HOME-EUROPE: energetic restyling

On 9 February, the European Commission approved the directive for the performance of buildings with all the parties in government in Italy voting against. It is requested that residential buildings reach class E by 2030 and D by 2033, public and non-residential buildings the same classes by 2027 and 2030. Buildings of particular value, second homes used for less than 4 months a year, social housing properties whose adjustments would lead to an increase in rents. Exceptions are envisaged for 22% of the properties no later than January 2037, above all for specific reasons linked to individual countries, such as the technical impossibility of carrying out all the necessary works.

In Europe, buildings use 40% of the energy and produce 36% of greenhouse gas emissions. 85% of these buildings will still be used in 2050. Their efficiency thus becomes a full part of the European energy transition strategy with the 2030 and 2050 appointments. The 2030 objectives are: -60% of emissions; -14% of final energy consumption; -18% consumption for heating and cooling, double the rate of building renovation.
What is the real situation of the Italian building heritage? These are old buildings, mostly built before 1972. The residential sector represents 85%, with over 12 million buildings, the non-residential sector 15%.
At least 8 million (of which 2,150,000 before 1918) were built before 1973 (the first year in which the first construction regulations were issued in Italy to reduce consumption). From 1971 to 2000 almost 5 million. From 2001 to 2020 approximately 1,300,000. As regards the energy classes, the properties are distributed as follows: G 34.3%; F 25.4%; And 16.3%. In the middle ones: D 9.8%; There is 4.4%. In the best performing ones: B 2.4%; A1 1.8%; A2 1.5%; A3 1.2%; A4 2.8%. According to Enea, there are almost 9 million (76%) buildings that need to be worked on (to get to class D, the proposal is by 2033). The passage of a building to a higher class is obtained on average through a 25% drop in consumption as various types of interventions such as: insulation; thermal power station change with heat pump; replacement of fixtures; photovoltaic installation. However, there are "minor" but extremely useful interventions: even just the use of intelligent thermostats for heating reduces consumption by 10/15%.

For existing non-resistance buildings, the aim is to reduce the consumption of primary energy by at least 15%, by 2030, 25% by 2033. For new buildings, the demands in terms of energy and from 2026 to 2030 it is intended to request the obligation of their certifications class A and with solar systems.

What will happen in Italy for the energy adaptation of homes? Many, few informed, have attacked the European goal. Rather, it would be useful to suggest solutions that respect all the investment hardships, the economic conditions of families, especially the weakest groups, capable of supporting interventions on social housing condominiums, and taking into account the particularities of historic centres. Let us remember that we are talking about an economic sector that can generate employment, to which to divert investments and incentives. There are many strategies to follow, in addition to the famous superbonus 110 that we have witnessed in recent years: for 110 alone, the State has spent 68.7 billion, complete with speculation, distortions and often unjustified price increases.
European decisions must, as always, be adapted to the specific situation of individual countries.

For years, Europe has been indicating and trying to align countries and choices on issues that are crucial for the future such as environmental protection, climate, energy. However, a more aware public opinion is needed, not only in Italy. In particular, in our country, opportunities for serious discussion on the merits of the issues should be created: in fact, significant changes in mentality and behavior are at stake in the medium and long term. It's no longer time for sterile and superficial discussions! In fact, I wonder: is the political and media scene really helping public opinion to become aware of the closure of the credit purchase market and the (substantial) cancellation of the superbonus, instead of proposing changes and improvements in view of the near future of the 75 % of our real estate assets?


Carlo Degiacomi
NP March 2023