The goal of climate neutrality by 2050 drives the building sector towards stricter control of processes and products, leading to a substantial reduction of embodied carbon throughout the life cycle. Many of the most used insulation materials have a high carbon footprint, mainly due to the production phase (from cradle to gate). The need to reduce these impacts has led to the implementation of materials whose predominant raw material is recycled material in order to reduce the embodied carbon. The contribution presents the results of a research work that analysed the potential of insulation materials obtained from textile waste, evaluating not only their energy performance but also, above all, their environmental impact in terms of carbon footprint. It starts from a state-of-the-art analysis of the main traditional and new-generation thermal insulation materials, not only in relation to performance but also to environmental impacts, in order to investigate the opportunities offered using insulation materials designed according to circular models (10R) and produced with industrial and/or post-consumer waste fabrics, through a carbon footprint comparison. To support the choice of this type of insulation, a multi-criteria evaluation method is proposed through which the comparative analysis of the most significant insulation products selected is carried out.

The goal of optimizing material resources and the polyvalent use of space lead to the development of new technologies within a renewed architectural spatiality, which from the point of view of effectiveness of choices allow for low-carbon buildings. The climate emergency, in fact, asks us today to reinterpret Vitruvius’ concept of Firmitas according to the criteria of durability reliability and resilience associated with widespread usability functionality and circularity (Utilitas) traceable throughout the life cycle a building. The paper illustrates the results of a scientific research project that led to the construction of a prototype of a “minimal” residence, designed and built with the “total low” approach, characterized by regenerative design, economy, lightness, ease of assembly, recyclability, as well as excellent overall performance and high levels of comfort. The idea of a building, easily assembled and disassembled, is a strength of the “Petite-Cabane” design concept: a 3x3 m single-user minimum residential unit made with the Light Gauge Steel Building System (LGS) produced with controlled automatically roll forming machine, for which high technological and energy performance envelope packages. The design of a small house becomes the “mise en forme” of a space in which “essential” equipment, energy performance, architectural qualities, economic and environmental costs are linked to the ease and immediacy of construction but also to the flexibility and circularity of technological choices.

The goal of optimizing material resources and the polyvalent use of space lead to the development of new technologies within a renewed architectural spatiality, which from the point of view of effectiveness of choices allow for low-carbon buildings. The climate emergency, in fact, asks us today to reinterpret Vitruvius’ concept of Firmitas according to the criteria of durability reliability and resilience associated with widespread usability functionality and circularity (Utilitas) traceable throughout the life cycle a building. The paper illustrates the results of a scientific research project that led to the construction of a prototype of a “minimal” residence, designed and built with the “total low” approach, characterized by regenerative design, economy, lightness, ease of assembly, recyclability, as well as excellent overall performance and high levels of comfort. The idea of a building, easily assembled and disassembled, is a strength of the “Petite-Cabane” design concept: a 3x3 m single-user minimum residential unit made with the Light Gauge Steel Building System (LGS) produced with controlled automatically roll forming machine, for which high technological and energy performance envelope packages. The design of a small house becomes the “mise en forme” of a space in which “essential” equipment, energy performance, architectural qualities, economic and environmental costs are linked to the ease and immediacy of construction but also to the flexibility and circularity of technological choices.

Sustainable building management requires creative interpretation of direct user needs, a skilful balance between technological innovation and applied research into the concept of “Possible Quality”. Med-EcoSuRe research project proposes a pragmatic approach to innovation, whereby experimentation involving the active engagement of end users is conducted with particular focus on human-environment centred design. The objective of this approach is to disseminate effective energy efficiency strategies in university buildings through a cross-border Living Lab. Physical and virtual tools were implemented to foster dialogue and collaboration between academics, decision-makers and stakeholders, and to support university energy managers in planning and implementing innovative energy measures. This paper, starting from a rapid illustration of the results of the research project, illustrates the value enhancing actions post-closure of the project, in progress and/or planned.