NANDO Impact: Bocconi University Case Study
Gamification for sustainability: +60% correct waste disposal in 2 months

Key Results at Bocconi University
Users engaged in NANDO.Quiz, improving knowledge on correct waste disposal practices
Significant increase in correct recycling practices in just 2 months
Interactive initiatives to raise awareness among students and staff on sustainability
Promotion of sustainable behaviors and environmental responsibility across the Bocconi community
The NANDO.Quiz Initiative at Bocconi University
Bocconi University chose NANDO.Quiz to actively engage its community in more responsible waste management practices. Through an innovative gamified platform, students and staff could test their knowledge and learn correct behaviors in a fun and interactive way.
The challenge was clear: transform the waste management culture on campus, making every member of the Bocconi University community an active protagonist of the change towards environmental sustainability. The goal was also to create a model that could be replicated in other educational and corporate contexts.
In just two months, massive participation on the platform generated tangible and measurable results: a 60% increase in correct waste disposal practices. This demonstrates how digital and engaging initiatives can drive real and lasting behavior changes.
The NANDO.Quiz at Bocconi University project represents a prime example of how technology and gamification can be powerful tools for environmental education. Thousands of students acquired practical skills on recycling, waste separation, and waste reduction.
Project Key Data
Over 15,000 users actively participated in NANDO.Quiz during the first two months of the project at Bocconi University. However, the impact went far beyond the numbers: the platform significantly improved both theoretical knowledge and daily practice of correct waste disposal across the entire campus.
Gamification for Sustainability: The Bocconi University Model
Gamification proved to be a powerful tool to stimulate engagement within the university community. Virtual badges, competitive leaderboards, and interactive quizzes encouraged active student participation. Moreover, they transformed environmental education into a motivating and enjoyable experience rather than a boring obligation.
This innovative approach helped build a genuine green culture at Bocconi University. Students and staff now share common sustainability goals and practical skills, showing how technology can serve the environment.
The NANDO.Quiz platform did not only provide theoretical knowledge. Instead, it created a dynamic learning ecosystem where each participant could track their progress, compare with peers, and receive immediate feedback on their waste disposal choices.
Implemented Gamification Mechanics
Main gamification elements that made NANDO.Quiz so effective at Bocconi University include:
- Progressive points system: Each correct quiz answer on recycling earned points that could be accumulated
- Badges and achievements: Virtual recognition for milestones achieved (e.g., “Plastic Expert”, “Recycling Champion”)
- Real-time leaderboards: Rankings among departments and faculties to encourage healthy competition
- Weekly challenges: Themed quizzes on specific waste categories with dedicated rewards
- Personalized learning paths: Adaptive content based on individual performance
Measurable Gamification Outcome
The 60% improvement in correct waste management in just 2 months at Bocconi University concretely demonstrates the effectiveness of gamification as a behavioral change lever. Moreover, the platform’s retention rate stayed above 85% throughout the project period, highlighting authentic and lasting engagement.
Educational Impact and Environmental Training
Beyond quantitative results, the NANDO.Quiz at Bocconi University project had a deep educational impact on the university community. Students gained practical knowledge applicable not only on campus but also at home and in future workplaces.
The platform covered essential topics for proper waste management, including:
- Differentiation between recyclable and non-recyclable plastics
- Correct disposal of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
- Organic waste management and composting
- Identification of recyclability symbols on packaging
- Circular economy and source waste reduction
Data collected by the platform showed quiz correct answer rates rose from 42% initially to 87% at the end. This proves that a playful, interactive approach can be significantly more effective than traditional static information campaigns.
Feedback from the University Community
Bocconi University students enthusiastically welcomed the initiative, particularly appreciating the opportunity to learn through play. Many participants reported changing their daily habits thanks to the knowledge acquired via NANDO.Quiz.
Net Promoter Score (NPS)
The NANDO.Quiz platform achieved a Net Promoter Score of 72 at Bocconi University, indicating very high satisfaction and willingness to recommend the initiative to other universities. Consequently, several Italian universities have already expressed interest in implementing similar projects on their campuses.
Technology and Digital Innovation
The NANDO.Quiz platform used at Bocconi University leverages cutting-edge technologies to ensure a smooth and engaging user experience. The cloud-based architecture allows scalability and accessibility from any mobile or desktop device.
Main Technical Features
- Mobile-first design: Interface optimized for smartphones, the primary device of university students
- Real-time analytics: Administrative dashboard to monitor engagement, progress, and areas for improvement
- Dynamic content: Quiz database continuously updated with new questions and challenges
- Social integration: Ability to share achievements and challenge friends via social networks
- Accessibility: Platform compliant with WCAG 2.1 standards to ensure inclusivity
The NANDO.Quiz infrastructure handled traffic peaks of over 3,000 concurrent users during weekly challenges. Additionally, the push notification system kept platform return rates high, with an average session duration of 8.5 minutes.
Concrete Sustainability Impact on Campus
The 60% improvement in waste disposal practices at Bocconi University resulted in tangible and measurable environmental benefits. The university recorded a significant reduction in general waste, with a corresponding increase in properly separated fractions.
Quantified Environmental Benefits
- +45% paper and cardboard correctly recycled compared to pre-project period
- +38% plastic sent to recycling thanks to better material separation
- -22% general waste produced overall by the campus
- Waste disposal cost reduction: Estimated €15,000 annual savings thanks to better separation
- Carbon footprint: Estimated reduction of 12 tons CO₂eq per year thanks to increased recycling
These results show how education and engagement initiatives can generate concrete impacts on the environmental sustainability of large organizations like Bocconi University. Therefore, the NANDO.Quiz model is a replicable and scalable tool for other educational institutions and companies.
Awards and Certifications
Thanks to the results achieved with NANDO.Quiz, Bocconi University received the Green Campus certification from Legambiente and ranked among the top 5 Italian universities for environmental sustainability in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2026.
The Future of Campus Sustainability
Bocconi University’s experience with NANDO.Quiz demonstrates how gamified digital platforms can create tangible impacts on waste management and promote responsible behaviors. The integration of technology, education, and environmental sustainability represents a virtuous model that can be replicated in other university, school, and corporate contexts.
The success of the initiative shows that cultural change toward sustainability requires not only regulations and infrastructure but also active engagement and practical training. Consequently, Bocconi University decided to extend the NANDO.Quiz project to subsequent academic years, introducing new features and more advanced challenges.
Next Steps of the Project
Building on the initial success, Bocconi University and NANDO are planning further developments:
- Platform expansion with modules dedicated to energy efficiency and sustainable mobility
- Partnerships with other Italian universities to create an inter-university sustainability league
- Integration with smart waste management systems via IoT sensors in campus bins
- Student ambassador program to promote sustainability best practices
- Academic research on the effectiveness of gamification in environmental education
Want to Engage Your Community in Sustainability?
Discover how NANDO.Quiz can help educate, engage, and raise awareness among users about proper recycling practices. Improve sustainable behaviors in your organization and create a real, measurable environmental impact, just like Bocconi University did.



