In recent years, sustainable engineering has become a key pillar in addressing the challenges of climate change, overconsumption of resources and pollution. The year 2024 marks a turning point in Italy with new initiatives, technologies and regulations designed to make the construction and infrastructure sector more environmentally friendly. In this article, we will explore the main innovations in Italy in the field of sustainable engineering and the opportunities these innovations offer.

Sustainable engineering focuses on designing and building infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact, using resources efficiently and promoting innovative solutions to reduce CO2 emissions. This approach includes the use of environmentally friendly materials, technologies that optimize energy consumption, and intelligent management of water and waste resources. The goal is to create works that not only meet society’s needs but do so in harmony with the environment.

The year 2024 in Italy brings with it major developments in sustainable engineering, thanks to a combination of new regulations, government incentives and cutting-edge technologies. Here are some of the highlights:

• Tighter Regulations for Sustainable Construction
  The Italian government introduced new laws in 2024 to regulate the construction of sustainable buildings and infrastructure. These include a requirement to include sustainability criteria in public and private projects, such as the use of recycled materials, the installation of renewable energy systems and the reduction of pollutant emissions. These regulations aim to push the construction sector to actively contribute to the country’s climate goals.
• Advanced Technologies for Energy Efficiency
  The year 2024 sees the expansion of smart building technologies, which allow energy consumption to be monitored and optimized in real time. Among these innovations are advanced automation systems for managing heating, cooling, and lighting, which reduce energy waste by up to 30 percent. These technologies are becoming a standard for new buildings, especially in Italian cities that aim to become smarter and more sustainable.
• Eco-Friendly Building Materials
  The building materials industry in Italy is making great strides toward sustainability. By 2024, the use of bio-based materials, such as certified wood, biopolymers and low-carbon concrete, is growing rapidly. The introduction of recycled materials, such as glass and reclaimed plastics, is revolutionizing the supply chain, reducing the overall environmental impact of construction projects.
• Renewable Energy Incentives
  To encourage the adoption of sustainable technologies, the Italian government has launched new tax incentives in 2024 for projects that integrate renewable energies such as solar PV, wind, and geothermal. These incentives aim to make green energy solutions more affordable for both large infrastructure and small residential projects. The goal is to achieve a significant share of renewable energy in the national energy mix by 2030.
• Sustainable Mobility and Green Infrastructure
  The transport sector is a major contributor to CO2 emissions. In 2024, Italy continues to invest in sustainable mobility infrastructure, with the expansion of bikeway networks, the encouragement of electric public transport, and the construction of green highways. In addition, many urban redevelopment projects are integrating green infrastructure, such as green roofs and urban parks, to improve air quality and increase biodiversity in cities.