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Exploring Energy Literacy in Italian Social Housing: A Survey of Inhabitants Preparing the Ground for Climate Transition

Author

Listed:
  • Lia Marchi

    (Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy)

  • Licia Felicioni

    (University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings, Czech Technical University in Prague, Třinecká 1024, 273 43 Buštěhrad, Czech Republic)

  • Francesca Sabatini

    (Department of Architecture, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy)

  • Lidia Errante

    (Department of Heritage, Architecture and Urbanism (PAU), Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy)

Abstract

A low level of energy literacy can hamper the adoption of climate-responsive solutions in the built environment. This is often the case of social housing neighborhoods, where the implementation of improvement measures such as those from the EU Recovery Plan (PNRR in Italy) may become difficult because of the specific socio-cultural and economic criticalities. Here, inhabitants are more prone to misinformation as well as energy poverty. Therefore, understanding the level of knowledge and willingness to implement certain design actions at both site and building levels is of utmost importance to make the transition as effective and just as needed. The article presents a pilot survey conducted in two Italian social housing neighborhoods to assess residents’ understanding and preparedness to implement climate-responsive strategies, as well as literacy gaps about energy transition and related public fundings. This can prepare the ground for developing effective solutions to improve the livability of the built environment based on local needs and features that can be combined synergistically with financial incentives. The survey results are discussed, in addition to the upscaling potential.

Suggested Citation

  • Lia Marchi & Licia Felicioni & Francesca Sabatini & Lidia Errante, 2023. "Exploring Energy Literacy in Italian Social Housing: A Survey of Inhabitants Preparing the Ground for Climate Transition," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:8544-:d:1154974
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    References listed on IDEAS

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