MIBA 2025: THE CHALLENGE OF BUILDING RENOVATION

Not just incentives, but also design capabilities and shared commitment. This is how energy consumption and emissions can be reduced. A study by the Politecnico di Milano, conducted exclusively for MIBA (Milan International Building Alliance), outlines possible actions.

The era of the italian Superbonus is coming to an end, and the interventions eligible for funding under the NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) have been defined, but the inefficiency of Italy's building stock remains a critical issue. ENEA estimates that three out of four buildings require radical measures to reduce energy waste. Broad-spectrum strategies will need to be designed, not only to comply with EU regulations but also to complete the environmental transition. 

In this context, MIBA and the Politecnico di Milano have established a partnership that has given rise to the Observatory, which analyzes scenarios and trends to focus on key development themes and assist industry professionals in making the most of their skills and innovative capacity. 

The first study by Polimi focuses on the EPDB IV (European Energy Performance of Building Directive)  and its potential impact on the various sectors represented by the four trade shows that make up MIBA: MADE Expo, GEE-Global Elevator Exhibition, SMART BUILDING EXPO, and SICUREZZA. 

Analysts have outlined three possible scenarios tied to varying levels of spending on additional energy-efficient renovation interventions, above the fixed annual investment quota allocated to renovations/maintenance.

• The baseline scenario, identified as “Business-As-Usual,” estimates an investment trend in energy-efficient renovations similar to that achieved in the past through the Ecobonus, amounting to about €3.7 billion annually for the residential sector. This would achieve additional energy savings (compared to levels reached by 2024) of approximately 15,500 GWh/year by 2035. 
• In the intermediate “Policy-Driven” scenario, interventions amounting to around €10 billion annually are envisaged. 
• The third, “Ambitious” scenario anticipates the mobilization of investments averaging about €14.5 billion annually. 

These scenarios detail the necessary interventions, not only on building envelopes but across all aspects of living spaces, including systems for horizontal and vertical mobility. 

The analysis is not purely quantitative. Completing the green transition requires a systemic effort that unites institutions, regulations, market operators, citizens, and bureaucracy. The challenge is vast, but it can be overcome by pooling resources and focusing efforts. 

MIBA and the four trade shows it represents are working in this direction with their cross-sector offering, providing a comprehensive overview of materials, products, technologies, processes, and solutions involved in creating low-impact, smart, safe, and accessible buildings and cities.