Sustainable university residences: the future of student housing

Choosing to live in a university residence hall definitely makes a difference in the overall academic experience for students. These spaces not only provide a comfortable place to live while studying, but also provide a crucial context for personal and social development.

In recent years there has been an increasing focus on sustainability in the building industry, and university residences have been no exception. In Italy, and particularly in Milan, this trend is gaining more and more ground, transforming the way students live and interact with their environment.

The focus on sustainability has been at the center of interest and development debates for some time now in many sectors, including the construction industry. Growing awareness of the impact of our actions has prompted governments, institutions and companies to seek more sustainable solutions. University residence halls, often built with the goal of accommodating large numbers of students, present a unique challenge and opportunity for the implementation of practices aimed at environmental stewardship.

Milan is leading the way in adopting such solutions in the student housing sector. Known to be an important financial, cultural and fashion center, Milan is also home to several prestigious universities, attracting thousands of young people from all over the world. This has led to a growing demand for housing and spurred innovation in the sector.

What distinguishes sustainable university residences?

University residences that can be defined in this way, in Milan, as elsewhere, incorporate a number of features to reduce environmental impact and improve the quality of life for students. Let’s look together at some of the key elements.

Energy Efficiency

Sustainable university residences are designed to reduce energy consumption through proper insulation, the use of low-e windows, and efficient heating and cooling systems.

Use of renewable energy

Many of these facilities in Milan are investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels and geothermal systems to reduce dependence on fossil energy sources.

Waste Management

Proper waste management is a crucial aspect in this perspective. Separate collection and recycling are common practices, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.

Sustainable mobility

Sustainable university housing promotes sustainable mobility by encouraging the use of bicycles, electric scooters, and access to efficient public transportation.

Sustainable materials

In the construction and maintenance of residences, environmentally friendly and low-impact materials are preferred, such as reclaimed wood, insulated concrete, bamboo, green insulation, recycled steel, organic walls, structural insulated panels, aerocon blocks, electrochromic glass, and recycled rubber.

Education and outreach

In settings such as these, educational programs are also often offered to residents to increase their environmental awareness and promote sustainable behaviors.

Living in a sustainable university residence hall: benefits for students

Students living in this type of sustainable housing can take advantage of several benefits:

• healthier environment through improved air quality and the use of non-toxic materials;
• Economic savings due to reduced utility bills;
• environmental awareness, preparing students to become responsible citizens.
• active community, inclined to collaboration and exchange of ideas.

In-Domus and sustainability

In-Domus has also been and still is committed to becoming a sustainable company. In 2022 for its energy plan, it joined the C.En.P.I. – Confartigianato Energia Per le Imprese which provides certified green energy produced exclusively from renewable sources, thus becoming an active part of the change toward a better and more environmentally conscious world.

In addition, In-Domus demonstrates attention to sustainability issues by implementing a sustainable policy, not only through information and education of its staff and residents, but also through specific shrewdnesses,

Below we elaborate on some of them:

• Water dispensers: on campuses you can use digital vending machines, connected by app to your smartphone, to fill your own water bottles, thus incentivizing residents not to waste additional plastic.
• Water bottles in the welcome kit: in addition to the shirt and other In-Domus-branded gadgets, there is a water bottle inside the residents’ welcome kit, further emphasizing the company’s focus on sustainability.
• Recycling collection: although it may seem more obvious, within the university campuses, recycling collection is carried out on every floor, clearly complying with the rules and directions provided by the municipality of Milan.
• Off-campus racks: In-Domus has always encouraged its students to use environmentally friendly means such as bicycles and scooters, so there can be no shortage of racks outside each facility.
• Sustainable Laundry: to make even the laundries sustainable, In-Domus provides its residents on the Milan International campus with organic soaps to reduce their environmental impact.
• Eco-friendly utensils: in addition to the water bottle in their welcome kit, In-Domus provides all new residents with reusable glass bottles (found inside their room upon arrival) and encourages them to bring their own cup to the breakfast room to reduce plastic waste.

What will be the future of university residences?

The future of student housing in Milan is undoubtedly sustainable.

The city has demonstrated a growing commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its infrastructure, and building and/or retrofitting facilities such as these is an important piece in this strategy.

As interest in environmental impact and practices directed toward it continues to grow, we can expect university residences in Milan to become increasingly at the forefront of eco-friendly practices.

In conclusion, attention to proper environmental practices is fast becoming the mainstay of realities such as In-Domus; this trend not only provides environmental benefits, but also enhances the student experience.