Liguria Region Allocates €20 Million For Public Building Energy Upgrades Under ERDF Program

Liguria Region has launched a €20 million grant program targeting energy efficiency improvements in public and publicly-used buildings across the northwestern Italian territory. The initiative, funded through Action 2.1.1 of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programme 2021-2027, represents a significant step in the region’s strategy to reduce fossil fuel dependence while supporting smaller municipalities in managing energy costs.

The program provides non-repayable grants covering up to 70% of eligible investments, with a maximum allocation of €1 million per project. Municipalities with populations under 2,000 residents or those located in one of eight designated inland areas under Italy’s National Strategy for Inner Areas (SNAI) qualify for enhanced support of up to 80% of project costs.

Eligible Entities And Investment Thresholds

The funding targets a specific set of public entities: provinces, the Metropolitan City of Genoa, municipalities with fewer than 40,000 inhabitants, regional agencies, port authorities, park authorities, and chambers of commerce. Standard projects require a minimum investment of €300,000, though this threshold drops to €100,000 for small municipalities in inland areas or those with populations below 2,000.

The eight inland areas eligible for the enhanced 80% funding rate include Val Fontanabuona, Valle Bormida Ligure, Valle Scrivia, Valli dell’Antola and Tigullio, Beigua-Sol, Alta Valle Arroscia, Val di Vara, and the Imperiese district. These territories form part of Italy’s broader national policy addressing demographic decline in remote communities, which cover roughly 60% of the national territory.

Technical Requirements And Eligible Interventions

Projects must demonstrate measurable impact: a minimum improvement of one energy class per building and energy consumption reductions of at least 30% from current levels. Both new initiatives and projects already underway since May 25, 2023 qualify, provided they remain incomplete at the time of application.

The program covers a comprehensive range of efficiency measures. Building envelope improvements such as insulation, window and door replacements, and ventilated facades are eligible, alongside green infrastructure solutions including vertical gardens and green roofs. Notably, asbestos removal and disposal costs qualify for funding when undertaken as part of broader efficiency upgrades.

Renewable energy systems for self-consumption are supported up to 20% of total project investment. Additional eligible expenses include solar shading systems, lighting and transportation system upgrades such as elevators and escalators, automated control and remote management technologies, energy audits, and the issuance of Energy Performance Certificates upon project completion.

Application Process And Timeline

Applications open through FILSE’s “Bandi On Line” platform from February 10 through February 26. The regional development finance agency manages the application portal, with offline preparation available from January 20. FILSE serves as the technical body supporting Liguria Region in implementing economic development policies and managing ERDF-related calls.

Strategic Context Within Regional Energy Policy

The initiative aligns with Liguria’s Regional Energy and Environmental Plan (PEAR), which establishes the territory’s framework for reducing carbon emissions and expanding renewable energy deployment. Regional Councillor Paolo Ripamonti, responsible for energy matters, and Economic Development Councillor Alessio Piana emphasized the program’s role in helping local governments manage utility costs while accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.

This €20 million allocation follows previous regional investments in public sector energy efficiency. A separate renewable energy call launched in late 2025 provided €2.2 million for renewable installations in public assets, with earlier tranches generating requests totaling €5.9 million from 17 participating administrations, bringing cumulative resources allocated for public renewable energy production to €8 million.

Market Position Within Italian And EU Building Renovation Landscape

Italy has allocated approximately €1.5 billion in ERDF 2021-2027 funding for building renovation and energy efficiency projects nationally, positioning it among the leading EU member states for such investments alongside Poland, Spain, and Portugal. The revised EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive requires public sector buildings to achieve at least 30% greenhouse gas emission reductions through renovation projects receiving structural fund support.

The Liguria program addresses a building stock that presents substantial renovation needs. Italian regions face estimated costs exceeding €100 billion to bring residential buildings to minimum energy class D standards under EPBD intermediate targets, with annual household savings projected at billions of euros once improvements are complete.