Innovative tools and protocols for the regeneration of urban and peri-urban districts towards climate neutrality

Abstract Cities represent the foremost contributor to the escalating growth in energy consumption, constituting a substantial portion of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the face of climate change and the heightened frequency and severity of extreme events, urgent policies and actions are imperative for cities to enhance resilience and instill a sense of responsibility among their inhabitants. Additionally, establishing monitoring and reporting models to track progress in implementing sustainable urban development measures is crucial. The calculation of CO2 emissions in cities demands a multidimensional approach, encompassing sectors such as energy, buildings, water, green spaces, transport, waste, and others. Models and diagnostic tools are available for the different fields of interest. These are valuable elements; however, they often necessitate specialized expertise and prolonged processing times for accurate result interpretation, sometimes conflicting with the need for prompt, reliable guidance. This contribution aims to define innovative tools and protocols, along with a specific performance verification model (easy model), concerning mitigation and adaptation to climate change. These tools are designed to be easy to apply and usable from the preliminary project stages for the redevelopment/regeneration of existing architecture and urban districts.