On March 21st, the inauguration of the new university extension, House of Sustainability was celebrated in Airolo. Distinguished attendees included Luisa Lambertini, Rector of USI; Raffaele De Rosa, President of the State Council; Oscar Wolfisberg, Mayor of Airolo; and Massimo Filippini, Vice-President of the House of Sustainability Scientific Commission.
Luisa Lambertini expressed, “The USI House of Sustainability is a tangible project that exemplifies the commitment of the Università della Svizzera italiana towards environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The project began in 2018 and is now a reality, thanks to the contribution of various actors, both academic and non-academic, who supported this vision and made today’s milestone possible. The House of Sustainability is now USI’s northernmost antenna, covering the entire Canton and representing not only our commitment to a more sustainable future but also acting as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in this crucial area.”
The House of Sustainability, a joint endeavor between the Municipality of Airolo and the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), aims to be a beacon in Ticino for education and reflection on sustainable development, starting from its Alpine vantage point. The Gotthard area provides a unique setting to explore crucial issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, energy, transport, tourism, and beyond. It is a place where students and experts can come together to ponder the formation of a society that safeguards future generations’ quality of life.
The House’s educational and training offerings are tailored for the USI community, schools, groups, organizations, and businesses keen on deepening their understanding of sustainability. It will also host L’ideatorio USI’s initiatives, including an astronomical planetarium, and act as the base for the USI Sports Service’s programs.
The project was realized through the partnership between the Municipality of Airolo and Università della Svizzera italiana, supported by the Cantonal Office for Economic Development and the Bellinzona and Valleys Regional Development Agency, with key sponsors such as BancaStato, AIL, and SBB ensuring its success and quality.
In alignment with the House of Sustainability’s focus on sustainable values, the Executive MBA (EMBA) program will conduct its orientation day in Airolo in November 2025. This initiative highlights the program’s commitment to sustainability, mirroring the EMBA’s strategic aim of creating leaders who prioritize sustainable development. The choice of Airolo for the EMBA orientation day further underscores the importance of integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability into the curriculum and activities, preparing students to make significant, sustainable impacts in their careers.
