Monitoring Energy in Schools in the Veneto Region: The Legambiente Campaign 'Switch to Savings' (Veneto Region, Italy)

In the Veneto Region, with close to five million inhabitants, energy consumption in buildings represents 40% of the total energy consumption an area with interesting greenhouse gas reduction and energy savings potential. Every building uses around 75% of its energy for heating and cooling. This high percentage is largely due to inefficient construction of the building envelope. To address this issue and related health problems, the organisation Legambiente started an awareness-raising campaign 'Switch to Savings' (Italian - Accendi il risparmio) in schools in the Veneto Region in March 2008. The intention was to draw attention to energy use in school buildings from a behaviour perspective. In parallel to this process a technical project was initiated, to identify the energy improvement margin of school buildings in the region. This type of building was selected as schools play an important role in Italian community life, functioning as educational centers and community facilities. An analysis was conducted in 50 buildings, typical of the style built in the post-war (Second World War) era, with results used to present a case for urgent energy efficient refurbishment.