waste is sent for reuse or recovery

 %

of waste is sent for reuse or recovery

Energy consumption

The University has long been committed to reducing its energy consumption. In 2022, the University of Padua approved an Energy Plan, with the aim of strengthening the various actions launched by the University to reduce energy dependence and environmental impact, as well as energy supply costs. The planned investment of €29.1 million will lead to estimated savings of over 1,417.7 TOE (tonnes of oil equivalent).

Energy Consumption per student and by volume 2017-2024

20172018201920202021202220232024 TOE/VOLUME (M3)5.04.64.23.83.43.0 TOE/STUDENTS0.170.160.140.130.110.10 4.113.643.563.363.613.343.223.20 0.170.160.160.140.140.140.130.13 TOE/VOLUME (M3)TOE/STUDENTS

The University consumes approximately

 

barrels of oil equivalent per year per student

OIL1.13 barrels of oil equivalent2017 (baseline)0.92 barrels of oil equivalent20220.87 barrels of oil equivalent20230.87 barrels of oil equivalent2024

Carbon footprint

Since 2018, the University has been monitoring its greenhouse gas emissions. The annual Carbon Footprint report follows activities aimed at quantifying its impact, evaluating the effectiveness of actions, and offers guidance for policies. Drawn up in accordance with the provisions of ISO 14064-1:2018, the Carbon Footprint report is subjected to certification.

Greenhouse gas emissions per student in 2024
calculated according to theGlobal Reporting Initiative (GRI) kgCO2eq

2024 Greenhouse gas emissions by activity

61.6% Students commute14.9% University energy consumption12.1% Staff commute8.23% Staff travel2.81% International student mobility0.19% Waste disposal0.18% Fugitive refrigerant gas emissions

Carbon Footprint Variations

20182024(baseline)- %

Mobility and transportation

With almost 80,000 members, modes of transport and the mobility of the University community represent an important element of the viability within the municipalities in which the University is located. For many years, the University has implemented numerous initiatives that facilitate sustainable means of transportation for its community.

Mobilità e trasporti

Results of sustainable mobility initiatives

138,014 €

for the reimbursement of public transport tickets requested by 1,015 employees under the University supplementary welfare agreement in 2024

377

university employees who requested an advance payment of the annual public transport pass during 2023

83,400

Unipd agreement rentals of DOTT scooters (from March 2022)

7,000

students and employees who have used the DOTT agreement

167,000

Kg of CO2 saved

Wellness

With numerous organizations, activities, and people dedicated to fighting discrimination, the University aims to ensure gender equality, equal opportunity, inclusion, health, and well-being for all. The University hosts a network of contacts to protect and guarantee a safe space for those in need of advice while offering initiatives and activities aimed at promoting healthy and well-oriented lifestyles.

UniRe Project – Responsible University
Safeguarding and Guarantee Bodies (CUG, Confidential Advisor, Ombudsperson)
+ Elena Cornaro Center
Inclusive University Project
Health and Wellbeing Services:
University Center for Psychological Clinical Services (SCUP); Psychiatric Counseling Service; University–Hospital of Padua Service; Listening Point for Workplace Health and Wellbeing; University Wellbeing and Sport Project; University Corporate Wellness

Wellness actions

 

€ towards the University Welfare Account (Agreement on supplementary welfare for the three-year period 2024–2026), in addition to any amounts allocated but not spent on other welfare measures for the year 2023 (Article 2, paragraph 4, Agreement 2021–2023).

 

€ towards the annual premium for the InsiemeSalute supplementary healthcare policy

 

€ budget dedicated to Wellness and Sport in 2024

 

people involved in wellness projects in 2024 (1,775 in 2023)

 

flexible contracts (part-time or remote working) authorised in 2024 (1,817 in 2023)

 

people involved in evaluating the effectiveness of wellness and sports initiatives aimed at reducing physiological symptoms of anxiety and improved physical health

Gender equality report

The monitoring and analysis of the University of Padua gender composition began in 2017 with the publication of the first edition of the Gender Budget. An analysis of the budget offers an opportunity for the university to reorient or create new policies based on how past policies affect its community. The University is concentrating its commitment to equality on three points:
  • the beginning of the university career, where female students focus on humanities and health disciplines while male students focus on STEM disciplines;
  • the beginning of the academic career, where the paths of women and men diverge in favour of the latter;
  • top and professional academic positions, where the incidence of women is lower than that of men.

Gender equality report

An overall count of people studying and working at the University of Padua (as of December 31, 2024) shows that the female component prevails over the male one among students and technical and administrative staff. There remains a gender imbalance to the detriment of women among the other categories.

Percentage distribution of people at the University of Padua (academic year 2024)

55.2%45.8%Under-graduate students46.1%53.9%PhD52.3%47.7%Post-doc38.2%61.8%Professors33.3%66.7%Heads of department65%35%PTA and CELWomenMen

University career gap (a.y. 2022 vs a.y. 2024)

20%40%60%80%53.9%52.3%51.7%61.4%53.2%59.6%73.7%46.1%47.7%48.3%38.6%46.8%40.4%26.3%54.6%52.4%51.5%60.6%54.3%59.8%75.2%45.4%47.6%48.5%39.4%45.7%40.2%24.8%PhDstudentsPost-docresearchfellowsType AresearchersType BresearchersPermanentresearchersAssociateprofessorsFullprofessorsWomen in 2022Women in 2024Men in 2022Men in 2024

Gender and governance

A look at the gender composition of the governing bodies of the University reveals how women outnumber men. This is despite the fact that in 2021, for the first time in the history of the University of Padua, a woman was elected as rector, the highest office.

Distribution of gender in governing bodies
(as of December 31, 2024)

Women in 202445.2%Men in 202454.8%
RectorGovernance team (Vice-rectors and delegates)Academic SenateAcademic Board of administration (CDA)

Alias careers

The Alias career, accessible to those enrolled in the University's undergraduate and postgraduate courses, provides for the release of an alternative identity that replaces the personal information with an "elective" name chosen by those in the process and change of gender assignment. In line with the objectives of the Gender Equality Plan and the Positive Action Plan, the new Alias Careers guidelines, approved in May 2022, offer a fresh view that simplifies procedures and protect the privacy of the transgender community. The career can be activated upon request: since the approval of the new guidelines, no documentation is needed to initiate the practices.

7

individuals accessed a Career Alias profile in 2020/2021

8

individuals accessed a Career Alias profile in 2021/2022

16

individuals accessed a Career Alias profile in 2022/2023

27

individuals accessed a Career Alias profile in 2023/2024

46

individuals accessed a Career Alias profile in 2024/2025

Inclusion and social justice

The University of Padua actively promotes an inclusive culture by offering services, resources, and infrastructures that guarantee accessibility to all. The University's commitment in this area is global and is also aimed at those who, coming from countries with problematic geopolitical situations, have difficulty accessing higher education.

885

personalized admission exams in the academic year 2024/25 for students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties

Disabilities and specific learning difficulties at the University of Padua

With disabilities76289Wth specific learning difficulties1,229163Total1,991251Udergraduate students2024/25Graduate students2023/24

An international dimension of welcome and inclusion

 

students with refugee status welcomed in the academic year 2024/25

 

scholarships awarded in 2024 under Unipd4Myanmar

 

scholarships awarded in 2024 under Students at risk 2024

 

scholarships awarded in 2024 under Scholars at risk 2024

Teaching sustainability

As of the start of the academic year 2017/2018, the University has encouraged and supported teaching activities and course curriculum to include a connection to the Sustainable Development Goals. 58.7% of university courses related to at least one of the 17 United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

58.6%

University courses related to at least one of the 17 United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

No povertyZero hungerGood health and well-beingQuality educationGender equalityClean water and sanitationAffordable and clean energyDecent work and economic growthIndustry, innovation and infrastructureReduced inequalitiesSustainable cities and communitiesResponsible consumption and productionClimate actionLife below waterLife on landPeace, justice and strong institutionsPartnership for the goals025050075010001250150017502000225025002022/232023/242024/25
Reti

Networking

The University adheres to and participates in numerous associations, consortiums, foundations, and national alliances engaged in promoting sustainable development goals. Networking activities also occur at the student level as a testiment to the commitment and interest of students in the issues of social, environmental, and economic sustainability.

 

representatives active in 9 Universities for Sustainable Development (RUS) working groups

 

initiatives organized by student associations in the academic year 2023/2024

 

associations, foundations, consortia, companies, and networks on sustainability issues with which the University is affiliated

Research

The global challenges set out in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 UN Agenda requires an innovative and cutting-edge approach to research. Based on the interdisciplinarity and transversality of the research projects, the University promotes internal collaborations across different structures and external collaborations with national and international entities.

Ricerca

 

Publications related to sustainability in 2024

 

Partnerships on sustainability issues established in 2024 as part of the NRRP projects with a Hub & Spoke organizational structure

Cultural heritage

 

participants in guided tours of historical and monumental sites: Palazzo Bo, Botanical Garden and Villa Bolasco in 2024

 

cumulative University museums open days in 2024

 

university museums visitors in 2024

Technological transfer

 

new trademarks registered in 2024

 

new spin-off established in 2024, bringing the total number of spin-offs of the University of Padua to 99

Professional workplace connections

 

undergraduate and graduate student internships in Italy, plus 805 with internships abroad

 

individual job orientation interviews, which are added to 21 meetings and seminars

 

CVs sent in response to 1,413 job offers

 

career days, 25 business presentations

 

Civil Service operators in 2024 and 57 started in 2025

Communication

As expressed through intense communication activities, engagement between the university and local communities is one of the key elements of the UniPadova Sostenibile project. Through the regularly updated institutional website and social media channels, in Italian and English, insights and news on the University's impact on sustainability in various fields are shared to raise awareness. Events and campaigns are also important tools for creating awareness and inspiring concrete actions.

 

articles published on “Il Bo Live” related to sustainable development in 2024

Logo

 

events connected with the 17 sustainable development goals organized by the University

Logo

 

views of the UniPadova Sostenibile website between 1 October 2024 and 15 September 2025

Logo

 

accounts reached by the Instagram page @unipadovasostenibile between 1 October 2024 and 15 September 2025

Logo

Sustainability ranking

The University of Padua sees its commitment to sustainability rewarded thanks to the results achieved within international rankings dedicated to this area.
QS WUR Sustainability Rankings
  • 1st place among all Italian universities
  • 110th in the world 1,744 participating universities in total
The University participates in the three main international rankings dedicated to sustainability. QS WUR Sustainability Rankings, the most recent, evaluates the environmental and social impact performance of universities and the actual ability to produce positive changes for people and the planet.
THE Impact Ranking
  • among the top 200 universities in the world, with a significant positioning in the top 100 for the following SDGs: SDG 3 (34st); SDG 4 (35th); SDG 11 (57th)
THE Impact Ranking launched by the THE (Times Higher Education) agency, evaluates universities with respect to the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
UI GreenMetric World University Ranking
  • 195th worldwide and 11th in Italy, with significant results in the areas of “Waste”, scoring 1,575 out of 1,800 points; “Water”, with a score of 850 out of 1,000; and “Education and Research”, with 1,750 out of 1,800 points.
Finally, the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking, an initiative of the Indonesian university, turns its attention to the waste of water and electricity, waste recycling, energy efficiency of buildings and "green" transport policies.
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