Interconnected transitions for industrial sustainability – Digital tools, energy efficiency, and circularity

Authors

  • Giuseppe Losco University of Camerino (Italy)
  • Chiara Pasqualini University of Camerino (Italy)
  • Mohammadjavad Khodaparast University of Camerino (Italy)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69143/2464-9309/19122026

Keywords:

circular economy, energy audit, digital twin in the industrial sector, dynamic energy simulation, industrial decarbonisation

Abstract

The path towards sustainable industrial models is based on the synergies between the circular, energy, and digital transitions. In this light, this paper proposes a methodological framework for the joint assessment of energy performance and corporate circularity in the industrial sector, integrating the energy audit set out in the EN 16247 series with the circularity measurement methodology defined by UNI/TS 11820:2022. A data-driven approach is adopted, based on digital monitoring systems for energy carriers, data analysis tools, and dynamic energy simulation models. The framework is applied to a case study of a plant operated by a large agri-food company; the results highlight how energy efficiency measures and self-generation from renewable sources improve both energy performance and circularity indicators.

 

Article info

Received: 10/03/2026; Revised: 13/04/2026; Accepted: 15/04/2026

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Article Metrics Graph

Author Biographies

Giuseppe Losco, University of Camerino (Italy)

Architect and PhD, he is a Full Professor of Industrial Design at the School of Architecture and Design. His research focuses on experimental design for new models of sustainable environmental development and new product concepts, addressing issues related to the qualitative development of the built environment, with particular attention to eco-sustainable and energy-efficient materials, as well as energy-saving techniques and technologies.
E-mail: giuseppe.losco@unicam.it

Chiara Pasqualini, University of Camerino (Italy)

Architect and PhD in Innovation Design at the SAAD, she researches energy efficiency in buildings, energy management, circular and renewable energy strategies for communities, digitalisation through BIM, and energy analysis via building modelling.
Email: chiara.pasqualini@unicam.it

Mohammadjavad Khodaparast, University of Camerino (Italy)

Architect and PhD in Architecture, Design, and Planning, he focuses his research primarily on urban sustainability, materials, urban heat island effects, technological innovation, and environmental design.
Email: javad.khodaparast@unicam.it

References

Azzalin, M. (2024), “Indicatore Smart Readiness per l’edilizia – Asset digitali per la transizione energetica | Smart Readiness for buildings – Digital asset for energy transition”, in Agathón | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, vol. 15, pp. 148-159. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/15112024 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Ba, L., Tangour, F., El Abbassi, I. and Absi, R. (2025), “Analysis of Digital Twin Applications in Energy Efficiency – A Systematic Review”, in Sustainability, vol. 17, issue 8, article 3560, pp. 1-33. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.3390/su17083560 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Baiani, S., Altamura, P., Turchetti, G. and Romano, G. (2024), “Transizione energetica e circolare del patrimonio industriale – Il caso dell’ex SNIA a Roma | Energy and circular transition of the industrial heritage – The Ex SNIA case in Rome”, in Agathón | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, vol. 15, pp. 190-203. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/15152024 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Barbero, S. and Ferrulli, E. (2023), “Transizione ecologica e digitale – Il Design Sistemico nei processi di innovazione aperta delle PMI | Ecological and digital transition – Systemic Design in SMEs open innovation processes”, in Agathón | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, vol. 13, pp. 269-280. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/13232023 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Bazzocchi, F., Moscarelli, S., Bellini, G., Borgarello, M., Zagano, C., Maggiore, S., Meroni, F. M. and Bernante, R. (2023), Le opportunità della decarbonizzazione nel settore manifatturiero e agroalimentare. [Online] Available at: rse-web.it/rapporti/le-opportunita-della-decarbonizzazione-nel-settore-manifatturiero-e-agroalimentare/ [Accessed 4 April 2026].

CIBSE – Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (2020), TM63 – Operational performance: Building performance modelling and calibration for evaluation of energy in-use. [Online] Available at: cibse.org/knowledge-research/knowledge-portal/operational-performance-building-performance-modelling-and-calibration-for-evaluation-of-energy-in-use-tm63 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

D’Amore, A. E. (2025), “Gemello digitale e processo edilizio – Riflessioni su produttività, energia e salute | The digital twin and the building process – Reflections on productivity, energy, and health”, in Agathón | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, vol. 18, pp. 144-161. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.69143/2464-9309/1872025 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

EMF – Ellen MacArthur Foundation (2013), Towards the circular economy – Vol. 1 – An economic and business rationale for an accelerated transition. [Online] Available at: ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/towards-the-circular-economy-vol-1-an-economic-and-business-rationale-for-an [Accessed 4 April 2026].

ENEA – Agenzia nazionale per le nuove tecnologie, l’energia e lo sviluppo economico sostenibile (2021), La Diagnosi Energetica ai sensi dell’Art. 8 del D.Lgs. 102/2014 e s.m.i. – Linee Guida e Manuale Operativo – La clusterizzazione dei siti, il rapporto di diagnosi ed il piano di monitoraggio, ENEA, Roma. [Online] Available at: efficienzaenergetica.enea.it/download/category/41-diagnosi-energetiche.html [Accessed 4 April 2026].

European Commission (2020), Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – A new Circular Economy Action Plan For a cleaner and more competitive Europe, document 52020DC0098, COM/2020/98 final. [Online] Available at: eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0098 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

European Commission (2019), Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions – The European Green Deal, document 52019DC0640, COM/2019/640 final. [Online] Available at: eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52019DC0640&qid=1768067091625 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (2012), Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency, amending Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU and repealing Directives 2004/8/EC and 2006/32/EC Text with EEA relevance, document 32012L0027. [Online] Available at: eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2012/27/oj/eng [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Giner Santonja, G., Panagiotis, K., Stubdrup, K. R., Brinkmann, T. and Roudier, S. (2019), Best Available Techniques (BAT) Reference Document for the Food, Drink and Milk Industries – Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control), Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. [Online] Available at: data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/243911 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Gobbi, M. E., Maggiore, S., Realini, A. and Zagano, C. (2021), L’industria efficiente – Le opportunità delle imprese nella transizione energetica, Editrice Alkes, Milano. [Online] Available at: rse-web.it/prodotti_editoriali/rse-m-efficienza-industria/ [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Green Building Council Italia (2024), Smart Building – La digitalizzazione per il Net Zero. [Online] Available at: gbcitalia.org/public_documents/GBCItalia_PositionPaper_BACS-BEMS_WEB.pdf [Accessed 4 April 2026].

ISO – International Organization for Standardization (2024), ISO 59004:2024 – Circular economy – Vocabulary, principles and guidance for implementation. [Online] Available at: iso.org/standard/80648.html [Accessed 4 April 2026].

ISO – International Organization for Standardization (2018), ISO 14067:2018 – Greenhouse gases – Carbon footprint of products – Requirements and guidelines for quantification. [Online] Available at: iso.org/standard/71206.html [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Lauria, M., Azzalin, M., Giglio, F. and La Face, G. M. (2025), “Efficienza energetica e smartness degli edifici nelle politiche ambientali pubbliche | Energy efficiency and smart buildings in public environmental policies”, in Agathón | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, vol. 18, pp. 264-275. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.69143/2464-9309/18152025 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Longo, D. and Roversi, R. (2025), “La modellazione energetica della città e il Gemello Digitale Urbano – City Energy Modelling and Urban Digital Twins”, in Boulanger, S. O., Longo, D. and Massari, M. (eds), Energia e città – Pratiche e traiettorie per la decarbonizzazione, FrancoAngeli, Milano, pp. 153-166. [Online] Available at: hdl.handle.net/11585/1040984 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Longo, D., Turillazzi, B., Roversi, R., Lilla, L., Nucci, C. A., Piccinini, A. and Costa, A. (2024), “Gemello digitale urbano e modellazione energetica – Esperienze e analisi di casi d’uso | Urban Digital Twin and Energy Modeling – Experiences and case study analyses”, in Agathón | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, vol. 15, pp. 160-169. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/15122024 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Losco, G., Pasqualini, C. and Khodaparast, M. J. (2024), “Rivitalizzare le comunità rurali – Autosufficienza energetica e valorizzazione delle risorse boschive locali | Revitalising rural communities – Energy self-sufficiency and valorisation of local forest resources”, in Agathón | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, vol. 16, pp. 174-185. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/16142024 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico (2017), Circolare n.4/E del 30/03/2017. [Online] Available at: agenziaentrate.gov.it/portale/documents/20143/297931/Circolare+n.4 +del+30032017_CIRCOLARE+n.4_E+del+30-03-2017.pdf/787f819a-d9aa-6a16-a03f-056a31a8edb1?t=1490899075261 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico (2016), Chiarimenti in materia di diagnosi energetica nelle imprese ai sensi dell’articolo 8 del decreto legislativo n. 102 del 2014. [Online] Available at: mase.gov.it/portale/documents/d/guest/chiarimenti-diagnosi-14-nov-2016-pdf [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Osello, A., Del Giudice, M., Donato, A. J. and Fratto, A. (2024), “Verso la Neutralità Climatica – Il ruolo chiave del Digital Twin nell’Industria 5.0 | Towards Climate Neutrality – The key role of the Digital Twin in Industry 5.0”, in Agathón | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, vol. 15, pp. 276-285. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/15222024 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Paganin, G., Talamo, C., Atta, N. and Tinelli, E. (2024), “Riuso di componenti edilizi – Sistema di valutazione a supporto delle decisioni negli interventi di ridistribuzione interna | Reuse of building components – Assessment system to support decisions in indoor re-layout interventions”, in Agathón | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, vol. 15, pp. 266-275. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/15212024 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Realini, A., Nsangwe, C., Businge, F., Bazzocchi, M., Borgarello, M., Gobbi, M. and Maggiore, S. (2017), L’efficienza energetica nell’industria – Potenzialità di risparmio energetico e impatto sulle performance e sulla competitività delle imprese. [Online] Available at: rse-web.it/rapporti/18001189/ [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Presidente della Repubblica Italiana (2014), “Decreto legislativo 4 luglio 2014, n. 102 – Attuazione della direttiva 2012/27/UE sull’efficienza energetica”, in Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana, Serie Generale n. 165 del 18/07/2014. [Online] Available at: gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2014/07/18/14G00113/sg [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Rigillo, M., Galluccio, G. and Paragliola, F. (2023), “Digitale e circolarità in edilizia – Le KETs per la gestione degli scarti in UE | Digital and circularity in building – KETs for waste management in the European Union”, in Agathón | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, vol. 13, pp. 247-258. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/13212023 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Russo Ermolli, S. (2019), “La digitalizzazione dei flussi informativi per la fase operative – Il caso della Apple Developer Academy | Digital flows of information for the operational phase – The Facility Management of Apple Developer Academy”, in Techne | Journal of Technology for Architecture and Environment, vol. 18, pp. 235-245. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.13128/techne-7535 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Sposito, C. and De Giovanni, G. (2023), “Affrontare la complessità – Integrare LCA, ERA ed ESA per valutare impatti e benefici antropici sulla biosfera | Dealing with complexity – Integrating LCA, ERA and ESA to assess human impacts and benefits on the biosphere”, in Agathón | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, vol. 14, pp. 12-39. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/1412023 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

The European House Ambrosetti (2023), Il ruolo delle soluzioni energetiche integrate per la competitività delle imprese italiane. [Online] Available at: ambrosetti.eu/scenario-energia/soluzioni-energetiche-competitivita-imprese/ [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Trevisan, A. H., Lobo, A., Guzzo, D., de Vasconcelos Gomes, L. A. and Mascarenhas, J. (2023), “Barriers to employing digital technologies for a circular economy – A multi-level perspective”, in Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 332, article 117437, pp. 1-13. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117437 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

UN – United Nations (2015), Transforming our World – The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, document A/RES/70/1. [Online] Available at: sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?page=viewandtype=111andnr=8496andmenu=35 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

UNEP – United Nations Environment Programme (2011), Decoupling Natural Resource Use and Environmental Impacts from Economic Growth, UNEP, Nairobi. [Online] Available at: wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/9816 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

UNI – Ente Italiano di Normazione (2022a), UNI CEI EN 16247-1:2022 – Energy audits – Part 1 – General requirements. [Online] Available at: store.uni.com/en/uni-cei-en-16247-1-2022 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

UNI – Ente Italiano di Normazione (2022b), UNI/TS 11820:2022 – Measuring circularity – Methods and indicators for measuring circular processes in organizations. [Online] Available at: store.uni.com/en/uni-ts-11820-2022 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Zannoni, M., Succini, L., Rosato, L. and Pasini, V. (2024), “Transitional industrial designer – La responsabilità di progettisti e imprese per una transizione sostenibile | Transitional industrial designer – The responsibility of designers and companies for a sustainable transition”, in Agathón | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, vol. 15, pp. 332-343. [Online] Available at: doi.org/10.19229/2464-9309/15282024 [Accessed 4 April 2026].

Views of the digital model created for energy simulation, relating to the proposed installation of the rooftop photovoltaic system, the distribution of the thermal zones under analysis, and the layout of the cooling system subject to energy efficiency improvements (credit: the Authors, 2025).  AGATHÓN 19 | 2026

Downloads

Published

30-06-2026

How to Cite

Losco, G., Pasqualini, C. and Khodaparast, M. (2026) “Interconnected transitions for industrial sustainability – Digital tools, energy efficiency, and circularity”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 19, pp. 212–227. doi: 10.69143/2464-9309/19122026.

Unveiling the complexity of circular transition for the upholstered furniture sector

Stefano Maffei, Patrizia Bolzan, Massimo Bianchini, Francesca Zeccara, Silvia Barbero, Cristian...