The last day was spent in the beautiful city of Turin, a city with important architecture and monuments, just like all the other cities we explored. The time spent wasn’t much, as the train journey involved several transfers, one of them even made by bus, which led us to swap walking tours for the use of public transportation (urban bus).
The city promotes efficient public transportation, with trams, electric buses, and a metro line, encouraging the use of collective transportation and reducing the reliance on private cars. The use of bicycles is also promoted through bike lanes and bike-sharing programs.
The day was dedicated to visiting the Allianz Stadium, known as the Juventus Stadium, which is an example of sports infrastructure that incorporates sustainable practices in its design and operation. During the construction of the stadium, recycled materials were used, including the reuse of parts from the old Delle Alpi stadium, which occupied the same site. This reduced the need for new materials and minimized environmental impact.
The Allianz Stadium was designed with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency. The lighting, for example, uses low-consumption LED systems, and the design of the stadium maximizes the use of natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The stadium is equipped with solar panels that help generate part of the energy needed for the functioning of the facilities.
In terms of water resources, they capture and reuse rainwater, which is then stored and reused for field irrigation and sanitary systems, reducing the use of potable water. The stadium was designed to be easily accessible by public transportation, with various options for buses, trams, and bicycles (with specific and secure parking), encouraging fans to choose more sustainable modes of transport.
Finally, since we spent a few hours at Turin Airport, it was easy to conclude that this infrastructure has also invested in environmental sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives, aiming to reduce its environmental impact and improve the passenger experience. The waste management system is efficient, and the airport has a solar panel installation on its grounds, contributing to the generation of clean and renewable energy, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.
At the end of this adventure, we can easily conclude that there is a clear concern in these Italian cities for environmental investment. There were cities where we confirmed that there are still some aspects to improve in order to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but there is effort in this direction. Cultural and gastronomic interaction was promoted, along with learning not only about sustainability but also about European citizenship. Together, we will contribute to a more Sustainable, Inclusive, and United Europe.
