UniZEB Open Day: Festival of Sustainable Development 2025

On May 22nd, UniZEB, the first Living Lab of the University of Padova on Zero Energy Buildings, opened its doors to the public for a special Open Day. The event took place as part of the Sustainable Development 2025 Festival, Italy’s most significant initiative on sustainable development. The Festival, organised by ASviS and promoted by UniPadova Sostenibile, aims to raise awareness about the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, inviting citizens, associations, businesses, and universities to participate through various events.

Organised by the UniZEB student team, the Open Day turned the house and its garden into a lively hub of people and ideas. Students, professors, citizens, and representatives from companies and local authorities came together for an afternoon of hands-on engagement with one of the university’s most innovative sustainability projects. Visitors participated in guided tours of the UniZEB house, which features technologies such as solar panels, geothermal systems, controlled mechanical ventilation, and smart home systems. There were also several workshops and activities focused on different aspects of sustainability, from energy and the environment to everyday habits.

Thanks to a collaboration with the NGO Mani Tese, a swap corner was set up in the garden, where visitors exchanged clothes with the aim of promoting a circular economy. Creative recycling activities were also organised, including a challenge to sort tricky waste materials and a hands-on workshop to turn plastic bottles into flowerpots. One of the most appreciated activities was “Climate Steps”, created by Euclipa, the Italian Association for the Green Deal, which collaborates with the European Commission. The activity consists of a quiz based on lifestyle choices, helping people understand how their daily actions impact the environment and what steps they can take to contribute to climate neutrality.

The day concluded with an aperitivo and music, generously supported by Bortoletto. This UniZEB partner sponsor provided the windows for the house and has supported the project from its inception.

The Open Day highlighted how UniZEB is more than just a building. It is a community and a shared vision of a more sustainable future. The significant turnout showed the growing public interest and curiosity surrounding the green transition, demonstrating how projects like this can foster engagement, inspire change, and contribute to technological transfer in the sustainable building sector.

Finally, to extend the event’s impact, the UniZEB team developed a downloadable Sustainability Handbook, a collection of 25 practical tips designed to promote more sustainable practices in everyday life.