Emanuele Orsini to Receive an Honorary Degree from the University of Bologna

Today, the Academic Senate approved the proposal submitted by Rector Giovanni Molari to confer the Honorary Degree in Architecture upon Emanuele Orsini, President of Confindustria, in recognition of the significant scientific, cultural, and industrial contribution he has made in the areas of sustainable architecture, the wood sector, and construction innovation.

“Conferring the Honorary Degree in Architecture to Emanuele Orsini,” said Rector Giovanni Molari, “means acknowledging the value of a vision capable of bringing together innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. His ability to anticipate change and contribute to the development of construction practices that respect communities and the environment is an example for our University and for the younger generations.”

Emanuele Orsini has developed a professional path that has made him one of the leading figures in Italy in the field of sustainable construction and the wood supply chain. After beginning his career in the family company Sistem Costruzioni, he went on to assume roles of increasing responsibility, making a decisive contribution to transforming the sector through strategic vision, technological innovation, and attention to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles.

Through his work, Orsini has promoted a model of timber architecture capable of combining aesthetics, functionality, speed of construction, and sustainability, establishing wood as a hallmark of contemporary low-impact building. Among his international contributions, special mention should be made of his coordination of projects in Central America starting in 2010, as well as the development of the Casa Natura construction system, which integrates design, residential comfort, and zero environmental impact.

Under his entrepreneurial leadership, Sistem Costruzioni has grown into a network of more than 15 companies active in different sectors. Particularly noteworthy is his role in the Maranello Residence project, the first residential complex dedicated to the Ferrari world, of which Orsini is President. Alongside his business activities, Orsini has held prominent positions including the Presidency of UniCredit Leasing and of FederlegnoArredo, culminating in his appointment as President of Confindustria in May 2024, where he has contributed to the development of innovative industrial policies.

During his Presidency of Assolegno (2013–2016), significant results were achieved in regulatory, forestry, and construction matters, strengthening the sector’s competitiveness. Numerous emblematic projects reflect his vision, including major urban regeneration and reuse initiatives such as the redevelopment of the former Officine Reggiane in Reggio Emilia, the construction of the Corporeno school complex in the province of Ferrara, and the modular student-housing complex of Santa Marta in Venice. His commitment to sustainability has earned him several prestigious awards, including the Abete d’Oro (Golden Fir), the Environmental Merit Diploma from the Ministry of the Environment, and the Medal of Merit for environmental protection.