It’s hot in Rome, and that’s whyturning on the heat in the capital it did not start on November 1 as was generally expected, but it will only start from 15 November. In fact, the mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri has signed a new order that sets the new date for lighting radiators throughout the urban area.
Rome in climate zone D but the extension is encouraged
The Capital of Rome is included in climate zone D, for which there is a maximum heating operating period of 12 hours a day in the period between November 1 and April 15. But now the rules have changed.
However, as he himself explains, the temperatures recorded in recent years in a general way for most of the regional capitals, including Rome, show a tendency towards an increase in both minimum and maximum temperatures. Arpa Lazio noted that, specifically for the city of Rome, from 15 November 2023 to 15 April 2024 the temperature recorded in the station “Boncompagni” was about 1 ° C higher than the average for the same periods in the last 10 years .
Since the national and European legislation regarding plants and the use of energy resources provides that the plants must be focused on the greatest possible reduction in the consumption of natural gas, a resource that is also used to produce part of the electricity and heat, the The Municipality of Rome, like others, on 18 June 2009 joined the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy promoted by the European Commission, whose objectives include reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the territory, increasing resilience and preparedness for negative people. the impacts of climate change, as well as tackling energy poverty as a key action to ensure the green transition.
The new rules for turning on radiators in Rome
From Friday 15 November therefore Roman citizens will be able to turn on the radiators. As shown in the new ordinance signed by mayor Roberto Gualtierithe number 124 on 30 October 2024,
The 2024-2025 heating season includes these new ones for Rome rules:
- radiators turned on between November 15, 2024 and April 7, 2025
- turning to the systems for a 11 hours a day at most between 5am and 11pm every day; for city offices for a maximum of 10 hours a day
- decrease by 1°C of the temperature, given to a tolerance of 17°C +2°C in the case of buildings used for industrial, craft and similar activities, and therefore to 19°C, and a tolerance of 19°C +2°C for all other buildings , ie 21 °C.
Exceptions: those who do not have to respect the limits of heating
However, the transition period and the maximum number of hours the radiators can remain on for some do not apply public interest structures:
- hospitals, clinics or nursing homes and the like, including those used for the rehabilitation of drug addicts and other entities entrusted with social services
- headquarters of diplomatic missions and international organizations, not located in condominium buildings
- kindergartens and nurseries
- swimming pools and saunas
- buildings used for industrial, craft and similar activities, in cases where technological or production needs still exist.
Il a maximum limit of 11 hours of switching on per day does not apply then to:
- offices and similar, buildings used for commercial activities, limited to the parts used for services without daily disruption of activities
- heating systems serving one or more buildings equipped with a main circuit, exclusively aimed at powering the buildings already exempt from the limits on the production of card water for hygienic and sanitary uses
- low-temperature heating systems serving multiple residential units and real estate of the same type equipped with a thermo-control unit driven by an external temperature sensor probe with a computer programmer, which allows the control of the room temperature on at least two levels over a 24 hour period. These systems can be operated continuously as long as the daily programmer is calibrated and sealed to achieve a room temperature tolerance of 16°C + 2°C in the hours outside the daily activation period
- public and private buildings powered by renewable sources or heat pumps.
the The 1 step less rule does not apply which:
- hospitals, clinics or nursing homes, including those used to hospitalize or care for minors or the elderly, protective facilities for the assistance and recovery of drug addicts and other subjects entrusted to the public social services, limited to the areas reserved for the permanent and medical treatment of patients or guests
- swimming pools, saunas and the like
- headquarters of diplomatic representations and international organizations not located in condominium buildings, which the municipal authorities have already granted justified exemptions to air temperature limits, based on objective elements or requirements related to the intended use
- buildings used for industrial, occupational and similar activities for which the Municipality has granted exemptions from air temperature limits, motivated by technological or production needs that require temperatures different from the limiting values
- public and private buildings equipped with systems powered mainly by renewable energy.
The green strategy of the Municipality of Rome
The new rules of the Municipality of Rome respond to an overall strategy of the administration which aims to carry out structural interventions to encourage the decarbonisation and electrification of mobility and heating systems of zero-emission buildings, and the environmental redevelopment of the most sensitive areas, such as schools and hospitals.
All interventions must be consistent with commitments to reduce pollutant emissions and emissions
CO2, as provided in the European Mission 100 smart carbon-neutral cities by 2030 in which the European Commission chose Rome.
Interview Between the Time.news Editor and Climate Expert Dr. Elena Rossi
Time.news Editor: Good morning, Dr. Rossi! Thank you for joining us today. Rome has just made an official change regarding the start date for turning on heating. Instead of the usual November 1, it’s been postponed to November 15. What do you make of this decision?
Dr. Elena Rossi: Good morning, and thank you for having me! The postponement of the heating season in Rome reflects a growing awareness of the climate realities we are facing. The warmer temperatures recorded in recent years indicate that we may not need heating just yet. It’s an interesting shift, and it suggests that policymakers are beginning to respond to the impacts of climate change.
Editor: That’s quite insightful! The article mentions that Rome falls into climate zone D, with a limit of 12 hours of heating a day. But considering the warmer average temperatures lately, do you think these regulations might change further?
Dr. Rossi: Absolutely. The trend towards warmer winters could prompt further adjustments in heating regulations. The goal here is not just to save energy but also to adapt to new climatic conditions. As the temperatures rise, we might see a need to reevaluate these climate zones and possibly extend the heating season or modify the allowed hours of operation.
Editor: The mayor’s new ordinance also includes specific rules about temperature settings and operational hours. For instance, the maximum heating limit is capped with variations based on building use. How significant are these temperature reductions in the fight against climate change?
Dr. Rossi: These measures are crucial. The proposed reductions, such as lowering the heating temperature by 1°C, may seem small, but they can lead to significant energy savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions when implemented on a large scale. Each degree counts when we’re looking to make impactful changes for climate resilience.
Editor: The article highlights that certain public interest structures, like hospitals and nurseries, are exempt from these limitations. In your opinion, is this a reasonable exemption?
Dr. Rossi: Yes, it is. The health and safety of vulnerable populations should always be prioritized. Facilities like hospitals require stable temperatures to ensure patient care and safety. However, it would be wise for these institutions to adopt energy-efficient practices wherever feasible, particularly through renewable energy sources or advanced heating technologies.
Editor: Speaking of renewable sources, how important is it for cities like Rome to transition towards them?
Dr. Rossi: Transitioning to renewable energy is essential. Not only does it mitigate the effects of climate change, but it also promotes energy independence and security. Moreover, measures that encourage energy savings, like the Covenant of Mayors initiative that Rome joined, aim to tackle both climate change and energy poverty, making the transition beneficial for everyone.
Editor: With these new regulations in place, what can residents do to contribute to these efforts at an individual level?
Dr. Rossi: Residents can play a pivotal role! Simple actions like adjusting thermostat settings, using insulation effectively, and implementing energy-saving habits can collectively make a significant impact. Additionally, advocating for and using public transport or cycling instead of using cars can further reduce emissions.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today, Dr. Rossi! It seems that Rome’s evolving heating regulations might just be the beginning of broader climate adaptations.
Dr. Rossi: It was my pleasure! Yes, let’s hope this is a step towards more comprehensive climate strategies that prioritize sustainability and resilience for all. Thank you!