Toward a Technical Characterization of Green Neighborhoods in North-Eastern Italy

Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) introduced by EU directive 2018/2001 offer a promising approach to achieve the goal of “Zero Energy” at a wider scale. A conscious energy transition process, challenging the upgrade of existing building stock, overcomes actions on individual buildings by the potential of green neighborhoods, where energy mutualization allows for more efficient use of resources and opens up possibilities for retrofitting existing buildings and community involvement in long-term participatory processes, not limited to RECs conception but leading to shared management of the neighborhood. A wider definition (sustainable and efficient district) is desirable to bring together sustainability issues, not limited to decarbonization goals. Thus, establishing a SED requires information support, monitoring facilities, and training networks, support from public and private actors, and technical criteria for assessing opportunities and potentials. Identifying suitable sites for SEDs cannot disregard a case-based strategy that also considers the impacts of parameters related to urban form. Community involvement must also be evaluated, though limitations could be found in sharing technical information, needs changing over time, increasing requirements, and conflicting interests. The University of Trieste is actively involved in promoting and co-designing public housing projects. In particular, this contribution defines the contents to evaluate a SED, drawing up efficiency and sustainability criteria, capable of assisting local stakeholders, designers, and citizens.