Italy expands building energy bonuses and pushes holistic urban renovation

The municipal council of Pietrasanta will vote on a simplified maintenance amendment that widens the ecobonus to all building types, removing the previous restriction to residential properties. The measure also adds provisions for removing architectural barriers, redeveloping Via Santini, and enhancing parking facilities. As assessor Ermanno Sorbo said, “Supporting energy‑efficient upgrades must also be an opportunity for economic growth for our local firms and property owners.”

Labor unions and environmental groups in Florence welcomed the city’s plan to install a photovoltaic system on the Mercafir site but warned that a single project is insufficient. CGIL, Legambiente and university researchers urged the municipality to adopt a comprehensive urban‑regeneration strategy that integrates renewable energy, green spaces and sustainable logistics, viewing the area as a potential innovation laboratory.

A Senate conference co‑hosted by VELUX and the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine highlighted the need to move “beyond efficiency.” VELUX Vice‑President Raffaella Berardo stressed that institutions, industry and professionals must collaborate to improve indoor air quality, natural lighting and ventilation, linking health benefits directly to building renovation.