SDG-BASED Project in Italy: Advancing Positive Energy Districts Through Sustainability Metrics
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
On February 16, 2026, the Università degli Studi di Palermo team conducted a local dissemination activity as part of the SDG-BASED project, participating in the national event “M’Illumino di Meno – Giornata nazionale del risparmio energetico e degli stili di vita sostenibili”. The event focused on energy savings and sustainable lifestyles, providing a platform to showcase how SDG-aligned frameworks can drive climate-conscious urban development.
Introducing the SDG-BASED Rating System
During the event, Prof. Francesco Guarino presented “Sviluppo di un Rating System per Distretti Ispirato ai SDG: il Progetto SDG-BASED”, highlighting the core methodology of the project.
The SDG-BASED rating system is designed to translate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into measurable, comparable indicators. This framework enables standardized assessment of district performance, supporting evidence-based planning and informed decision-making.
Focus on Positive Energy Districts (PEDs)
The project targets Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), urban areas that combine high energy efficiency with flexibility, net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, and an annual surplus of renewable energy. PEDs integrate buildings, mobility, ICT, and energy systems while maintaining high quality of life for residents.
The SDG-BASED framework ensures that sustainability assessment goes beyond energy metrics, incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions to guide balanced urban development.
Co-Creation and Stakeholder Engagement
A critical element of the project is collaborative co-creation. Workshops involving municipalities, urban planners, and other stakeholders demonstrated that the rating system is valuable for:
Strategic district planning
Monitoring sustainability performance
Transparent communication with policymakers and local communities
Strong stakeholder engagement ensures credibility, scalability, and alignment with local priorities.
Key Insights from the Project
Analysis of pilot activities shows that:
Energy remains the top priority, followed by environmental sustainability and mobility/accessibility
Data availability is a key challenge, highlighting the need for standardized datasets and improved governance
Continuous stakeholder involvement is essential for successful implementation
Next Steps
The SDG-BASED project will focus on:
Validation using real district case studies
Calibration and standardization of KPIs and verification procedures
Implementation in pilot cities and development of guidance materials for broader transferability
These efforts aim to accelerate the transition toward climate-neutral Positive Energy Districts across Europe.
The dissemination activity demonstrates the potential of SDG-aligned tools to support sustainable urban planning, strengthen evidence-based decision-making, and promote energy-positive, climate-resilient cities.
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