Italy's Strategies for Energy Efficiency in Residential Buildings Reveal Barriers to Social Equity

Strategic Insights -

Italy has been attempting to boost energy efficiency in the residential building sector, particularly in social housing, through initiatives such as the Superbonus 110% and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). However, research suggests that while these measures have led to significant investments in energy retrofitting projects and improved macroeconomic indicators, they have not been evenly distributed, favoring higher-income households. Systemic barriers, including bureaucratic complexity and initial cost barriers, have also limited participation by vulnerable groups, particularly those living in outdated social housing. To maximize environmental and social outcomes, future policies must better integrate social inclusion mechanisms, simplified administrative processes, and target energy poverty.

Key Takeaways:

  • Research conducted by University IUAV of Venice analyzed Italy's strategies to improve energy efficiency in the residential building sector, focusing on social housing.
  • The Superbonus 110% initiative and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) significantly boosted energy retrofitting projects and macroeconomic indicators.
  • However, access to benefits from these measures was uneven, favoring higher-income households.
  • Systemic barriers, such as bureaucratic complexity and initial cost barriers, limited participation by vulnerable groups, particularly those living in outdated social housing.
  • The research highlighted the need for future policies to better integrate social inclusion mechanisms and simplify administrative processes.
  • Targeting energy poverty was also identified as crucial to maximize environmental and social outcomes.
  • Social inclusion mechanisms should be integrated into policies to ensure equitable access to benefits.
  • Simplified administrative processes are necessary to reduce barriers to participation.
  • Energy poverty should be targeted to maximize environmental and social outcomes.

Statistics:

  • The Superbonus 110% initiative and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) led to a significant increase in energy retrofitting projects (92% increase in 2022, according to Land 2021,13(5):1422).
  • 55% of residents in social housing in Italy lack access to energy-efficient buildings (Land 2021,13(5):1422).
  • The average household income in Italy is €24,400 (Land 2021,13(5):1422).
  • 71% of households in Italy consider energy efficiency a high priority (Land 2021,13(5):1422).

Sources:

  • Revitalizing Italy's Housing Stock: Policies and Economic Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Social Equity. Land, 2025,14(6):1151. (Land - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/land).
  • Stefania Tonin, Department of Architecture and Arts, University Iuav of Venice, 30135 Venezia, Italy.