Energy efficiency in historic buildings

The particularity of cultural heritage and its interaction with the theme of energy efficiency has often been analysed either for the purposes of integrating climate control systems in listed buildings, which can be quite a complicated problem [ASHRAE, 2003] [CIBSE, 2002], or in the framework of the conservation of cultural heritage, using approaches which at times can be overly sectoral – [Tetreault, 2003]. Within the broad definition of cultural heritage (Fig. 1), energy issues need to be considered, firstly, in relation to buildings of historical and cultural importance, an important category as regards energy consumption [De Santoli, 2009]. In this case, therefore, we shall speak of the historic building, i.e. a building that has value as a historical landmark and as a testimony of cultural heritage. See also [EHS, 2004] [Jokilehto, 2007] for an operational definition of a historic building. An analysis of the distribution of Italy's real estate provides an indication of the high incidence of buildings built before the middle of last century. In the case of historic buildings, complete lack of compliance with the European directive 92/CE/2002 is not acceptable. In fact, even in the most delicate cases, such as when decorated surfaces or fixtures of particular value make it impossible for work to be carried out on the building envelope, it is still possible to improve energy efficiency, sometimes quite effectively, using, for example, efficient energy production systems, renewable energy systems and appropriate monitoring and management technologies, while respecting the historical, artistic and landscape values of the buildings. Directive 2002/91/EC on energy efficiency in buildings, recognizing the particularity of cultural heritage, in Article 4, paragraph 3 states that " Member States may decide not to set or apply the requirements introduced for buildings and monuments officially protected as part of a designated environment or because of their special architectural or historic merit, where compliance with the requirements would unacceptably alter their character or appearance ". These indications were included in Legislative Decree 192/05 and then Legislative Decree 311/06, which in Article 6 states that " This decree does not apply to [...] buildings that fall under the regulations of Part II and Article 136, paragraph 1, letters b) and c) of Legislative Decree 22 January 2004, No 42, listed under cultural heritage and landscape, when the requirements involve an unacceptable alteration of their character or appearance, especially their historical or artistic characteristics; (...) ". In fact, …