How Demographic and Building Data Shape Italy’s Energy Communities

Census data can provide valuable insights into how to move forward with both the technological development and community engagement necessary for energy communities. In the context of the Energy4All project, Openpolis plays a key role in conducting a specific context analysis for the Italian pilot: an energy community located in Quarticciolo, a neighbourhood on the eastern outskirts of Rome.

Understanding Quarticciolo’s Social and Physical Landscape

Understanding the social and physical landscape of a community is essential for designing effective energy solutions. In the context of the Energy4All project, Openpolis is conducting an in-depth analysis of Quarticciolo, a neighbourhood on the eastern outskirts of Rome, to explore how demographic and building data can support the development of an energy community. This analysis not only sets the groundwork for engaging residents but also informs strategies to address energy poverty and improve sustainability efforts in the area.

By studying detailed census data, researchers can gain insight into consumption patterns, residents’ awareness of sustainability, and the overall condition of buildings. This understanding is crucial for developing engagement strategies that ensure information about the energy community is effectively communicated and that local participation is maximised. These factors are crucial in identifying energy-related challenges and opportunities, ultimately shaping the feasibility and impact of an energy community in Quarticciolo. This ensures that information related to the energy community is communicated effectively, guaranteeing full participation and awareness within the community. Additionally, understanding demographic variables helps identify essential services established by the neighbourhood committee and assess whether they should be prioritised within the energy community.

Socio-Demographic and Real Estate Considerations

Quarticciolo is an area marked by social and territorial challenges, making it essential to start the analytical framework from these aspects. This involves assessing key socio-demographic variables, such as the presence of elderly residents, foreigners, education levels, and employment rates. Additionally, real estate factors, particularly the quality of buildings, are crucial considerations since the neighbourhood has a significant amount of social housing.

To support this analysis, detailed data from the 2021 permanent census (for population data) and the last general census of 2011 (which provides the latest available building data) were utilised. Despite being dated, the 2011 building data remain relevant since Quarticciolo was primarily constructed during the Fascist era as part of social housing programmes, with most buildings completed between the immediate post-war period and the early 1970s. The area has not undergone significant urban transformations since then, making these historical data still useful for analysis.

The Role of Census Data in Energy Planning, Community Engagement, and Participation

To establish a well-grounded feasibility study for the Quarticciolo energy community, sub-municipal census data were analysed. These datasets, processed by Istat (Italy’s national statistical institute), break down the entire municipality of Rome into very small territorial units, each encompassing a limited number of buildings. Quarticciolo itself is defined by aggregating some of these micro-zones and is officially part of the Alessandrina urban zone. This subdivision is used for statistical and territorial planning purposes and falls under Municipio V, an administrative area of Rome governed by a local mayor who reports to the city’s head administration.

Since the Italian model of energy communities involves strong participation from the local population based on a sense of community, having a clear understanding of demographic variables, socio-economic status, and educational background allows for better engagement strategies. This ensures that information related to the energy community is communicated effectively, guaranteeing full participation and awareness within the community. Additionally, understanding demographic variables helps identify essential services established by the neighbourhood committee and assess whether they should be prioritised within the energy community.

Through a detailed examination of Quarticciolo’s socio-economic landscape and building infrastructure, the Energy4All project aims to create a sustainable energy community that not only addresses energy poverty but also fosters greater community involvement in shaping their future.

Openpolis is an independent non-profit foundation which collects and analyzes data on social, political and environmental issues. Openpolis develops web applications based on open data and produces data journalism reports and articles. It also promotes transparency, access to public data and civic activism.

Article by Martina Lovat,  data analyst for Openpolis.