GRRReen! With grit towards the future
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‘GRRReen! With grit towards the future' is SUPSI's new awareness-raising campaign to promote responsible use of natural resources on campus.
The name recalls the ecological transition (Green) and the determination of the typical comic strip exclamation (GRRR!), to face the challenges of sustainable development with grit and determination, starting with daily practices in the workplace and at school.
The campaign includes a series of digital communications that will appear regularly on the screens of all locations, each accompanied by an in-depth article on the sustainability page of the SUPSI website. For each topic covered (starting with the temperature of the premises in winter, but also energy saving, paper management, sustainable mobility, reducing the use of PET and water consumption), a number of practical suggestions are presented on what we can all do as people who work, study and share the same spaces every day. Simple changes in everyday practices that promote greater awareness of what we can do for sustainability and that, if implemented by the entire SUPSI community, can make a difference.
The campaign contributes to the implementation of the objectives of the SUPSI Action Plan on Sustainability and aims to raise awareness among the entire SUPSI community of the responsible use of natural resources in the management of the institution.
During the winter season, in SUPSI's centrally air-conditioned rooms, the temperature will be regulated to encourage energy savings, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut costs.
This measure, introduced for the first time in the winter of 2022 during the period of energy shortage and supported by the campaign ‘Reducing energy consumption and waste, together we can’, has already proven to make a decisive contribution to reducing energy consumption on campus compared to the previous year, with positive results confirmed in 2023.
The collaboration of those who study, work and live on SUPSI campuses is indeed crucial. Adapting one's behaviour to contribute to the achievement of energy-saving goals is indeed a key aspect, as Giovanni Branca, head of SUPSI's building sectors, emphasises in the interview available on this page.
For more details on the subject of energy consumption at SUPSI, please refer to chapter 3 of the SUPSI Sustainability Report 2021-2023 (downloadable from the ‘Useful documents’ section at the top right).
Let us not forget that we too can contribute to saving energy with small everyday gestures and be more GRRReen:
- Let's rethink clothing, dress warm and comfortable
- Let's reduce the airing period in rooms
- Let's react to laziness and walk up the stairs to reactivate the body
- Let's warm up with a hot drink
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At SUPSI, electricity is used for a variety of purposes: cooling and heating through heat pumps, lighting, activities in laboratories, offices and classrooms, as well as powering data centers to support IT services.
The scope for effective energy management is greater in owned buildings than in rented buildings, where we are bound by the owners' choices for cooling and heating. However, the 2021 openings of SUPSI campuses in Viganello and Mendrisio were an important step in this direction, offering more flexibility in defining energy strategies. This has included, for example, the ability to intervene in temperature regulation, optimize the control of energy used for lighting, and choose the type of electricity we supply.
In this regard, the SUPSI sustainability report for the 2022-2023 biennium shows a reduction in electricity consumption for heating and cooling and a slight increase for lighting (and other uses). A trend likely attributable to the need for lighting to the larger spaces on the new campuses, which are often used late into the evening. However, with a little attention from everyone , it is possible to keep energy consumption under control even for space lighting and the operation of machinery and devices.
Again, the cooperation of those who study and work on campuses is essential to avoid energy waste and make SUPSI more GRReen.
Here are some tips:
The scope for effective energy management is greater in owned buildings than in rented buildings, where we are bound by the owners' choices for cooling and heating. However, the 2021 openings of SUPSI campuses in Viganello and Mendrisio were an important step in this direction, offering more flexibility in defining energy strategies. This has included, for example, the ability to intervene in temperature regulation, optimize the control of energy used for lighting, and choose the type of electricity we supply.
In this regard, the SUPSI sustainability report for the 2022-2023 biennium shows a reduction in electricity consumption for heating and cooling and a slight increase for lighting (and other uses). A trend likely attributable to the need for lighting to the larger spaces on the new campuses, which are often used late into the evening. However, with a little attention from everyone , it is possible to keep energy consumption under control even for space lighting and the operation of machinery and devices.
Again, the cooperation of those who study and work on campuses is essential to avoid energy waste and make SUPSI more GRReen.
Here are some tips:
- We reduce artificial lighting, taking advantage of natural light.
- We rethink how we move around, taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Let's renounce the use of private electrical appliances in SUPSI spaces.
- Let's remember to turn off standby for electrical devices.
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In an increasingly digitised world, paper remains an important consumable for a university such as SUPSI. This is probably because of its intrinsic value in supporting learning, its ability to foster creativity and its role in preserving valuable documents. Although in certain contexts it is important to recognise its unique role, it is equally crucial to adopt sustainable practices to limit its waste.
In this sense, monitoring our consumption allows us to define actions to reduce it a priori, through a further shift to digitisation and the elimination of possible waste, so as to preserve the natural resources needed to produce paper and reduce the environmental impacts of its inadequate disposal.
Indicator 13 on page 60 of the latest SUPSI Sustainability Report shows that 3 million sheets of paper (equivalent to about 6,000 reams) were consumed in 2022. In 2023, consumption dropped to 2.6 million sheets, marking a 40% decrease compared to 2019.
This reduction is partly attributable to the implementation, at the Manno site, of a new centralised print management system, which has already been launched at other sites. This system requires users to physically confirm and collect printed documents using their personal badge. The replacement of many small printers associated with individual workstations with a few large centralised printers has helped to limit unnecessary or forgotten printouts.
The paper purchased is also certified with the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label, which guarantees that it comes from responsibly managed forests and supply chains, with an average share of around 90%. Furthermore, the increased purchase of Ecolabel-certified paper, which guarantees high ecological quality standards, has progressively reduced the share of purchased recycled paper.
We too can play our part in better paper management. Again, it takes little to be more GRRReen:
In this sense, monitoring our consumption allows us to define actions to reduce it a priori, through a further shift to digitisation and the elimination of possible waste, so as to preserve the natural resources needed to produce paper and reduce the environmental impacts of its inadequate disposal.
Indicator 13 on page 60 of the latest SUPSI Sustainability Report shows that 3 million sheets of paper (equivalent to about 6,000 reams) were consumed in 2022. In 2023, consumption dropped to 2.6 million sheets, marking a 40% decrease compared to 2019.
This reduction is partly attributable to the implementation, at the Manno site, of a new centralised print management system, which has already been launched at other sites. This system requires users to physically confirm and collect printed documents using their personal badge. The replacement of many small printers associated with individual workstations with a few large centralised printers has helped to limit unnecessary or forgotten printouts.
The paper purchased is also certified with the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) label, which guarantees that it comes from responsibly managed forests and supply chains, with an average share of around 90%. Furthermore, the increased purchase of Ecolabel-certified paper, which guarantees high ecological quality standards, has progressively reduced the share of purchased recycled paper.
We too can play our part in better paper management. Again, it takes little to be more GRRReen:
- Let's give up unnecessary printouts, prefer digital documents
- Let's reuse paper printed on one side for notes or drafts
- Let's remember to throw paper away at collection points for disposal
- Save raw materials, use air dryers
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Every day, in our daily activities, we produce waste. Its correct management is essential to reduce the environmental impact and improve the efficiency of our disposal system.
At SUPSI, the waste produced is typical of office activities. We separate it into paper and cardboard, PET, toner, electrical and electronic equipment, organic waste from the canteens and undifferentiated municipal solid waste. The latter represent the largest part of the total waste generated: according to estimates made in 2023, they were 73%.
In general, however, estimates for the two-year period 2022-2023 show a downward trend of 23% compared to the previous year.
In some buildings, in addition to paper, cardboard and PET, we also separate plastic, glass and aluminium. But sustainable waste management is not limited to simple differentiation: the first step is to reduce waste production at the source. For example, we can choose reusable materials instead of disposable ones, extend the life of the objects we use every day (how long can a plastic folder or binder last?) and recycle them correctly in the appropriate bins once they have reached the end of their life.
Our contribution counts: less waste means less waste, lower management costs and a reduced impact on the environment. With small daily gestures, we can make our campus more and more sustainable!
Bins for collecting PET bottles can be found everywhere, but we can do more: reduce their consumption at the source and limit the use of plastic in general.
At SUPSI, the waste produced is typical of office activities. We separate it into paper and cardboard, PET, toner, electrical and electronic equipment, organic waste from the canteens and undifferentiated municipal solid waste. The latter represent the largest part of the total waste generated: according to estimates made in 2023, they were 73%.
In general, however, estimates for the two-year period 2022-2023 show a downward trend of 23% compared to the previous year.
In some buildings, in addition to paper, cardboard and PET, we also separate plastic, glass and aluminium. But sustainable waste management is not limited to simple differentiation: the first step is to reduce waste production at the source. For example, we can choose reusable materials instead of disposable ones, extend the life of the objects we use every day (how long can a plastic folder or binder last?) and recycle them correctly in the appropriate bins once they have reached the end of their life.
Our contribution counts: less waste means less waste, lower management costs and a reduced impact on the environment. With small daily gestures, we can make our campus more and more sustainable!
Bins for collecting PET bottles can be found everywhere, but we can do more: reduce their consumption at the source and limit the use of plastic in general.
- Let's fill our water bottles and avoid plastic bottles.
- Let's reduce single-use plastic by using reusable containers, glasses, plates and cutlery.
- Let's recycle plastic and separate it correctly, where possible.
- DEASS Suglio: 4 drinking fountains, 9 PET bottle collectors.
- DEASS Piazzetta: 8 drinking fountains, 8 PET bottle collectors.
- DEASS Palazzo E: 4 drinking fountains, 8 PET bottle collectors.
- DACD Mendrisio: 6 drinking fountains, 13 PET bottle collectors.
- DTI Viganello: 17 drinking fountains, 25 PET bottle collectors.
- DFA Locarno: 4 drinking fountains, 13 PET collectors.
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How much water do we consume at SUPSI? What do we use it for?
Mainly for toilets, watering the gardens and personal consumption. In addition, there is the water used to operate the machinery in some laboratories. The calculation reported in SUPSI's latest sustainability report does not include so-called ‘virtual water’, which is water indirectly used to produce goods and services.
Data on withdrawals from municipal aqueducts show that, between 2019 and 2023, water consumption decreased by 15%. In 2022, with the resumption of post-pandemic activities, there was an increase compared to the previous year. This is partly due to the return to normal operations on campuses and the introduction of new machinery, which may have contributed to the increase in consumption. However, in 2023 consumption fell to 20,344 m³, which is lower than the 23,981 m³ in 2022 (equivalent to almost ten Olympic-sized swimming pools full). This figure suggests that the new machinery installed in 2022 has been optimised for more efficient use of water.
Water is a precious resource, and even in our daily actions we can make a difference. Let's adopt more GRRReen! habits to avoid waste and use it responsibly.
Mainly for toilets, watering the gardens and personal consumption. In addition, there is the water used to operate the machinery in some laboratories. The calculation reported in SUPSI's latest sustainability report does not include so-called ‘virtual water’, which is water indirectly used to produce goods and services.
Data on withdrawals from municipal aqueducts show that, between 2019 and 2023, water consumption decreased by 15%. In 2022, with the resumption of post-pandemic activities, there was an increase compared to the previous year. This is partly due to the return to normal operations on campuses and the introduction of new machinery, which may have contributed to the increase in consumption. However, in 2023 consumption fell to 20,344 m³, which is lower than the 23,981 m³ in 2022 (equivalent to almost ten Olympic-sized swimming pools full). This figure suggests that the new machinery installed in 2022 has been optimised for more efficient use of water.
Water is a precious resource, and even in our daily actions we can make a difference. Let's adopt more GRRReen! habits to avoid waste and use it responsibly.
- Save every drop, turn off the tap while you lather your hands
- Remember to use the small flush button on the toilet, whenever possible.
- Collect every drop, report any water leaks immediately to the campus custodians.
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Every day, the SUPSI community travels to the campuses of the four Departments to study and work. There are around 6,000 people, including staff and students in basic training, plus participants in continuing education. As one can easily imagine, these commuting journeys have a major impact on the local mobility system, and of course also on the environment and climate.
A 2023 survey on the mobility habits of the SUPSI community found that the average distance for the home-campus commute (one way) is:
What means do we use to get around?
Employees
In 2023, half of the people working at SUPSI indicated the car as their main means of transport. However, compared to 2019, the year of the previous survey, significant changes have emerged:
For students, the train is the most frequently used means of transport, chosen by 58% of people, followed by the bus (54%). Both means are often combined with walking. The car is still used by 34% of students, while only 8% choose the bicycle.
A closer look
The detailed analysis of the 2023 survey shows that private car use is lowest for all categories (employees and students) at the Lugano-Viganello and Mendrisio-Stazione campuses. This is due to the strategic location of these sites, which are well connected to the public transport network and with active mobility routes (on foot or by bicycle). For the Manno location, which is less accessible by these means, it will instead be important to evaluate new solutions to encourage more sustainable options. (Read the indicator on page 54 of the Sustainability Report)
How do we incentivise public transport?
For several years now, SUPSI has been promoting the use of public transport through subsidised conditions on Arcobaleno season tickets:
in 2019:
Those studying or working at SUPSI can take advantage of discounted annual subscriptions for bike sharing. In Lugano, Locarno, Mendrisio and Bellinzona (here thanks to the municipalities and the Gabbiano Foundation), the service is offered by Publibike Velospot, the largest bike-sharing network in Switzerland. The number of stations is constantly increasing, especially in the cities with the highest demand, including Mendrisio, where new installations are planned shortly.
To travel to SUPSI campuses, use public transport or bicycles. Your wallet, the environment and your health will benefit. When it comes to mobility, we can also make our campuses more GRRREEN!
A 2023 survey on the mobility habits of the SUPSI community found that the average distance for the home-campus commute (one way) is:
- 28.3 km for those working
- 33.2 km for those studying
What means do we use to get around?
Employees
In 2023, half of the people working at SUPSI indicated the car as their main means of transport. However, compared to 2019, the year of the previous survey, significant changes have emerged:
- Train use rose from 20% to 40%.
- Bus use rose from 7% to 25%.
- Cycling has also gained ground: from 7% to 17%
For students, the train is the most frequently used means of transport, chosen by 58% of people, followed by the bus (54%). Both means are often combined with walking. The car is still used by 34% of students, while only 8% choose the bicycle.
A closer look
The detailed analysis of the 2023 survey shows that private car use is lowest for all categories (employees and students) at the Lugano-Viganello and Mendrisio-Stazione campuses. This is due to the strategic location of these sites, which are well connected to the public transport network and with active mobility routes (on foot or by bicycle). For the Manno location, which is less accessible by these means, it will instead be important to evaluate new solutions to encourage more sustainable options. (Read the indicator on page 54 of the Sustainability Report)
How do we incentivise public transport?
For several years now, SUPSI has been promoting the use of public transport through subsidised conditions on Arcobaleno season tickets:
- For staff: 45% discount on the annual season ticket (30% covered by SUPSI, 15% by Arcobaleno)
- For students: discount on university fees equal to 20% of the cost of the Arcobaleno annual season ticket
in 2019:
- 269 male and female employees (25%)
- 965 male and female students (28%) with a SUPSI contribution of around 380,000 CHF
- 424 employees (33%)
- 1,134 male and female students (34%) against a SUPSI contribution of almost 635,000 CHF
Those studying or working at SUPSI can take advantage of discounted annual subscriptions for bike sharing. In Lugano, Locarno, Mendrisio and Bellinzona (here thanks to the municipalities and the Gabbiano Foundation), the service is offered by Publibike Velospot, the largest bike-sharing network in Switzerland. The number of stations is constantly increasing, especially in the cities with the highest demand, including Mendrisio, where new installations are planned shortly.
To travel to SUPSI campuses, use public transport or bicycles. Your wallet, the environment and your health will benefit. When it comes to mobility, we can also make our campuses more GRRREEN!
- Rethink your way of getting around: prefer public transport or cycling to the private car.
- Recharge your energy, choose cycling for a healthier commute.
- Save on transport costs with subsidised season tickets for public transport.
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During the summer season, as in winter, centralised climate control on the SUPSI campuses reduces energy consumption without compromising on thermal comfort.
In line with the Swiss “minergie” standard, which promotes the combination of comfort, energy efficiency and climate protection in new buildings, the USI-SUPSI East Campus in Lugano-Viganello and the SUPSI Campus in Mendrisio have been designed with solutions powered by renewable sources.
In Mendrisio, heat pumps recover energy from the heat in the outside air, servers and laboratories, transforming it into efficient cooling. In Lugano-Viganello, the East Campus is connected to the cooling system of the Swiss National Supercomputing Centre (CSCS). In summer, water taken from Lake Lugano at a depth of 45 metres (approx. 6°C) is used for passive cooling of the building.
As reported in the Sustainability Report 2022-2023, these innovative technologies have enabled us to reduce energy consumption by more than 30% between 2021 and 2023, the years in which the two campuses were built.
However, we still see room for improvement, especially through individual and collective actions. Help us make our spaces even more GRRReen!
- Rethink your clothing, wear lightweight fabrics.
- Adjust the building's shading (curtains, blinds, etc.) during the hottest hours of the day, where possible.
- Use natural ventilation by opening windows during the coolest hours of the day, where possible.
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When we think of the Internet, we imagine something intangible, fast, invisible. But behind every click lies a concrete physical reality: the digital world is based on a complex infrastructure of servers, cables, data centers, and cooling systems that consume energy 24/7.
Every email sent, every file saved, every video played online triggers a process that consumes electricity and produces CO₂ emissions. For example, a simple 1 MB email can generate up to 19 grams of CO₂ in its lifetime. In a situation such as SUPSI, with 1,273 employees, just five emails per day generate over 600 kg of CO₂ per week via email.
But it is not only online activities such as the use of search engines or AI that contribute to digital pollution. Accumulated and often forgotten in backups, on servers, and in cloud services, digital waste also has a significant environmental impact: emails that are no longer useful, duplicate files, unused apps, blurry photos, and old videos remain stored on servers, consuming energy even when we no longer use them. See the Archiving Policy (Art. 4) for more information.
To raise awareness of the impact of digital waste, in March 2025, SUPSI Libraries joined the Digital Clean Up Day promoted by BiblioSuisse for the first time.
Would you like to contribute to reducing your digital footprint? Here are some tips to be more GRRReen:
- Clean up your digital archives and email by deleting digital waste.
- Remember to empty your trash and deleted mail folder regularly.
- Reduce the size of your emails, favoring hyperlinks to attachments whenever possible.
- Periodically reorganize your folders by deleting unnecessary files.
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