Score - Sustainable Construction in Rural and Fragile Areas for Energy efficiency

The following guidelines come from a deep analysis of case studies, norms and regulations, in relation to the local level. This analysis is summarized in a card that can be downloaded in italian language.

The expression "aggregation/exposure for micro-climate control" means those building or functional solutions aimed more or less directly at the mitigation of microclimate. These solutions are observable in many examples of the architecture of tradition, with profound differences in relation with change of climate and geographical context. However, even if we consider only the MED area, we can see that Man has found very different solutions depending on the resources and the particular characteristics of the surrounding area. Therefore, a bioclimatic approach to building design also passes through the study of these solutions and through the definition of proposals that facilitate their diffusion in case of any cultural or bureaucratic resistances.

Among the direct benefits resulting from application of these solutions of aggregation / exposure have been highlighted:

• the reducing of consumption of energy resources through the maximization of use of renewable energies

•  the reduction of consumption of territory

• the reduction of environmental impact due to new constructions

• finally, as a social benefit, the ease to identify common areas where spend free time and socialize

Analyzing the difficulties encountered in the diffusion of solutions following criteria aggregation / exposure, were brought to light the following problems:

• a widespread cultural resistance for which is attributed a value to  buildings characteristics that lead to opposite type of solutions (private garden, private access etc.) 

• the lack of norms capable of rewarding the planning and the design of aggregative/exposure solutions (for example through incentives)

Indication for the Bio-construction action Plan 

Pursuant to the guidelines written above, are here synthetically reported the criteria/examples for pilot projects to be financed in MED territory, in relation with the specific treated theme. These criteria/examples, together with the ones resulting from all the themes of eco-construction tool matrix, will make up a Bio-construction Action Plan for each partner countries.

• realize normative orientations on a territorial scale able to guide the drafting of local master plans to the introduction of incentives (eg. volumetric prizes) for those who build following aggregative criteria or adopting solutions of correct environmental insertion of new housing in relation to micro-climate control (e.g. check the positioning of the new volumes in relation to the context with the aim to obtain suitable conditions of sunshine, shading, ventilation, etc., with the change of seasons)

• promotion of studies aimed to find solutions that would facilitate the recovery works of buildings with such criteria, often neglected (e.g. incentive solutions for the expansion of existing "nuclei")

• in relation to the cultural resistances, the promotion of initiatives of public awareness (eg. contests, educational projects, conferences or education for citizenship), regarding issues of public welfare, energy saving and environmental protection, fostering an attitude of sharing at the expense of current tendency to isolation and at the exclusive use of spaces. Pay more attention to cases where public spaces have an important role and consider some aspects of the recent experiments of cohousing, may facilitate the introduction of sustainable strategies for waste management, energy, water and environmental resources.

Possible criteria for MED bio-housing quality certificate

Different environmental certification systems contain sections / areas specifically dedicated to evaluation of aggregation modality of settlements. For example the LEED system considers several factors including the one called "Sustainable sites". Even the system Green Building Tool and its italian release "Protocollo ITACA" refer to these aspects. In Protocollo ITACA 2011 (last release) the "site quality" is the first criterion of judgment (A), according to the following sub-criteria: re-use of land, accessibility to public transport, functional mix of area, infrastructure closeness, common external areas, etc. Although the criterion "Quality Site" do not make explicitly refer to the aggregation of buildings, there are other criteria of the Protocollo ITACA who consider the disposition of the buildings on the site.

Therefore are not necessary further specifications of certification systems but we recommend a widespread use, today very unusual in Italy and Liguria, where the use of these systems is still very marginal.

Case studies

The case study relative to “Aggregation/exposure for micro-climatic control” is given inside the card in Italian language that can be downloaded below, notably in “ALLEGATO 2”

Download PDF (Italian language)