This is the first time that EUI has achieved a certification covering the entire campus, underscoring its commitment to reducing environmental impacts and strengthening sustainability governance.
The ISO 14001/2015 certification establishes an internationally recognised environmental management system that enables organisations to systematically manage their environmental responsibilities, reduce impacts, and achieve sustainable development goals. At the EUI, this framework guides action across six priority areas: energy, water, waste, office materials, internal mobility and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
To deliver on these goals, the EUI has put in place procedures, action plans, and KPIs, supported by a system of well-defined roles. A dedicated “green team”, composed of colleagues from different departments, plays a key role in implementing and monitoring the progress:
“I personally believe that it is an outstanding step for the EUI”, says Laura Bechi, User Support, Quality and Sustainability Management Coordinator at the EUI. “ Although there is still much to be done to improve our impacts, this certification confirms that the EUI has a consistent commitment towards sustainability.”
In addition to ISO certification, auditors have issued a positive opinion on the Institute’s EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) registration. EMAS is an EU-based framework that enables organisations to assess, report on, and continually improve their environmental performance. To obtain registration, an organisation must establish an environmental management system, have it verified by an independent third party, and submit a publicly available Environmental Statement to the national competent authority for final approval. At the end of the process, the EUI will submit all required documentation to the Italian Ministry of Environment (Comitato ECOLABEL) for official validation.
“Working on these issues and obtaining certifications is a confirmation of an organisation’s mission and vision,” adds Laura. “Given what is happening in the world, working on sustainability is both a political choice and a clear stance.”
This milestone also aligns with the EUI Sustainability Strategy 2026–2030, which highlights the need for robust governance structures to promote sustainability across the campus.
For Laura, the ISO certification and other initiatives are evidence that the EUI is moving in the right direction on a number of fronts. For example, the Historical Archives’ participation in the Sustainable Archives and Greener Approaches (SAGA) project, funded by Creative Europe, will lead to concrete, data-based recommendations for more sustainable archiving and climatic practices in the archival deposits at Villa Salviati.
While challenges remain, these results demonstrate creativity, perseverance, and long-term commitment. “It is a starting point,” says Laura. “The certifications are not only a recognition of progress already made but also a foundation for the Institute’s future work in sustainability.”