EXECUTIVE SUMMARY RT1.3 activities, coordinated by Università Iuav di Venezia, were bound to the aim and scope specified in the iNEST Research Programme, namely the identification of innovative technologies and operating methodologies (Ts/Ms) capable of transforming the built environment and construction to increase the sustainability of Italian North-East territories. The research was structured in a preliminary step, aimed at precisely delimiting the perimeter of the investigation in light of the four challenges defined by the research programme - Energy Transition (ET), Environmental Challenges (EC), Adaptation to Climate Change (CCA), and Digitalisation (D), and three subsequent phases: (i) Identification. Several innovative Ts/Ms which can be implemented within the built environment and construction contexts to reduce environmental pressures and increase sustainability were identified. (ii) Detection. A ranking of the above-mentioned Ts/Ms was drawn, based on the objectives they help to reach and the actions they support within the four thematic areas (ET, EC, CCA, D). (iii) Outlining future paths. Considering the scope of the investigation, the reproducibility potential of the solutions and the related supply chains, the Ts/Ms were examined also in light of future innovation. The research preliminary step was carried out by building a definition for each of the four challenges, shared by the research group, by drawing from European policies and strategies and several scientific reports. Depending on the phase, different methods were used: An original conceptual research framework (i) was devised to connect the Ts/Ms to the challenges by identifying a set of objectives contributing in addressing them and actions supporting one or more objective(s), that can be implemented by the Ts/Ms. Four targets were defined to understand the Ts/Ms impacts: outdoor space (O); indoor space, (I); building structure, (S); building envelope, (E). The Ts/Ms were organised in strategies as they showed common approaches. Based on the conceptual framework complete data and their graphical representations (ii), it was possible to define: (a) a ranking of the 38 identified solutions, detecting the most promising ones depending on the number of targets they impact on and of actions supported; (b) the current relationship linking the Ts/Ms and the digitalisation challenge. Based on literature and the researchers’ knowledge (iii), the Ts/Ms were examined in depth to outline potential supply chains and future paths of reproducibility in light of the four challenges, taking into account the ranking and relationship between them emerging in (ii). The research group contributed by: proposing the Ts/Ms and detailing their potential benefits, based on know-how and expertise (i); providing the links between the solutions and the four thematic areas, identifying the objectives they help to reach and the actions they support (ii); analysing the most effective ones in relation to the Italian N-E territory, their developed ranking, and their digitalisation potential (iii). The research activity and process provided several results and outputs: 1. A definition of the four challenges (ET, EC, CCA, D) in light of the built environment and construction sector contexts. 2. A conceptual research framework, replicable both in its structure in other cross-cutting investigations and in its content in similar geographical contexts, was devised (i). 3. 38 innovative technologies and operating methodologies, promoting sustainability in the Italian N-E built environment and construction sector given the four challenges, were identified (i). 4. A ranking of the identified solutions according to their effectiveness in addressing the challenges (ET, EC, CCA), also considering their targets (I, U, S, E) was provided (ii). 5. The current relationship between the Ts/Ms and the digitalisation challenge (D) was highlighted (ii). 6. Two alluvial diagrams, allowing a qualitative visualisation of the framework complete data that enables to understand the links between all the investigated categories, were produced (ii). 7. Each of the identified Ts/Ms was discussed, outlining potential supply chains and paths of reproducibility, in light of all the previously achieved results (iii). Some main observations derive from the results analysis, in light of the RT1.3 objectives: - The ranking denotes how the concepts of sustainability, environmental preservation and climate change adaptation are increasingly connected to operations focused on existing buildings, whether they are to be preserved or demolished, understood in their value as cultural and/or material resources. - Within the studied context, the potential to undertake the four challenges mainly lies in the original application of an existing technology or methodology, rather than in anad hoc developed solution. - Digitalisation proves to be an even cross-cutting enabler, rather than a challengeper se. The list of identified Ts/Ms has not to be considered an exhaustive catalogue of solutions, but rather a work in progress to be implemented and enriched by an ongoing process to be supported by the research community. Nevertheless, the outlined path appears in line with the current and future needs of the Italian N-E. -- The study was funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU, in the framework of iNEST - Interconnected Nord-Est Innovation Ecosystem (PNRR M4C2I1.5, iNEST ECS00000043 - CUP F43C22000200006). The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union, nor can the European Union be held responsible for them. The Project deliverable was developed as a part of the activities carried out by Spoke 4 "City, Architecture, Sustainable Design", RT 1 "Strategic plan for the development of the construction and sustainable design sectors", Activity RT1.3 "Identification of innovative technologies and operating methodologies" .
Condotta et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: