Italy enforces tougher renewable energy requirements for building renovations

Effective 3 August 2026, Italy will apply the EU Red III directive to new construction and major building renovations. Projects must demonstrate that a set share of their heating, cooling and hot‑water demand is met by renewable‑energy installations.

For new private buildings the minimum share is 60 % (65 % for public projects). First‑level renovations—affecting more than 50 % of the floor area and including boiler replacement—must cover 40 % of the energy demand with renewables. Second‑level renovations—affecting over 25 % of the floor area—must meet a 15 % renewable share, even when only the heating system is replaced. The requirement for new builds remains at 60 % (private) and 65 % (public). All projects must also meet minimum electrical power standards.

If the renewable‑energy quota is not satisfied, the building permit cannot be issued unless the applicant proves a technical or economic impossibility and documents this in a legal report. The new rules were published in the Official Gazette on 4 February 2026.