In Ascoli Piceno, Italy, the renovation of the XXV Aprile condominium, comprising 72 housing units, addressed significant challenges in energy efficiency and seismic safety.
The building, constructed in the 1980s, required substantial upgrades to be brought in line with modern insulation and construction standards. Through the combination of structural reinforcements and advanced insulation technologies, this project led to sizeable improvements in the building's energy performance, pushing it from energy efficiency Class F to Class A1.
This case study explores the interventions made, their alignment with European Union energy policies, and how similar approaches can be replicated across Europe to help meet the climate goals set out in the European Green Deal.
The XXV Aprile condominium is a textbook example of the difficulties that mid-20th-century construction represents across Europe. The building's poor thermal insulation led to high energy consumption, which placed it in energy efficiency Class F. Indoor comfort was low, and utility costs were high. Additionally, the region’s seismic risks required upgrades to the building’s structural integrity to meet safety standards.
These challenges were framed by the broader European Union climate objectives, notably those of the European Green Deal and Renovation Wave. These initiatives aim to modernise Europe’s building stock by focusing on energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and lowering overall energy consumption.
The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) sets forth strict guidelines for improving the energy performance of buildings, combining with Southern Europe’s need for heightened seismic safety measures. Furthermore, the project was undertaken in the context of Italy’s 110% Superbonus, which provided fiscal incentives for combined energy and structural upgrades.
A dual-track approach that targeted both energy efficiency and seismic resilience was implemented for the renovation of the XXV Aprile condominium. The solutions included the implementation of advanced insulation systems and structural reinforcement to ensure a comprehensive upgrade.
These interventions were well aligned with the EU’s energy and climate policies by reducing the building's energy demand, improving structural resilience, and maintaining its aesthetic integrity.
This large-scale renovation project required precise coordination between various trades, including structural engineers and energy efficiency specialists, and its success hinged on the integration of advanced insulation technologies.
For the lower floors, external wall insulation was applied, significantly improving the thermal resistance of the building. The upper floors and roof presented additional technical challenges due to their geometry and required the use of a ventilated insulation system. This approach produced optimised energy performance parameters by allowing airflow between the insulation layer and the building envelope, thus reducing moisture and preventing condensation.
The speed and efficiency of the installation process also played a key role in this project’s success, which was achieved without requiring residents to vacate their apartments. High-performance insulation panels were installed with minimal disruption, forming both the thermal barrier and a substructure for the building's external cladding. The project was completed within two years, which met the deadline set by Italy’s Superbonus program.
The renovation delivered substantial improvements in energy efficiency and seismic safety. The building’s energy performance classification improved from Class F to Class A1, reducing its energy consumption from 169.57 kWh/m² per year to 41.82 kWh/m² per year. This dramatic reduction in energy usage translated into significant cost savings for residents on heating bills.
Additionally, the building’s seismic resilience was greatly enhanced. The external structural reinforcements ensured that the building could withstand potential earthquakes. This dual approach of energy and structural upgrades also led to an increase in the building’s market value.
Further benefits included improved indoor air quality, enhanced thermal comfort, and the installation of a photovoltaic system on the roof, which contributes to the building’s energy self-sufficiency. Collectively, these measures reduced the building’s carbon footprint and contributed to the EU’s goal of a decarbonised and resilient building stock by 2050.
The success of the XXV Aprile condominium renovation demonstrates that such projects are not only feasible but scalable across Europe. By combining energy efficiency upgrades with seismic reinforcements, this type of renovation can be replicated across the EU to help meet its ambitious climate and energy goals.
Scaling these types of renovations which focus on enhancing insulation first to more buildings could significantly contribute to achieving the European Green Deal objectives, reducing household energy consumption, and making European homes safer and more resilient. With the forthcoming implementation of Minimum Energy Performance Standards under the EPBD, the insulation-first approach taken in this project provides a clear path for other stakeholders to follow.
