Best Practices Repository

The PoliMI Ambassador in Green Technologies programme is an innovative higher education initiative developed by Politecnico di Milano to integrate sustainability competences into mainstream university curricula through interdisciplinary and challenge-based learning pathways. The programme aims to prepare a new generation of professionals capable of addressing sustainability challenges across diverse sectors by combining advanced technical expertise with systemic thinking, digital skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students can pursue specialized pathways in Green Technologies, Smart Infrastructures, Inclusivity Design, and Creative Thinking, all linked by a common focus on sustainable development and innovation. The programme complements traditional degree curricula through extracurricular courses, practical challenges, and collaboration with industry, public institutions, and other external stakeholders. Its pedagogical approach combines blended learning with challenge-based activities that expose students to real-world sustainability issues and multidisciplinary problem-solving. By fostering competencies in innovation, digital transformation, inclusivity, and environmental sustainability, the programme contributes to the development of emerging professional profiles required for the green transition and equips graduates with the skills needed to operate effectively in complex and rapidly changing socio-economic contexts.

The Environmental Economics and Policies (EPA) programme, offered within the joint Master’s degree in Environmental, Cultural and Territorial Economics of the University of Turin and Politecnico di Torino, integrates climate education and sustainability into mainstream higher education curricula. The programme equips students with interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills to address contemporary environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution, energy transition, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, and environmental risk assessment. Combining economics, public policy, engineering, and environmental sciences, the curriculum provides both theoretical foundations and applied learning opportunities through fieldwork, workshops, study visits, internships, and collaboration with external stakeholders. Students develop competencies in environmental valuation, data analysis, GIS applications, environmental law, environmental accounting, and policy design, enabling them to assess environmental impacts and develop sustainable solutions. The programme’s strong connection with public institutions, international organizations, research centres, and private-sector actors enhances its practical relevance and employability outcomes. By integrating interdisciplinary teaching with real-world experience, the EPA programme prepares graduates to contribute effectively to environmental governance, sustainable development, and the green transition.

The PoliTo Food Design Lab (PFDL), developed within the Politecnico di Torino’s Fighting Food Waste Design initiative, is an innovative pedagogical practice that combines sustainability education, experiential learning, and community engagement. Established in 2017, the Lab addresses food waste, food poverty, and circular economy challenges through hands-on activities that enable students and citizens to explore the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of food systems. Operating as a mobile “pop-up” laboratory, PFDL brings learning beyond traditional classrooms into community spaces such as markets, schools, shelters, and urban gardens. Its interdisciplinary approach integrates design, social sciences, engineering, and economics, fostering collaboration across sectors and stakeholder groups. Through participatory workshops, exhibitions, and co-design activities, participants develop practical skills, critical thinking, and civic awareness while engaging directly with real-world sustainability issues. By connecting academic learning with community needs, PFDL demonstrates how design-led, practice-based education can promote environmental responsibility, social inclusion, and active citizenship.

Annual competition open to final-year student projects demonstrating a contribution to sustainability. Includes three award levels, a regional shortlist, an independent jury, a €3,000 top prize, a public ceremony, and wider publicity through press and social media.

A project-based course where engineering students redesign products and systems using circular economy principles and design thinking methodology. Final projects are prototyped with industry partners.

Collaborative projects where students work directly with local organizations to address real sustainability challenges in their communities, co-designing solutions with residents rather than for them.

Immersive VR experiences that allow students to visualize climate change impacts and test mitigation strategies in virtual environments. Scenarios span coastal flooding, urban heat, and agricultural stress.

A structured framework for assessing student development in sustainability thinking, systems analysis, and collaborative problem-solving skills. Aligns with the UNESCO key competencies.

Students conduct real sustainability research on campus infrastructure, creating actionable recommendations while gaining hands-on experience. Projects feed directly into facilities-management decisions.