The prospects for construction between the new green homes directive, urban regeneration held back by bureaucracy, public works to be financed in the long term and the emergency linked to the lack of personnel.
These are the main themes discussed at the ANCE public assembly which was held in Rome. Francesco Molteni, president of Ance Como, also participated: «The key word of the day – says Molteni – was “perspectives”. Prospects for our sector, but also and above all for families and citizens.”
The decisive challenge that the citizens of Como will have to face is linked to the new Green Homes directive, which commits every EU member state to redevelop buildings to reduce consumption. «The final directive – says Molteni – is softer than the first version, which was devoted to extreme environmentalism and therefore difficult to apply in a context like the Italian one, with many building owners and many listed buildings located in historic centres».
In any case, 200 billion in investments are estimated to be necessary just for the first step at a national level. «It is clear that this sum cannot be supported entirely by families, nor by the State which comes from the experience of Superbonus 110. The only solution I see is to find the right balance between families, State and EU: participation is needed, everyone must do their part in finding the necessary funds.”
The balance is delicate. «The experience of Superbonus 110 has highlighted the shortcomings of the incentive mechanisms, but also the positivity of certain paths that should not be abandoned. The final objective of the directive – energy saving and reduction of dependence on foreign energy sources – must be pursued. We have two years to find a new form of sustainable incentive that does not create disparities.”
In this regard, Molteni’s thoughts turn to the elimination of the invoice discount. «The tax incentives for building renovations remain generous, but without a discount on the invoice, families still have to pay the money up front. This favors the wealthiest citizens.”
The disappearance of the discount on the invoice leads to the blocking of construction sites, with major problems for companies in the sector. «There are an estimated 7.5 billion blocked construction sites. The risk is to send businesses and families into crisis who are not at fault, have started work following the laws of the State and the incentives promised only to then find themselves having to face continuous regulatory changes”.
Looking ahead, to return to the theme of the meeting, two other shadows are looming over the construction sector. «In terms of public works – observes Molteni – we need to understand how to continue with investments after 2026, when the Pnrr which addressed significant issues but left other areas uncovered will end. The Municipalities will have to deal with the stability pact, the State will have to guarantee resources in some way.”
Last but not least is the personnel issue. «For years we have struggled to find new employees, but in light of the declining birth rate the problem is destined to worsen even more in the medium and long term. It’s something we’re already dealing with, but we need to start finding solutions before we find ourselves in an emergency situation.”
