Transforming Circular cities with technologies: The case study of a university canteen in Turin, Italy.

From my early years, my mother consistently urged, "Consume every bit of food on your plate." Yet, on a global scale, one-third of all food produced for human consumption goes to waste (Jenny Gustavsson, 2011)[1].Research in this area has so far mainly focused on behavioral factors influencing production of food waste, while the formal and informal institutions that relate to the management of waste play an equally important role in shaping individual and company behaviour. This research focuses on how food waste can be better managed among students through literature search, interviews, and student surveys. Following De Carlo’s concept as the place for knowledge development and conservation, universities hold a unique responsibility to lead by example and drive innovation for sustainability. In Italy, the Italian University Network for Sustainable Development (RUS) was established to promote culture and practices for sustainability, paving the way for exploring food-related sustainability dimensions within universities. Gabriel et al. (2021) (p. 965) claim that more research needs to be done on the “general involvement in issues related to food waste and the students’ general awareness of food waste as a problem.” To start with, this thesis examines students’ food waste behaviour through a single case study approach and a survey among students to understand the correlation between awareness, involvement, food waste impacts and technology’s intervention in food waste mitigation at university canteen. It aims to strengthen existing Food circularity strategies by implementing technology-driven improvements in food waste behaviour. Through this strategic integration of technology, the aim is to not only enhance current waste management practices but also to contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient urban environments within the university context. Ultimately, the thesis aims to provide policy recommendations supporting circularity in food waste management with technology, contributing to a more sustainable and waste-free future for both university campuses and urban environments. [1]-Jenny Gustavsson Christel Cederberg, Ulf Sonesson, Robert van Otterdijk, Alexandre Meybeck Global Food Losses and Food Waste – Extent, Causes and Prevention [Report]. - [s.l.] : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 2011.