Adapting to the New EPBD Requirements
The first part of the roundtable was dedicated to building professionals and focused on the upcoming changes in regional building regulations in response to the revised European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The new CasaClima directive, soon to be implemented in South Tyrol, sets higher energy efficiency standards for new buildings and renovations. This session served as an important opportunity to share insights on how these European-level goals are being transposed into local regulations.
Financing the Transition: A Critical Challenge for Municipalities
The second session, titled “Municipal Climate Protection and Energy Transition in South Tyrol”, addressed a topic that’s becoming increasingly urgent: how to fund the deep renovation and decarbonisation of public buildings. The audience—composed largely of municipal representatives—was presented with an overview of current funding options, especially in light of the phasing out of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) funds that have so far enabled many retrofitting projects.
With NRRP support winding down, municipalities are searching for new ways to invest in energy efficiency. One promising opportunity lies in revenues from hydroelectric concession fees. These funds are expected to increase in upcoming calls and can be reinvested in the energy renovation of municipal buildings.
Innovative Solutions on the Horizon
Among the most innovative proposals discussed was the FIA Euregio+ project—an alternative investment fund with a budget of over €50 million. Its goal? To install at least 30 MW of photovoltaic capacity on public and private rooftops across the region. By promoting self-consumption and supporting the establishment of renewable energy communities, the initiative reflects a growing trend: municipalities are no longer just consumers of energy, but are becoming active producers and facilitators of sustainable solutions.
Local and National Incentives in Synergy
The event also shed light on the interplay between national and regional support schemes. The Autonomous Province of Bolzano offers financial contributions to top up national incentives from the “Conto Termico” scheme, managed by GSE. To help municipalities navigate these mechanisms, the CasaClima Agency’s information point for public authorities will be expanded and further integrated into the MESTRI-CE Advisory Hub, providing tailored support on funding, energy communities, and project development.
Lessons from Other Regions
While South Tyrol’s small and fragmented municipal structure presents challenges for implementing Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), the session featured valuable insights from Emilia-Romagna, where such models are already successfully deployed. The Agency for Energy and Sustainable Development (AESS) presented their experience, highlighting the importance of expert support to guide technical and administrative processes—especially when long-term energy savings are at stake.
Looking Ahead
The first roundtable session of MESTRI-CE not only provided practical knowledge but also kickstarted important conversations among stakeholders who are key to South Tyrol’s climate transition. With a strengthened Advisory Hub, upcoming capacity-building events, and a shared commitment to innovation, the region is setting a strong foundation for a more sustainable future.