Towards a systematic approach for energy refurbishment of historical buildings. The case study of Albergo dei Poveri in Genoa, Italy

•The paper deals with energy refurbishment of historic buildings, to guarantee them a new life by their re-use.•The application of some criteria, to obtain the best results respecting constraints and limitations due to the historical and architectural values, is considered.•Some efficient solutions to reduce energy consumption are analysed with actions on the building envelope and heating systems.•The analysis, in this preliminary stage, may offer some useful reflections, applicable to a huge variety of cases.

SummaryThe article deals with the main problems arising during the sustainable renovation process and energy refurbishment of historical architecture. In particular, it focuses on the feasibility study for a huge historical listed building, aiming at its progressive and complete re-utilization as university campus, respectful of the many cultural values of which it is the depository. The complex of the ‘Albergo dei Poveri’ was built in Genoa between the late seventeenth century and the middle of the nineteenth century, as a monumental structure for charitable purposes. Given its size and location in the heart of the city, it still represents an important urban structure and a great opportunity for urban renewal, even though it is actually almost completely abandoned. Main aim of the research is the definition, from a methodological and technical point of view, of feasibility studies in order to submit the historical monumental heritage to a process of ‘energy efficiency’ and ‘energy production’, even recurring to the most suitable technologies supplied by renewable energies. In this paper, a preliminiary approach and general criteria for the building refurbishment, in relation to the architectural and historical commitments, are presented.