Financing climate-neutral and climate-resilient urban regeneration: SUR Lab presents its annual research
On 2 July 2026, the Sustainability and Resilience (SUR) Lab at Bocconi University will host the workshop "Financing Instruments for Climate Neutrality and Climate Resilience in Urban Regeneration Projects: Evidence and Perspectives", presenting the SUR Lab's Annual Position Paper.
Urban regeneration represents a strategic opportunity to accelerate the climate transition of cities by reducing greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening resilience across key sectors, including the built environment, sustainable mobility, urban green infrastructure, energy systems and water management. However, achieving ambitious climate objectives requires significant investments. In a context of constrained public budgets, innovative financing instruments capable of mobilising private capital are becoming increasingly important.
The SUR Lab Annual Position Paper examines a range of financing mechanisms that can support the integration of climate mitigation and adaptation measures into urban regeneration projects. The research analyses the opportunities offered by different financial instruments, identifies enabling conditions—such as supportive regulatory frameworks, bankable projects and clear screening criteria—and discusses the main barriers to their wider adoption, including complexity, limited standardisation and insufficient market awareness.
Building on the findings of the research, the workshop will foster dialogue among representatives from academia, financial institutions, public authorities and the private sector to explore opportunities and challenges associated with financing climate-oriented urban regeneration. The discussion aims to provide evidence and practical insights for policymakers, investors and practitioners working to deliver more sustainable, resilient and climate-neutral cities.
Programme
Welcome and Introduction
- Edoardo Croci, Director, SUR Lab, Bocconi University
Presentation of the SUR Lab Annual Research
- Tania Molteni, Research Fellow, SUR Lab, Bocconi University
Climate Neutrality in Cities: The Experience of the Municipality of Bologna
- Anna Lisa Boni, Deputy Mayor for International Relations, European Funds and Climate Mission, Municipality of Bologna
European Investment Bank Financing Instruments for Climate-Oriented Urban Regeneration
- Andrea Colantonio, Lead Economist, Urban Development, European Investment Bank (EIB)
Panel Discussion – Financing Instruments: Public and Private Perspectives
- Alessandro Busci, Head of Fund Management, Prelios SGR
- Massimiliano Pulice, Head of Urban Regeneration, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP)
- Raoul Ravara, Senior Managing Director and Country Head Italy, Hines
Closing Remarks
- Edoardo Croci, Director, SUR Lab, Bocconi University
The workshop is free of charge, but registration is required. The event will be held in Italian.
To register: https://eventi.unibocconi.it/index.php?key=ev20260702lb
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