The Valorisation of Energy as a Financial Lever in Italy’s Renovation Wave The CasaClima Agency and Rete Irene—an Italian benefit corporation specialising in the integrated energy renovation of existing buildings—have recently renewed their technical and scientific collaboration. In light of this, we spoke with Manuel Castoldi, president of Rete Irene, to explore the post–110% Superbonus landscape and understand which tools can effectively stimulate Italy’s Renovation Wave. From Tax Deductions to Smarter Incentives One of the clearest shifts on the horizon is the gradual transition away from large-scale tax deductions toward more controllable incentive schemes. Instruments such as Conto Termico 3.0 are emerging as more sustainable alternatives for the state, allowing for predictable budget management while still supporting energy efficiency improvements. This evolution means that energy itself becomes the primary financial lever—a tool that helps private citizens and public administrations alike recognise the tangible value of energy efficiency. Energy as an Immediate and Long-Term Benefit Energy efficiency already provides immediate relief by reducing increasingly heavy energy bills—an especially relevant factor in Italy, a country that imports nearly all of its energy. But the advantages extend far beyond the short term. By valorising the economic value of energy saved, it becomes possible to reinvest accumulated profits into additional efficiency upgrades, creating a virtuous circle of improvement. This approach mirrors the logic of ESCOs, especially when paired with EPC contracts that provide concrete, measurable benefits for the end user. Building Awareness of Energy’s Real Value To fully unlock this potential, Italy needs a stronger cultural understanding of the true value of energy savings—not only from an environmental standpoint, but also from social and economic perspectives. This means integrating a broader spectrum of financial instruments—traditional, innovative, or blended—always with a single goal: maximising benefits for the end user. Thinking Beyond a 10-Year Horizon A crucial point raised by Castoldi is the need for the state to adopt a longer-term perspective. In Italy, private residential property is highly fragmented, and 30-year mortgages are already the norm. Public policies should reflect these realities. At the same time, banks and financial institutions have an important role to play. By leveraging European green funds, they can offer genuinely favourable lending conditions for energy efficiency investments—transforming renovation from a burden into an opportunity. A Win-Win Strategy for All Ultimately, energy efficiency is a win-win solution: Households save money and improve comfort The financial sector gains stable, green investment opportunities The state stabilises expenditures while reducing emissions Society benefits from healthier, more efficient buildings By treating energy as a strategic financial asset rather than a mere commodity, Italy can accelerate its Renovation Wave and transition toward a more sustainable, resilient future.
