Reducing the energy costs of public administrations allows them to limit their carbon footprint and support energy transition. How and where can action be taken? For example, in the upgrading of buildings, making school buildings more efficient, public lighting and use of renewable energy sources.

Public Administration (PA) in general covers a vast range of structures and services that include public buildings, hospitals, schools, street lighting and other essential goods and services. The sector's energy consumption is undoubtedly significant, however there are numerous opportunities to implement energy-saving strategies.

According to an ENEA (Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l'energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile [Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development]) analysis, Italy has over 13,000 publicly owned buildings, 60% of which are classified in energy class E, F or G, i.e. the lowest and most inefficient classes. These classes cover buildings that consume a considerable amount of energy for heating, cooling and lighting, highlighting an urgent need for energy upgrades.

To achieve these goals, it is crucial to implement a strategy that starts with careful assessment of the energy consumption, identifying waste and inefficiencies. This allows identification of the areas with the greatest potential for savings, measuring costs against expected benefits.

To make informed choices and wise investments, the first step is to carry out an energy audit, aimed at investigating the conditions and performance of properties through surveys and on-site collection of data and information.

According to Legislative Decree 102/2014 (Implementation of the Energy Efficiency Directive 2012/27/EU), an energy audit is a “systematic procedure aimed at obtaining adequate knowledge of the energy consumption profile of a building or group of buildings, an industrial or commercial activity or plant, or of public or private services, to identify and quantify energy saving opportunities in cost-benefit terms and report on the results”.

An energy audit is required for all renovation works by public administrations, in compliance with Legislative Decree 115/2008 and the subsequent Minimum Environmental Criteria (MEC) Decree.

The results of the energy audit enable the identification of priority areas for action, which, in most cases, involve several areas of intervention:

· installation of photovoltaic panels on public buildings and the integration of other forms of renewable energy, such as geothermal or wind power, can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower energy costs;
· implementing building automation technologies allows more efficient monitoring and management of energy consumption. Energy management systems can supply real-time data on consumption, facilitating timely action to reduce waste;
· upgrading of air-conditioning systems in the buildings, replacing the existing systems with more efficient and modern technological solutions;
· providing smart lighting solutions with control systems and smart technologies that allow an evolution from more traditional systems;
· carrying out relamping with energy-efficient and durable LED devices;
· upgrading of the building envelope, whether opaque or transparent, with the installation of insulating materials and the replacement of windows and doors.

Implementing these technologies will do more than just reduce operating costs for public administrations; it will also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the sustainability and energy saving goals promoted at a national and European level.

The European strategy places great emphasis on energy efficiency as a key tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving environmental sustainability and ensuring a more responsible use of resources. The approval of the EPBD IV, known as the Green Buildings Directive, is an integral part of the European Green Deal and a step in the right direction: buildings in Europe must progressively reduce their energy consumption.

For residential buildings, the requirement is for a reduction in the average primary energy of at least 16% by 2030 and of 20-22% by 2035. These deadlines are brought forward for public administrations: Article 7 of the directive requires zero emissions for new buildings owned by public bodies from 1 January 2028. The same requirement will come into force for public buildings in general from 1 January 2030.

Energy upgrading of educational buildings is a key strategy for public administrations in their transition towards greater efficiency and sustainability. The upgrading is also aimed at making them safer, healthier and more functional. According to the data from Legambiente’s 23rd School Ecosystem Report, energy efficiency in schools is still particularly low and, considering educational buildings as a whole, only 5.4% fall into class A, while as many as 73% are in classes E, F and G.

As with other buildings, a series of energy efficiency improvement measures can also be implemented in educational facilities, such as building insulation, replacement of obsolete heating and cooling systems with more efficient solutions, and installation of controlled mechanical ventilation to ensure maximum comfort and healthy air. Installation of photovoltaic panels, building automation and smart energy management systems can further reduce energy consumption and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

Remote control of the heating system is certainly a solution that can lead to substantial savings: the ability to monitor and manage boiler operation and heat distribution ensures optimal comfort while reducing wastage.

One of the main reasons an administration should invest in smart street lighting projects lies in the energy savings and reduction in costs. Both the installation of LEDs, which make the lighting system more efficient, and smart lighting technologies that adapt the light to the real needs ensure savings in energy and costs.