The hygrothermal behaviour of an internally insulated historic wall is still hard to predict, mainly because the physical characteristics of the materials composing the historic wall are unknown. In this study, the hygrothermal assessment of an internally thermal insulated masonry wall of an historic palace located in Ferrara, in Italy, is shown. In situ non-destructive monitoring method is combined with a hygrothermal simulation tool, aiming to better analyse and discuss future refurbishment scenarios. In this context, the original U-value of the wall (not refurbished) is decreased from 1.44 W/m²K to 0.26 W/m²K (10 cm stone wool). Under the site specific conditions of this wall, not reached by the sun or rain, it was verified that even in the absence of vapour barrier, no frost damage is likely to occur and the condensation risk is very limited. Authors proposed further discussion based on simulation. The results showed that the introduction of a second gypsum board to the studied technology compensated such absence, while the reduction of the insulation material thickness provides a reduction of RH peaks in the interstitial area by 1%; this second solution proved to be more efficient, providing a 3% RH reduction and the avoidance of further thermal losses.

Space heating and cooling (H&C) constitute nearly half of Europe’s total energy consumption, yet only 23% of this demand is fulfilled by renewable sources. Green H&C technologies, characterized by both renewable energy usage and energy efficiency, remain underutilized despite their significant environmental and economic advantages. This study aims to identify the socio-economic barriers and drivers influencing the adoption of green H&C technologies across Europe. Employing a comprehensive analysis of policy, technological, and market dynamics, this study indicates how a synergy of policy frameworks and market forces can enhance the diffusion of these sustainable technologies. The results showed that key barriers, including dependence on fossil fuels, electricity supply challenges, lack of professional know-how, inertia, and concerns over noise and supply security, can be substantially mitigated through strategic policymaking and technological advancements. Moreover, policy measures, subsidies, incentives, R&D activities, and regulatory frameworks can effectively reduce uncertainties and enhance the competitiveness of green H&C systems compared to conventional methods.

There is currently a growing interest in lowering energy demand and, consequently, greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors. Several attempts by national governments to reduce energy demand are centered on the residential sector, since it accounts for a significant amount of the final energy demand. In order to estimate its energy demand and to evaluate the techno-economic effects of adopting energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies, there are comprehensive models suited for residential applications, since energy demand characteristics of the residential sector are complicated and interrelated. Based on these models, several tools are nowadays available to support designers and policymakers. These tools are designed to be user-friendly and to include the possibility to develop simulated scenarios for energy demand, production of CO₂ emissions, and economic costs. The present study aims to offer an up-to-date extended overview of the most functional and widespread tools for the assessment of the current energy demand of the European building stock for space heating and cooling demand, both regarding open source and commercial licenses. Results highlighted the tools most commonly used by examining real applications, identifying their strengths and weaknesses and pinpointing the primary deficiencies for the benefit of future developers.

The abandonment and deterioration of historic rural buildings in Europe raise significant issues, including hydrogeological risks, the loss of productive land, and cultural heritage decline. Despite being underestimated, these structures hold significant potential for cultural and productive activities. Renovating these structures is crucial for local communities committed to preserving their heritage, and it is a more sustainable approach than constructing new buildings. This study explores activities undertaken in the Interreg IT/AT project “SHELTER” in Valbrenta (IT): through a participatory approach involving communities, stakeholders, designers, and researchers, an energy concept is developed for refurbishing an abandoned tobacco farm, chosen by the community, to be an alpine hut. Due to the inability to connect to the city electricity grid, the new energy concept focuses on minimizing consumption through envelope refurbishment, efficient heating, and domestic hot water systems. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy sources, particularly Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), is emphasized to preserve the building’s original appearance. This study demonstrates the feasibility of meeting seasonal energy needs entirely through renewables and explores the potential integration of biomass for meeting annual energy requirements.