ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 17

THE APULIAN WAY TO SUSTAINABILITY
Massimo Crusi , Vincenzo Sinisi

When our colleague Alberto La Tegola, in representation of ZEMCH Network, asked to our respective
Boards to establish a collaboration for the organization of the 4th Annual Conference of the Zero Energy
Mass Custom Home (ZEMCH) on 22nd-25th September 2015, we soon recognised its further potentialities.
The theme of sustainable design is currently very relevant for Apulian technicians, because of the serious
crisis affecting today the construction sector, and still in progress in our country, and also because of the
need to convert the already existing built heritage, or to make it more efficient and sustainable.
Apulia in the latest years has already developed a series of socially, economically and environmentally
sustainable laws that constitute the overall frame in which housing projects can be realised in the next
future.
Considering this important work on rules, ranging from certification system of both buildings and
technicians, to urban policies, sustainable mobility, energy-efficient buildings and neighbourhoods, we
can justify the current attitude of our regional associations and municipalities in cultural investments on
sustainability.
It demonstrates that Apulia has today a diverse and dynamic approach to sustainability within the national
Italian territory.
Its effect can be recognised also in the slow but continuous impact on construction industry, building
performance, sustainable community development, where innovation and industrialization, and product
development are more often inspired to sustainability.
All the institution we involved in the initiative, in fact, grant almost immediately their patronage and
sponsorship, demonstrating that a silent substrate, made of people who in different ways and with
complementary competences currently work on sustainability in Apulia, is alive and growing.
This large ZEMCH 2015 Conference, being held in Puglia for the first time was a result of a great organizational
effort, to which colleagues, academics institutions and sponsor contributed with enthusiasm a nd to whom
we owe gratitude.
We thank above all Masa Noguchi ZEMCH Network Coordinator, Domenico Perrini President Ordine Ingegneri
Provincia di Bari, Daniele Lorenzo De Fabrizio President Ordine Ingegneri Provincia di Lecce, Vincenzo Zara
Rector of University of Salento and Eugenio Di Sciascio Rector Polytechnic of Bari, but also to Prof Antonio
Ficarella Director of Department of Innovation Engineering of University of Salento.
The International Conference and the Technical Seminars would not have been possible without the
great participation and generous support of the numerous experts invited in each seminar/conference
session that put at the disposal of our members their precious contribution.
We are extremely grateful for both the concession of the patronage and for the personal contribution to
the Plenary Session in particular to:
Michele Emiliano, President Regione Puglia;
Carlo Birrozzi and Maria Piccarreta, Soprintendenza Belle Arti e Paesaggio;
Leopoldo Freyrie, President C.N.A.P.P.C.;
Giorgio Assennato, Director A.R.P.A. Puglia;

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