Italy enforces RED III renewable energy mandate for building renovations

On 3 August 2026 Italy’s Decreto Legislativo 5/2026, which transposes the EU RED III Directive (2023/2413), comes into force. The law expands the requirement to integrate renewable energy sources (FER) beyond new construction and primary refurbishments to include second‑level renovations and the replacement of heating systems. For any boiler replacement that changes the system type, at least 15 % of the installed capacity must be renewable, and envelope works such as thermal‑insulation must incorporate photovoltaic or hybrid solutions unless a technical exemption is documented.

The Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security clarified the definition of “heating system renovation.” Industry group Assotermica, led by President Giuseppe Lorubio, welcomed the decarbonisation push but urged a gradual rollout, neutral technology choice and financial tools to avoid burdening families and firms. The measure aims to accelerate Italy’s energy transition while maintaining a diversified technology portfolio.