Session
Adaptation of the Built Environment: Challenges and Opportunities in Light of the EPBD4 Directive
One of the most significant and timely challenges in the European landscape consists of the adaptation of the existing building stock in response to the new directive on the energy performance of buildings, EPBD4 (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive). For this purpose, the energy performance of the vast existing building stock should be strongly improved, through a systemic, integrated, and sustainable approach. The goal is ambitious: to make buildings not only more energy-efficient but also more resilient, digital, and socially inclusive.
In this context, urban and energy planning becomes crucial. Cities, as major centers of consumption and emissions, must take a leading role in the transition. An integrated approach is needed - one that combines urban planning, renewable energy technologies, sustainable mobility, and smart grid management. However, implementing the EPBD4 directive cannot overlook the social and economic dimensions of the transition. Renovation also means creating jobs, revitalizing local production chains, and above all, ensuring equity and accessibility. It is essential that the costs and benefits of the energy transition are distributed fairly, avoiding new forms of energy poverty and promoting inclusion.
During this session, experts, researchers, and institutional representatives will discuss technical solutions, governance models, financial tools, and social impacts with the shared goal of building a collective vision for a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive urban and energy future.
Presentations:
052 Baisi Ilaria, Implementing the “Green Homes” Directive: the role of ESCOs and Energy Performance Contracts in the renovation of the Built Environment
060 Karamanis Dimitrios, Expanding BIPV city deployment against urban and climate change related temperature increases: The BIPV-city project
130 Delli Paoli Marco, Reactivating post-industrial areas as enabling infrastructures for Positive Energy Districts: A strategic approach towards climate-neutral cities
241 Maracchini Gianluca, A Comparison of the Thermal Transmittance of two Insulation Systems for Building Energy Renovation
247 Bottino Leone Dario, Using a regional database of sustainable materials to lower the environmental impact of building retrofits
248 Poma Elena, Multidimensional decision-making approach for the retrofit of historic building typologies