The integration of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a growing reality in the building production sector. Through this integration, it is possible to improve the efficiency of management, maintenance, use and planning of conservation operations, providing an integrated and dynamic vision of the built environment. Simultaneous exchange of BIM-GIS elements in a shared environment facilitates information access and optimizes processes like requalification, activity planning, safety and sustainable urban design. Two alternative strategies are proposed for the multidisciplinary approach, using advanced technologies to acquire, process and manage detailed and georeferenced data. The first one is an open-source environment to guarantee flexibility, customization and accessibility. The second option, in a closed-source environment, provides advanced functionalities and dedicated support. Both require careful planning, detailed analysis and collaboration between the disciplines of architecture, engineering and geoinformatics. The study transcends theoretical analysis by exploring practical implications for real-world systems integration, examining their advantages, limitations and potential synergies in terms of flexibility, security and sustainability. This will enable a more efficient and comprehensive management of the architectural heritage and the built environment, contributing to its preservation and enhancement in the context of the digital transition in a future perspective of smart cities.

Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings plays a pivotal role in realizing the ambitious objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the European Green Deal. Roofs represent the technical element most affected by energy phenomena related to heat transfer: in winter, roofing can lose up to 35% of heat, and the summer heat flux can even be higher. This paper provides a catalogue of optimized and sustainable solutions, with a specific focus on standardization and prefabrication principles, for enhancing the energy efficiency of the most prevalent types of roofs that characterize the national residential building heritage. The methodological approach that guided the research presented in this article was based on the identification and study of the most common roofings in the diverse national residential building heritage, followed by their classification according to their construction era. In the context of essential energy retrofitting of deteriorated residential building stock, 21 optimized standardized solutions have been identified. The outcome of performance evaluations of the proposed solutions allowed the implementation of a matrix that can be a valuable support for designers in selecting the most efficient precalculated and prefabricated solutions for the national residential building heritage based on energy performance and sustainability criteria.

The building and construction sector has a significant impact on the CO₂ emissions and pollutants released into the atmosphere, which contribute to climate change. The EPDB Directive mandates the achievement of minimum energy class E for all residential buildings by 2030 and energy class D by 2033. Particularly, in Italy, about 86% of the existing building stock predates the enactment of any energy laws or regulations, making it imperative to apply the energy efficiency interventions. This paper provides a support decision tool for the identification of the standardized interventions in the building envelope, the air conditioning system, and domestic hot water production. This study is focused on a specific construction period class (1976–1990) in six different climatic zones. The methodological approach is based on a cataloguing phase and the definition of ante operam energy classes as well as on case study identification, energy requalification intervention identification, solution simulations, and cost estimation. By simulating the standardized interventions for each climatic zone, a range of possible combinations is identified. The most advantageous ones are determined based on a cost–benefit analysis considering the potential class jump achieved. The research result is a matrix of energy efficiency interventions that is applicable to each climatic zone and can be extended to the existing housing stock.

The building and construction sector significantly impacts CO₂ emissions and atmospheric pollutants, contributing to climate change. Improving energy efficiency in buildings is essential to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the European Green Deal. This study presents a decision-support tool for energy retrofit interventions in existing residential buildings. The methodological approach begins with the identification and classification of common roof and wall types in the national residential building stock, segmented by construction period, followed by defining optimized, pre-calculated standardized solutions. The performance evaluations of proposed solutions resulted in a matrix designed to guide practitioners in selecting pre-calculated, efficient, and sustainable prefabricated solutions based on energy performance criteria. The tool developed from this matrix enables preliminary energy assessment, offering an overview of potential retrofit interventions. It assists designers in identifying specific cases based on construction period, building type, and climate zone, allowing for the selection of standardized solutions, energy pre-analyses, energy and cost-saving simulations, and access to detailed performance sheets. Unlike other tools requiring extensive input on opaque envelope components and thermo-physical calculations, this tool streamlines the selection process of vertical and roof closures based on construction age and building type. Additionally, the tool estimates potential economic savings and the Net Present Value (NPV) of proposed insulation solutions, identifying available incentives for the intervention.

Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) are central to Europe’s strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing a sustainable, decentralized energy system. RECs aim to transform consumers into prosumers—individuals who both produce and consume energy—thereby enhancing energy efficiency, local autonomy, and citizen engagement. This study introduces a novel Geographic Information System (GIS)-based methodology that integrates socio-economic and spatial data to support the design of optimal REC configurations. QGIS 3.40.9 “Batislava” tool is used to simulate site-specific energy distribution scenarios, enabling data-driven planning. By combining a Composite Energy Vulnerability Index (CEVI), Rooftop Solar Potential (RSP), and the distribution of urban gardens (UGs), the approach identifies priority urban zones for intervention. Urban gardens offer multifunctional public spaces that can support renewable infrastructures while fostering local resilience and energy equity. Applied to the city of Rome, the methodology provides a replicable framework to guide REC deployment in vulnerable urban contexts. The results demonstrate that 11 of the 18 highest-priority areas already host urban gardens, highlighting their potential as catalysts for collective PV systems and social engagement. The proposed model advances sustainability objectives by integrating environmental, social, and spatial dimensions—positioning RECs and urban agriculture as synergistic tools for inclusive energy transition and climate change mitigation.

The building and construction sector has a significant impact on CO2 emissions and pollutants released into the atmosphere, which contribute to climate change. The EPDB Directive mandates the achievement of a minimum energy class E for all residential buildings by 2030 and an energy class D by 2033. Particularly, in Italy, about 86% of the existing building stock predates the enactment of any energy laws and regulations, making it imperative to apply the energy efficiency interventions. This paper provides a support decision tool for the identification of standardized interventions on the envelope, air conditioning system and domestic hot water production. The study is focused on a specific construction period class (1976 - 1990) in six different climatic zones. The methodological approach is based on a cataloguing phase and definition of Ante Operam energy classes, on the case study identification, the energy requalification interventions identification, solutions simulations, cost estimation. By simulating standardized interventions for each climatic zone, a range of possible combinations will be identified. The most advantageous ones will be determined based on a cost-benefit analysis, considering the potential class jump achieved. The research result is a matrix of energy efficiency interventions that is applicable to each climatic zone and can be extended to the existing housing stock.