In the heart of Italy, a groundbreaking study led by Eleonora Laurini of the Department of Civil, Construction-Architectural and Environmental Engineering at the University of L’Aquila is revolutionizing how we think about environmental management in construction. The research, published in Applied Sciences, focuses on the DNSH (Do Not Significant Harm) Principle, a cornerstone of the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). This principle is designed to ensure that economic activities do not cause significant harm to the environment, aligning with the broader goals of the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement.
Laurini’s work delves into the often-overlooked environmental impacts of construction sites, particularly those involved in the recovery and renovation of historic buildings. “The construction phase of a building is the most harmful moment for the environment,” Laurini states, highlighting the urgency of addressing this critical issue. The study introduces a novel environmental sustainability protocol, validated through the Sustainable Construction Site Certificate (ACS) at the Palazzo Lazzaro site in Fossa (AQ), a post-earthquake reconstruction area.
The protocol is a comprehensive tool designed to measure and certify the sustainability of construction processes. It addresses key environmental objectives, including climate change mitigation, adaptation, sustainable use of water and marine resources, circular economy principles, pollution prevention, and biodiversity protection. By assigning weighted scores to various prerequisites and requirements, the protocol provides a systematic approach to verifying compliance with the DNSH principle.
One of the most compelling aspects of Laurini’s research is its practical application. The protocol was tested at Palazzo Lazzaro, revealing critical issues that led to the development of improvement strategies. This real-world application underscores the protocol’s potential to transform construction practices, making them more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. Construction activities are responsible for a substantial portion of global carbon dioxide emissions, with the sector contributing to 39% of all emissions before the pandemic. By adopting the DNSH principle and the associated protocol, construction companies can reduce their carbon footprint, align with regulatory requirements, and enhance their competitive edge. “The environmental awareness of the activities connected to the construction site is also the central theme on which the innovation and competitiveness of the company itself focuses,” Laurini explains, emphasizing the commercial benefits of sustainable practices.
The study also highlights the need for continuous monitoring and verification of construction site activities to ensure compliance with environmental standards. This ongoing assessment is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability goals and mitigating the environmental impact of construction projects.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, Laurini’s research offers a roadmap for integrating environmental sustainability into every phase of a project. By embracing the DNSH principle and the associated protocol, companies can not only comply with current regulations but also pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future. The protocol’s applicability in large-scale contexts, such as post-disaster reconstruction, further underscores its potential to shape future developments in the field.