Exploring preparation and dissemination of sustainability reporting in Higher Education Institutions: the case of University of Milano-Bicocca

Pursuing sustainability and social responsibility in Higher Education Institutions is not an easy activity. Nevertheless, the impacts of universities on the community, the environment and the consumption of natural resources, as part of the activities carried out and in support of their infrastructures, are significant. In many cases, this process can be made difficult by the existence of incorrect interpretations of the concept of social responsibility and its implications within the universities themselves. One of the tools to enhance the affirmation of social responsibility and sustainability is represented by the communication of the sustainability practices and initiatives. The different reporting methods and the lack of a universal framework for universities reveal that this field is still in an infancy stage and does need to be assessed. To address this gap, this study aims to investigate the first sustainability reporting of University of Milano-Bicocca considering the potential related to the education and the development of social experiences by students.