Tackling the potential from below: Italian Municipal Building Codes as concrete implementation tools for the EPB Directive

In Italy there are more than 500 000 building companies, employing on average three workers each. The companies face difficulties to keep up to date with legal provisions, due to their small size. European, national and regional legislation need a number of accompanying measures in order to be implemented effectively. Municipal administrations are over 8000 and have frequent contacts with the building companies. Furthermore the municipalities have the responsibility on town planning schemes and on building codes that for example regulate aesthetics and hygiene standards, and more recently may include specific energy efficiency standards and norms. Starting in 2003 a number of successful local experiences have been implemented, especially in Lombardia and in the Milan Province, where the practices of the building companies have been permanently modified. The pilot experience of some early adopter municipalities has spread, currently involving around 100 municipalities. Best practices show the effectiveness of monitoring activities in the construction sites and of incisive accompanying measures (training and information, technical support, focused economic incentives). In this perspective, the successful establishment of improved building codes is not intended as a mere approval of a new piece of legislation. All success stories may be described as a continuous process involving citizens, entrepreneurs, designers, companies, suppliers.