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Revitalizing Italy’s Housing Stock: Policies and Economic Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Social Equity

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  • Stefania Tonin

    (Department of Architecture and Arts, University Iuav of Venice, 30135 Venezia, Italy)

Abstract

This paper critically analyzes Italy’s strategies to improve energy efficiency in the residential building sector, focusing on social housing. Using a policy-oriented qualitative research design supported by secondary data analysis, the study examines key instruments such as the Superbonus 110% initiative and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). It explores how these measures align with the European Green Deal and address the dual challenges of ecological transition and social equity. Findings reveal that while the Superbonus and PNRR investments significantly boosted energy retrofitting projects and macroeconomic indicators, access to benefits was uneven, favoring higher-income households. The analysis also highlights systemic barriers, such as bureaucratic complexity and initial cost barriers, that limit participation by vulnerable groups, particularly those living in outdated social housing. The paper concludes that future policies must better integrate social inclusion mechanisms, simplified administrative processes, and effectively target energy poverty to maximize environmental and social outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefania Tonin, 2025. "Revitalizing Italy’s Housing Stock: Policies and Economic Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Social Equity," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:6:p:1151-:d:1664472
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Abdul Rahman, Mohd Shahril & Awang, Mariah & Jagun, Zainab Toyin, 2024. "Polycrisis: Factors, impacts, and responses in the housing market," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    2. Ivan Faiella & Luciano Lavecchia, 2015. "Energy Poverty in Italy," Politica economica, Società editrice il Mulino, issue 1, pages 27-76.
    3. Avanzini, Marcello & Pinheiro, Manuel Duarte & Gomes, Ricardo & Rolim, Catarina, 2022. "Energy retrofit as an answer to public health costs of fuel poverty in Lisbon social housing," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C).
    4. Iana Liadze & Corrado Macchiarelli & Paul Mortimer‐Lee & Patricia Sanchez Juanino, 2023. "Economic costs of the Russia‐Ukraine war," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(4), pages 874-886, April.
    5. Croon, T.M. & Hoekstra, J.S.C.M. & Dubois, U., 2024. "Energy poverty alleviation by social housing providers: A qualitative investigation of targeted interventions in France, England, and the Netherlands," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 192(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Spyros Niavis & George Petrakos & Kleoniki-Natalia Petrou & Yiannis Saratsis, 2025. "Assessing the Impact of Smart and Green Transition Policies on Spatial and National Income Inequalities in EU Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-27, August.

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