Sustainable construction

Teknoprogetti's integrated approach to efficiency and innovation

Sustainable construction is one of the most important and stimulating challenges in the building industry today. In a context of growing environmental awareness and increasingly stringent regulations, designing and constructing energy-efficient buildings with low environmental impact has become not only a necessity but also an opportunity for innovation and value creation. Teknoprogetti, a leading civil engineering company in Italy, has made this challenge the focus of its mission and is moving towards an integrated design approach that combines structural, mechanical, and architectural expertise to optimize the efficiency and sustainability of projects.
This is not just a pipe dream. Teknoprogetti is firmly committed to making this process a working method and, where possible, to starting to use procedures, materials, and tools aimed at achieving greater sustainability.

The evolution of sustainable construction: energy renovation of buildings

When we talk about sustainable construction, our first thought often turns to energy efficiency. However, the concept has expanded considerably in recent years to embrace aspects such as the life cycle of materials, the well-being of occupants, the impact on the local area, and resilience to climate change. Teknoprogetti has understood this evolution and is gradually introducing a holistic approach that considers all these factors from the earliest stages of design.

“Sustainable construction is not just about saving energy,” explains Mauro Bertoni, founding partner of Teknoprogetti. “It’s about creating buildings that are in harmony with the environment, improve people’s quality of life, and are able to adapt to future changes. To do this, it is necessary to integrate different skills and use cutting-edge tools.”

One of the key tools used by Teknoprogetti is Building Information Modeling (BIM), a technology that allows the creation of a virtual model of the building, complete with all its physical and functional characteristics. BIM not only facilitates collaboration between the various professionals involved in the project, but also allows the behavior of the building to be simulated under different conditions, optimizing design choices.

Quelle: National Institute of Building Sciences, „National BIM Standard-United States® Version 3” (2015)

Integrated design: the key to successful sustainable projects

The core of Teknoprogetti’s approach is the integration of the various disciplines involved in design. Structural, mechanical, and architectural aspects should no longer be separate compartments, but interconnected elements of a complex system.

Structural design: beyond solidity

Sustainable structural design goes far beyond simply ensuring the solidity of a building. Teknoprogetti uses advanced dynamic analysis and digital simulation technologies to optimize the use of materials, reducing waste without compromising safety. A concrete example is the use of topological optimization techniques, which allow materials to be distributed only where they are actually needed, reducing the overall weight of the structure and, consequently, its environmental impact.

But innovation doesn’t stop there. Teknoprogetti is exploring the use of advanced composite materials and modular construction techniques that could revolutionize the industry. “We envision a future where buildings can be easily dismantled and reassembled according to changing needs, with structural components that can be reused multiple times,” says Antonio Salmoiraghi, another founding partner of the company.

Source: Journal of Structural Engineering, “Topology Optimization in Structural Engineering: A Review” (2019)

Mechanical design: the beating heart of efficiency

Mechanical design is perhaps the area where technological innovation has the most direct impact on energy efficiency. Teknoprogetti integrates state-of-the-art HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems with intelligent control technologies that optimize energy consumption in real time.

A concrete example is the implementation of heat recovery systems which, combined with geothermal heat pumps, can reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling by up to 50%. “But we’re not stopping there,” explains Mr. Bertoni. “We are working on predictive systems based on artificial intelligence that can anticipate the needs of occupants and weather conditions, adjusting mechanical systems accordingly.”

Another frontier explored by Teknoprogetti is the integration of renewable energy production systems directly into the building envelope. “We imagine facades that not only insulate, but also produce energy, purify the air, and regulate natural light,” adds Salmoiraghi.

Source: International Energy Agency, “Energy Technology Perspectives 2020” (2020)

Architectural design: form and function in harmony with the environment

Sustainable architecture is not just a question of aesthetics, but of functionality and adaptation to the context. Teknoprogetti is studying the use of a bioclimatic approach, capable of exploiting the natural characteristics of the site to optimize internal comfort and reduce energy requirements.

He gained experience with the redevelopment project for the Torre San Giacomo in Bellagio, where Teknoprogetti combined conservative restoration techniques with innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency. “We used BIM to analyze solar orientation and wind characteristics, integrating natural ventilation systems and passive solar shading that adapt to external conditions,” explains Bertoni.

But innovation goes further. Teknoprogetti is exploring the use of “living” materials, such as self-healing concrete and active green facades, which not only improve building performance but also actively contribute to the quality of the urban environment: “These methods are not yet widely used, but we are testing their effectiveness.”

Source: Architectural Science Review, “Bioclimatic Design and Passive Strategies for Energy Efficient Buildings” (2018)

Civil engineering solutions: the crucial role of diagnostics and monitoring

A unique aspect of Teknoprogetti’s approach is the integration of a testing laboratory within the company. This allows not only to verify the quality of the materials and solutions adopted, but also to monitor the performance of buildings over time.

“Sustainability does not end when the building is delivered,” emphasizes Mr. Salmoiraghi. “It is essential to monitor and optimize performance throughout the entire life cycle, especially for certain structures subject to heavy wear and tear. Our laboratory allows us to perform non-destructive tests and implement continuous monitoring systems that can prevent problems and optimize efficiency over time.”

This advanced diagnostic capability has proven particularly valuable in historic building renovation projects, such as the Church of Sant’Ambrogio in Linate al Lambro. Here, Teknoprogetti used structural and thermographic monitoring techniques to identify critical areas and develop seismic and energy improvement solutions that respect the historic value of the building.

Source: Journal of Building Engineering, “Non-Destructive Testing Methods for Historic Buildings: A Review” (2020)

Future challenges: towards zero-impact construction

Despite significant progress, the sustainable construction sector still faces significant challenges. “One goal that really motivates us is the development of zero-impact construction,” says Bertoni. “Not just in terms of energy consumption, but considering the entire life cycle of a building, from the production of materials to its disposal.”

To achieve this goal, Teknoprogetti is investing in research and development on several fronts:

Innovative materials: The company is exploring the use of biocomposite and recycled materials that can drastically reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. “We envision a future where buildings can be constructed from completely biodegradable or recyclable materials,” explains Mr. Salmoiraghi.
Circular economy: Teknoprogetti is developing design models that facilitate the dismantling and reuse of building components, promoting a circular economy in the construction sector.
Integration with smart cities: The buildings of the future will not be isolated entities, but an integral part of intelligent urban ecosystems. Teknoprogetti is working on solutions that allow buildings to interact with urban infrastructure, optimizing the use of resources at the neighborhood or city level.
Resilience to climate change: With the increase in extreme weather events, design must consider long-term scenarios. Teknoprogetti is developing predictive models that enable the design of buildings capable of adapting to changing climatic conditions.

Source: World Green Building Council, “Bringing Embodied Carbon Upfront” (2019)

The role of certification and incentives

A crucial aspect of promoting sustainable construction is the definition of recognized standards and certification systems. Teknoprogetti not only designs buildings that comply with the highest sustainability standards, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, but also actively contributes to the development of new protocols.

“Certification is not just recognition, but a tool for continuous improvement,” explains Mr. Bertoni. “Every project is an opportunity to push ourselves further, to test new solutions, and to raise the bar for sustainability.”

In Italy, initiatives such as the Superbonus 110% have given a strong boost to the energy retrofitting of existing buildings. Teknoprogetti has developed specific expertise to help clients make the most of these incentives, combining energy efficiency measures with seismic and functional improvements.

“Incentives are important, but they must be seen as a catalyst for deeper change,” emphasizes Mr. Salmoiraghi. “Our goal is to demonstrate that sustainable construction is not just a cost, but an investment that brings long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits.”

Source: Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l’Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), “Rapporto Annuale sull’Efficienza Energetica” (2021)

Conclusion: towards a sustainable and resilient future

Teknoprogetti’s integrated approach to sustainable construction represents an innovative model in a rapidly evolving sector. By combining multidisciplinary expertise, cutting-edge technologies, and a holistic view of sustainability, the company not only responds to current challenges but also anticipates future ones.

“True sustainability requires a paradigm shift,” concludes Bertoni. “It’s not just about building efficient buildings, but rethinking our relationship with the built environment. The buildings of the future will not just be passive structures, but active systems that interact with the environment and improve people’s quality of life, while respecting the context in which they are located.”

With innovative projects such as the redevelopment of the Torre San Giacomo in Bellagio and the restoration of the Church of Sant’Ambrogio in Linate al Lambro, Teknoprogetti demonstrates that it is possible to combine tradition and innovation, creating buildings that respect the past but look to the future.

Sustainable construction is no longer an option, but a necessity. And with companies like Teknoprogetti leading the way in innovation, the construction industry is ready to tackle the environmental challenges of the 21st century, creating a greener, more efficient, and more resilient future for everyone.

Source: United Nations Environment Programme, “2020 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction” (2020)