Governments, worldwide, are committed to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). In a context where urban agglomerates consume roughly 80% of the global energy, of which buildings account for 40%, energy-efficient buildings can make a significant contribution to meeting SDGs 11 and 13. Currently, the implementation of energy efficiency measures (EEMs) in building is constrained by socioeconomic and technical barriers. Using empirical survey data, the drivers that affect both the supply of and demand for EEMs were identified. These drivers were then categorized within four clusters according to their importance in meeting supply and demand priorities. The following critical drivers were identified: standardization, low transaction costs, energy prices, and stability of the regulatory framework. The findings indicated that an effective energy policy provides consumers with reliable information and project developers with a stable regulatory environment. Investment behavior is rational and responsive to reliable information that prompts a switch toward sustainable building choices.

Waste management capacity plays a prominent role in complying with circular economy goals, such as reducing municipal waste disposal by landfilling to 10%. We first analyze the imbalance in municipal solid waste management across Italy by estimating the quantities of waste to be treated using technologies different from those currently in use. Subsequently, we estimate the impact that a system compliant with circular economy goals would have on the cost of waste management. Our empirical analyses are based on an econometric method. The results suggest that Italy could reduce the use of landfill by 11.5%, resulting in a 13% reduction in mechanical-biological treatment. The waste-to-energy capacity would rise by 4.6% compared to the current situation, while the organic fraction treatment capacity would increase by 8.3%. Besides the positive impact on the environment, the potential annual savings on the cost of waste management could reach 0.07%, or 0.27% when the phase corresponding to treatment and disposal is considered. We provide insights into the design of more efficient national waste management plans using a novel approach based on best performers.

The municipal solid waste collection and disposal service is a key element of the European strategy aimed at moving towards a circular economy. An efficient municipal solid waste collection and disposal is closely related to both lower waste tax and higher welfare of the interested population. In Italy, the lack of a centralized regulatory framework has determined heterogeneous performances of sector operators across the country. Firstly, we will be estimating the productive efficiency in different optimal territorial areas and secondly we will be forecasting the economic benefits that would arise under a new regulatory regime. Our approach combines the well-known yardstick competition and the price-cap mechanisms. Results suggest that if all territorial areas converged to the most efficient ones, a potential saving between 12% and 19% emerges, i.e., up to €2bn savings out of €10.05bn total tax revenue in 2015.

After having divided waste management cost in its cost items, we focus on how wellknown exogenous and endogenous drivers impact on such cost items. To this end, we collected empirical data of 6,616 Italian municipalities for a two-year period. We develop four regression-based models to analyze the data according to cost items. Models are also reiterated using different data normalization: cost per ton of waste or waste per capita. Besides exogenous determiners of cost, such as altitude, population density, and coastal zone, results refer to both unsorted and sorted waste management cost items. In this respect economies of scale are confirmed along with the critical role of adequate waste facilities that play a remarkable role in cost minimization.

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to analyse the role and scope of revenue management and its impact on performance of Italian tourism industry. The paper takes into consideration exogenous factors that may enable or prevent business success. Prior research shed light from different lens. Design/methodology/approach – Research design relies on an empirical analysis, information is gathered using a web survey. Variables are grouped into dependent (performance related items), independent and dummy, consistent with findings of existing literature. A questionnaire was e-mailed to a range of companies according to their NACE Rev.2 codes. The conceptual model is developed considering prior analysis of the literature. Findings – This study provides new insights for practical business management operating in the tourism industry. Indeed, it clarifies the role of the revenue manager and shows its usefulness within SMEs. Research limitations/implications – This study was conducted in only one sector and one country (Italy) and considered only SMEs. Originality/value – Although interesting suggestions can be drawn by literature, to the best knowledge of the authors the empirical analysis is one of the few attempts to explore the topic in Italy in an extensive way.