As part of the debate that arose on the approach of the European EPBD IV directive, known as the “green homes” directive, the President of GBC Italia, Capaccioli, declared: “Thinking of a transition path towards a green home at the total expense of Italians’ wallets is not possible. We also have an obligation with respect to the EPBD IV directive, the green homes directive, which will impose an important path. There will have to be a public contribution, which comes from Europe or from the availability of our country, but it cannot be entirely borne by the Italians”.
According to the estimates presented, an energy requalification intervention today requires an initial investment of between 40 and 50 thousand euros. However, this outlay can be amortized over a period of 8-10 years. The recovery of capital occurs through two main channels: the structural reduction of energy bills and the increase in the asset value of the housing unit. On the contrary, failure to comply with European regulations would entail the risk of a progressive devaluation of existing real estate assets.
Despite the long-term benefits, transforming the housing stock requires coordinated institutional support. Italy currently ranks among the top ten countries in the world for investments in sustainable construction. “Italy is the only European country in the list of ten countries in the world that have invested in sustainable homes. It is a record that also speaks of the know-how of Made in Italy. When we say that we don’t have to learn anything from anyone, we say something true, because we have skills and knowledge that we know how to ground”, explained Capaccioli.
The challenge of sustainability is moving towards the concept of smart cities, where building management is integrated with a systemic logic of resource containment. Investing in the home asset therefore means participating in an urban transformation that requires regulatory stability and a framework of incentives capable of accompanying businesses and citizens on a path that cannot be entrusted exclusively to the initiative of individuals.