Energy and seismic retrofitting for safer and more efficient buildings

Energy and seismic retrofitting offers the most practical route towards reducing energy consumption, enabling you to raise safety standards and extend the service life of buildings.

Working on the building envelope, systems and structures of existing buildings in a coordinated manner allows us to achieve measurable results, reduce heat loss and vulnerability, and ensure operational continuity for commercial and residential properties.

The experience we have gained in the construction sector enables us to manage all this through integrated design of engineering and architecture, construction management and site supervision through a methodical and verifiable approach, focused on regulatory compliance and sustainability throughout the entire life cycle.

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When to undertake energy efficiency and seismic retrofitting

Action is a priority when the building exhibits any of the following issues:

high energy consumption;
low energy efficiency ratings;
obsolete systems;
thermo-hygrometric discomfort;
structural issues identified by surveys and inspections.

Recurring signs also include energy costs exceeding thresholds, condensation and thermal bridges, outdated building fabric, lack of subsequent adaptations to the latest technical building regulations and signs of local vulnerability (beam-column joints, non-load-bearing infill walls, lack of ductility).

In such cases, an integrated assessment enables priorities and phased works to be defined, maximising benefits and minimising downtime, with the support of our project management and safety coordination services.

Riqualificazione energetica e sismica: quando intervenire

Energy efficiency improvements to reduce energy consumption and enhance comfort

Energy retrofitting begins with a technical analysis of the building envelope and systems to identify heat loss and inefficiencies.

Based on diagnosis and modelling, we implement measures such as external wall and roof insulation, replacement of high-performance windows and doors, correction of thermal bridges, upgrading of HVAC systems and electrical panels, optimisation of lighting systems and integration of smart management systems.

The aim is to achieve a sustainable reduction in energy demand, enhance indoor comfort and implement energy management strategies in accordance with ESG criteria, with our technical and financial consultancy supporting applications and reporting.

Assessments are carried out in accordance with regulations on the energy performance of buildings (e.g. Legislative Decree 192/2005 as amended, Ministerial Decree “Minimum Requirements” of 26 June 2015) and documented with an Energy Performance Certificate (APE), reports under Law 10 and technical tables.

Seismic retrofitting and structural upgrading of buildings

Seismic retrofitting addresses risk reduction through vulnerability assessments, modelling and verification in accordance with the Technical Standards for Construction, in order to define targeted and feasible interventions.

The scenarios include local interventions (hooping, joint reinforcement, connections of non-structural elements), overall improvements using composite materials (FRP/FRCM), diaphragm stiffeners, foundation consolidation and energy dissipation/isolation devices, up to and including compliance upgrades where required.

The aim is to increase load-bearing capacity and ductility, reduce collapse mechanisms and improve the seismic safety class, with on-site inspections, tests and static inspections.

Integrated planning with energy efficiency measures allows for coordination of works on the building envelope and the structure, optimising time and costs.

An integrated approach to efficiency and safety within the same project

Integrating energy and seismic considerations means designing the building envelope, services and structure in a coordinated manner, avoiding conflicts between trades and ensuring consistent performance.

BIM modelling, thermo-hygrometric simulations and structural analyses interact with one another, enabling the selection of compatible solutions (for example, external insulation and anchoring systems consistent with the reinforcements, and service ductwork coordinated with the ring beams) and the concentration of works within common operational windows.

This approach reduces the risk of variations, facilitates quality control on site and maximises the technical and economic return on investment, in line with our turnkey projects and Operation & Maintenance.

Stages of the energy efficiency and seismic retrofit project

Preliminary analysis and technical diagnosis

The diagnostic phase includes surveys, thermographic inspections and material testing, an energy audit and an assessment of structural vulnerability. The results are summarised in a requirements matrix and a priority matrix that sets out the expected benefits, feasibility and impacts on the continued use of the building.
Integrated design

The design team coordinates solutions for the building envelope, services and structure, including calculations, technical reports and construction details. They define project phases and functional packages, performance specifications and acceptance criteria, and prepare the documentation required for the planning permission process and for accessing any available funding schemes.
Construction and project management

Site management includes project management, health and safety coordination, compliance checks, and inspections of supplies and installation work. The schedule integrates energy and structural works to minimise disruption and reduce lead times, with regular updates to the client and constant supervision of the quality of the work carried out.
Testing and post-intervention monitoring

The completion of works includes testing, certification and the final Energy Performance Certificate (APE); once fully operational, the monitoring of energy consumption and comfort and safety indicators enables us to verify the performance achieved and plan targeted maintenance, in line with our O&M services.

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Work carried out and benefits for the client

Scope	Intervention	Technical Output	Benefit
Energy	Building envelope and roof insulation	Layering, thermal bridge details, EPC	Reduced energy demand and improved thermal comfort
Energy	HVAC and lighting system upgrades	System diagrams, calibrations, measurements	Improved efficiency and smart energy management
Seismic	Local interventions and FRP/FRCM reinforcements	Calculation reports, detailed drawings	Reduced structural vulnerability

Legal framework and incentives

All activities are carried out in compliance with the applicable European regulatory framework on building energy performance and structural safety.

For energy efficiency, reference is made to the latest European legislation, in particular the Directive (EU) 2024/1275 on the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPBD), within the framework of the EU Green Deal, as well as to the relevant national transpositions in force in each Member State.

For structural aspects, design and assessment are carried out in accordance with the Eurocodes and their national annexes.

Any available incentive schemes or funding opportunities are assessed and managed through our consultancy, ensuring full transparency and compliance with eligibility requirements.

Frequently asked questions about energy efficiency and seismic retrofitting

How are priorities set between energy efficiency and earthquake-proofing works?
The priority matrix compares risk, benefits and feasibility: work is carried out first where the impact on safety and energy consumption is greatest and construction can be carried out most efficiently, with other phases then being coordinated.
Is it possible to carry out the works without completely halting operations?
Yes, the schedule incorporates evening or section-by-section phases, with segregation measures and safety plans to ensure operational continuity when requested by the client.
What documents will I receive upon completion of the works?
An updated Energy Performance Certificate (APE), reports in accordance with Law 10, a user and maintenance manual, material certifications, and coordinated structural/technical-administrative testing and as-built drawings.
How is performance monitored after the work is completed?
Through consumption and energy measurements, comfort checks and scheduled inspections, with periodic reports and corrective actions included in the O&M services.
Do you also handle administrative procedures and authorisation processes? Yes, we manage the entire process: building permits, safety, any applications for funding, right through to technical and financial reporting.

Preliminary assessment of the project

A dedicated team of engineers and architects is on hand to assess the energy and structural condition of your property and draw up a sustainable, buildable refurbishment plan.

To find out more about our methodologies and expertise, please visit the engineering and architecture services page, or contact us via the consultancy section for an initial document review.