Energy Transition and Urban planning: Highlights from SUR Lab’s contribution to Il Sole 24 Ore and Radiocor

Cities play a decisive role in meeting national and European energy objectives. This is the core message of the article “Un piano città per centrare gli obiettivi energetici” (Il Sole 24 Ore and Radiocore), featuring insights from SUR Lab – Sustainable Urban Regeneration Lab, Bocconi University.

With buildings accounting for over 40% of energy consumption and more than 30% of CO₂ emissions in Europe, and with Italy targeting 39.4% renewables in gross final energy consumption and at least 40.1% renewable coverage in buildings by 2030, the scale of the challenge is clear. According to Annamaria Bagaini, Researcher at SUR Lab, achieving these targets requires shifting from a narrow focus on building renovation toward a comprehensive “city strategy” that integrates renewable generation, storage systems, local distribution networks, and electric mobility within urban regeneration strategies.

The article highlights the significant potential of district heating, which could reduce energy consumption and imporve energy security and efficiency, as well as the strategic role of Renewable Energy Communities (RERs) in fostering local participation, reducing energy costs, and addressing energy poverty. At the same time, it stresses that without integrated planning tools and coordinated governance, energy innovation risks generating fragmented outcomes and social imbalances.

Through its research, SUR Lab continues to provide evidence-based insights to support integrated, socially inclusive urban energy transitions aligned with national and EU climate goals.