Energy and Sustainable Strategies in the Renovation of Existing Buildings: An Italian Case Study

Pierluigi De Berardinis,Luisa Capannolo,Marianna Rotilio

doi:10.3390/su9081472

Pierluigi De Berardinis, Luisa Capannolo + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su9081472

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Aug 19, 2017
Citations: 15	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of L'Aquila

Abstract

The re-use of historical buildings, in some cases those that have been abandoned for years, is currently generating a lot of interest, and brings into discussion topics such as land recycling and the use of new resources. Our project on the rehabilitation of the former San Salvatore hospital in L’Aquila is an example of this re-use, and illustrates how best-practice strategies can be implemented in the rehabilitation of an existing building. There were two themes of evaluation: firstly, the adaptive re-use of a historical building of great impact in a strategic position within the urban core; secondly, the implementation of sustainable strategies when upgrading both the building envelope and building systems.

Highlights

The Italian peninsula, from north to south, is full of abandoned structures, in the suburbs, and within historical centers
Our project on the rehabilitation of the former San Salvatore hospital in L’Aquila is an example of this re-use, and illustrates how best-practice strategies can be implemented in the rehabilitation of an existing building
Understanding how the enhancement and renovation of existing buildings can be accomplished without the need for new building and further loss of land to construction requires reflection on how action can be taken across such a vast context, encompassing varying and considerable interests

Summary

Introduction

The Italian peninsula, from north to south, is full of abandoned structures, in the suburbs, and within historical centers. In Europe, approximately 35% of buildings are currently more than 50 years old [2]. These buildings are seldom equipped with adequate insulation systems or facilities, and for this reason, they are referred to as “eco-monsters”; in other words, they are highly energy-consuming buildings. Owned, disused building stock (some sources indicate approximately 5 million units in Italy) is in the same critical condition, with the worst affected being historical villages, many of which are in an irreversible state of neglect. The motivation behind the research illustrated below is the knowledge that action is required for our abandoned or neglected built heritage rather than for vacant areas [3]

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