Sapienza invites the CIVIS community to turn off the lights on National Day for Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles

Since 2005, on February 16, Italians are invited to save energy by turning off all unnecessary lights and to use sustainable means of transportation, to mark the anniversary of the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The campaign "M'illumino di Meno" (I turn less lights on) is widely supported and in 2022, the Italian Parliament proclaimed February 16 as the National Day for Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles. Sapienza Università di Roma invites all CIVIS members to join the initiative.

SUR joins the campaign again this year and will keep the lighting on the Rectorate building façade, the Main Campus's propylaea and the façades of the external Sapienza Faculties switched off on Friday. This way, the Univeristy wants to raise awareness among it's community and invite them adopt a more responsible energy consumption and sustainable practices.

Actions proposed for the day include organising switch-offs, candlelight dinners and replacing cars with bicycles.

The history of the campaign

M'illumino di Meno was launched in 2005 by the Rai Radio 2 programme Caterpillar and is celebrated every year on February 16. It promotes a culture of environmental sustainability and resource saving, marking the anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, the Italian Parliament proclaimed February 16 as the National Day for Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles.

M'illumino di Meno is also promoted by the Rus-Network of Universities for Sustainable Development, of which SUR is a member.