BROWNFIELD DEVELOPMENT AND THE REGENERATION OF URBANIZED AREAS: AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE SEIZED

On June 5, the world will celebrate the 50th World Environment Day, which this year focuses on the theme “Only One Earth”. On this occasion, it is natural to reflect on the importance of protecting the environment through our everyday actions. In this respect, Italy stands out, ranking among the leading countries in Europe for recycling rates, commitment to the circular economy, and renewable energy development. However, the images of the recent flooding in Emilia-Romagna are still fresh in our minds, making it difficult to celebrate the country’s environmental achievements without recognising that one of our most valuable resources is too often overlooked: land.

For many years, GSE Italia has highlighted the absence of a “fast-track” approach for urban regeneration and redevelopment projects compared to new construction developments. In 2022 alone, more than 7,000 hectares of land across Italy were dedicated to new construction, and 10% of this total was located in Emilia-Romagna. This demonstrates the existence of significant economic demand that could be better aligned with the need for urban renewal and improved land management. While this figure alone does not explain the tragedy that struck the region, it nevertheless provides an important starting point for promoting a new approach to the management of Italy’s territory.

The contribution that the construction sector can make to improving territorial resilience depends not only on where buildings are developed, but also on how they are built. From the use of low environmental impact materials to process innovation, including off-site construction and dry-building systems, there are important opportunities to facilitate the recycling and reuse of building components. There are many solutions available that make it possible to build while simultaneously improving the built environment and the surrounding landscape, shifting from a model based on land consumption to one centred on regeneration and value creation.