I progetti Life + in Italia

Cosa può fare l'Europa per la tutela della biodiversità e la governance ambientale? La risposta  ci arriva dagli ultimi progetti finanziati dal programma europeo Life +: 52 iniziative per un totale di circa 102 milioni di euro. 

Azioni concrete per l'ambiente.

LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance (38 projects – 75.7 million)

LIFE BIOCLOC (Università degli Studi di Firenze - Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile e Ambientale): The objectives of this project are to demonstrate the suitability of an innovative monitoring instrument for the control of activated sludge processes based on online measurement of the nitrification rate. The technology will be installed in a textile factory’s wastewater treatment plant for demonstration purposes. The new monitoring and control strategy is expected to save energy and reduce the carbon footprint of the treatment whilst improving effluent quality through the control of the oxygen concentration and the removal of nutrients from wastewater. Contact: giulio@dicea.unifi.it

LIFE FIBERS (Università degli Studi di Genova - Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences): The aim of LIFE FIBERS is to improve knowledge about methods of treating asbestos-bearing waste by manufacturing and implementing two prototype ovens for rendering inert such waste using the Self-propagating High temperature Synthesis technique. The ovens will be up-scaled, firstly to medium- and then to pre-industrial scale. The project will also verify the extent of transformation of fibrous waste into newborn minerals and thus contribute to the reuse of treated waste for aggregates. Contact: gaggero@dipteris.unige.it

LIFE-HPRS (IMAL srl): The goal of this project is to reduce resin usage in the panel production industry by distribution of the resin as a function of the surface. It will demonstrate a novel blender equipped with a high pressure glue mixture injection system, which is expected to reduce energy consumption as well as emissions of CO2 and Volatile Organic Compounds. Contact: lauro.zoffoli@imal.com

BioMethER LIFE+ (ASTER S.Cons.P.A.): The project aims to bridge the gap between policy, research and development and industrial-scale solutions, byimplementing a novel biogas production plant. This will combine an anaerobic digestion, pre-treatment and upgrading system with a subsequent system for grid injection/filling in. In this way, the project will test the integration of established technologies with new ones. Another project goal is the production of guidelines to help the regional government design a policy for the development of biomethane and its use in the energy grid. Relevant to Climate Change. Contact: ecoinnovation@aster.it

Life After-Cu (Università di Firenze - Department of Agricultural Biotechnology): The overall goal of this project will be to demonstrate the anti-infective properties of peptide molecules against plant pathogenic bacteria, with a view to the replacement of traditional copper compounds used in conventional and organic agriculture. Contact: stefania.tegli@unifi.it

BioNaD (Chemical Institute of organometallic compounds of CNR): BioNaD’s main objective is to demonstrate the use of a new category of dyes as colorants for the leather industry. These ‘naturalised dyes’ are obtained by linking dyes with lactose obtained from waste milk serum. Another goal of the project is to prove the efficacy of bacteria-based degradation of dyeing effluent wastewaters, thereby allowing the reuse of this water. Contact:bramanti@pi.iccom.cnr.it

Life RESAFE (Sapienza Università di Roma - Dipartimento Ingegneria Chimica Materiali Ambiente): The main objective of the project is to demonstrate the production and use of Reduced Salinity Fertiliser (RSF) as a substitute for chemical and mineral fertilisers. RSFs will be manufactured by the project from Urban Organic Waste, Farm Organic Residues and bio-char. Contact: silvia.serranti@uniroma1.it

LIFE Prefer (Scuola Superiore di Studi Universitari e di Perfezionamento Sant’Anna): The PREFER project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of the European Environmental Footprint (EF) methodology in different sectors. The project will leverage a cluster approach to overcome issues of limited human and financial resources that are common to many Small and Medium Enterprises. A set of instruments, tools and resources will be shared with local SMEs at the cluster level in order to support them in the application of the EF methodology and to improve the environmental performance of their products. Contact: frey@sssup.it

LIFE ZEF-tile (Ceramica Alta S.r.l.): The objective of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility of applying oxy-fuel technologies to the firing stage of ceramic products, in order to implement CO2 sequestration techniques. By using pure oxygen instead of air to burn hydrocarbons such as methane, exhaust gases will consist solely of carbon dioxide and water vapour. The project will do this by setting up a pilot roller kiln with modified burners that is capable of using pure oxygen as an oxidant for the combustible material. Relevant to Climate Change. Contact:amministrazione.piera@ceramicaalta.com

GREENWOOLF (Institute for Macromolecular Studies): This project aims to demonstrate the viability of converting waste wool into an effective soil conditioner fertiliser using small-scale, local hydrolysis plants. The plants will have a capacity of 1 tonne/day, thus reducing transportation costs of both fertilisers and wool waste, and eliminating the need for scouring and disposal of coarse wools. Contact: c.tonin@bi.ismac.cnr.it

BiMoP (Advanced Polymer Materials Srl): The BiMoP project is focused on demonstrating how to apply itaconic acid and its derivatives to a range of applications in the production of plastic materials, surfactants and chemicals for pharmaceutical compounds. Expected results include a decrease in formaldehyde and styrene emissions of around 8 %. Contact: info@apmlab.com

LIFE CLEANSED (Institute for Ecosystem Studies of the National Research Council): This project will demonstrate, evaluate and disseminate an innovative, integrated, multi-sector approach for the smart and sustainable management of polluted dredged river sediments. Polluted sediments will be dredged and, via a novel decontamination treatment, transformed from waste into a valuable material that will be used in plant nurseries and for road building. Contact: grazia.masciandaro@ise.cnr.it

LIFE+ GLEE (Solvay Specialty Polymers Italy SpA): This project aims to eliminate NMP, a toxic and carcinogenic solvent, from the manufacturing process of Li-ion batteries, which are used in electric vehicles. It will do this by demonstrating a substitute technology – water-based green solvents. As well as eliminating the toxic risks to living organisms, these new solvents are expected to reduce manufacturing costs by making sophisticated NMP solvent recovery and re-purification processes redundant. The project will thus produce an alternative battery for electric vehicles that should last longer and cost less than lithium batteries. Contact: francesco.triulzi@solvay.com

Wi-GIM Life (International Consortium on Advanced Design): The project has the objective of applying and demonstrating innovative and cost-effective technologies, methods and instruments for landslide and subsidence monitoring by implementing an innovative wireless sensor network for 3D surface monitoring. Contact: ennio.carnevale@unifi.it

LIFE+ IMAGINE (Geographical Information Systems International Group): The project’s aim is to harmonise heterogeneous spatial information in implementing the INSPIRE Directive, Shared Environmental Information System and Copernicus (the European Programme for the establishment of a European capacity for Earth Observation) in coastal areas. Two scenarios representative of severe environmental problems affecting coastal areas will be modelled, such as flooding, landslides, coastal erosion and soil sealing. Contact: g.saio@gisig.it

PROSIL (Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri): The goal of this project is to facilitate a proactive attitude towards the REACH Regulation, aiming at helping the chemical industry improve their environmental approach and minimise health effects. The project will also extend its attention to new chemicals, enabling industry to take into consideration relevant toxicity properties in the planning phase of chemical plants.Contact: emilio.benfenati@marionegri.it

LIFE SMILE (Regione Liguria Environment Department - Coastal Area Ecosystem): The goal of this project is to reduce and recover marine litter in coastal areas through the development of governance processes and an integrated approach to solid waste management, in accordance with the philosophy of Integrated Coastal Zone Management and Marine Litter legislation. The project will install an innovative “catching mechanism” for marine litter in a pilot area. Contact: ilaria.fasce@regione.liguria.it

Life Plastic Killer (PAL srl): The main objective of this project is to set up and demonstrate the viability of an energy-efficient pilot plant able to finely separate post-consumer recycled wood from plastic impurities. The recycled wood will be used primarily to manufacture medium-density fibreboard panels and secondarily as “purified” biomass. Contact: up.pal@pec.it

Climate changeE-R (Regione Emilia Romagna - Direzione Generale Agricoltura, Economia Ittica, Attività Faunistico-Venatorie): The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by selected agricultural food chains on a regional scale in Emilia-Romagna. It will tackle emissions of Methane (CH4) from enteric origin, Nitrous oxide (N2O) from soil and manure, and carbon dioxide (CO2) from energy use. The general aim is to reduce the emissions by 0.2 Mtonnes CO2 equivalent over a three-year period in specialised crop cultivations (tomatoes, green beans, wheat, peaches and pears) and in the beef and milk production chains. Relevant to Climate Change. Contact: mmontanari@regione.emilia-romagna.it

EMaRES (Università degli Studi di Perugia - Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale): The aim of this project is to demonstrate how to increase material recycling and recovery and reduce landfill needs, by introducing innovative concepts in waste collection, mechanical sorting, biological treatment and landfill management. Project activities will involve the whole waste management system, from source segregated collection to recycling, mechanical-biological treatment and final disposal. Contact: fdm@unipg.it

LIFE of water is man life (La Borghigiana S.r.l.): The main objective of this project is to drastically decrease water consumption in natural stone cutting operations - in particular during the process of cutting pietra serena (a type of sandstone). The innovation is based on new cutting tools equipped with small micronising nozzles. As well as saving water and producing 100 % recyclable powders, the project will lead to better working conditions by reducing the amount of spray hitting the workers. Contact: stefano.cangioli@laborghigiana.com

LIFE GLUELESS (Fameccanica.Data SpA): The aim of the project is to demonstrate to the personal hygiene industry and policy-makers the potential for a significantly reduced environmental impact by cutting the use of glue in the manufacture of Absorbent Hygiene Products, such as nappies. The project will scale up towards novel combinations of thermo-welding and ultrasonic bonding, promising a reduction of more than 65 % in the use of primary non-renewable materials (petrochemical-based glue), and significant energy and cost reductions. Contact: francesco.daponte@fameccanica.com

SEKRET Life (University of Pisa - Center for logistic systems Dept. of Civil Engineering): The aim of this project is to demonstrate a technology for treating sediment dredged from ports, which is typically characterised by heavy metal and hydrocarbon concentrations over acceptable limits. The project will use electrokinetic remediation within a specifically-equipped Confined Disposal Facility in order to treat the sediment. It will also highlight the environmental and economic benefits of this solution in comparison with disposal to landfill. Contact: r.iannelli@ing.unipi.it

HelpSoil (Regione Lombardia - DG Agricoltura): The HelpSoil project will test and demonstrate innovative solutions and soil management practices to enhance the functions of soil and the resilience and adaptation of agricultural systems to climate change impacts. Actions will take place across the 46 000 km2 Po plain and the Alpine and Apennine foot-hills. Relevant to Climate Change. Contact: alberto_lugoboni@regione.lombardia.it

LIFE ENRICH A POOR WASTE (Bra Servizi S.r.l.): This project’s main objective is to process waste Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymers to create thin elements that are fireproof, sound absorbent, insulating, anti-shock, easy-to-clean and able to be used in eco-sustainable buildings, where they can be easily removed and reused. Contact: s.piumatti@braservizi.com

LIFE+ VIRGIN (FATER SpA): The general objective of the project is to foster the market readiness of an innovative solution with drastically increased cost and energy efficiency in the valorisation of cellulosic residues from a wide range of sources (35 % of total municipal solid waste). The novel solution will contribute to the overall efficiency of another recovery technique for absorbent hygiene products waste, thus helping it overcoming non-technological barriers, namely energy autonomy and low economic sustainability. Contact: Somma.ma@fater.it

MAPEC LIFE (University of Brescia): The overall objective is to evaluate the associations between established (e.g. PM10, NOx) and emerging (PAHs and nitroPAHs) measures of air pollution and early effect biomarkers, and to propose a model for estimating the global risk of early biological impacts in children caused by air pollutants and other factors. This model will provide information that gives valuable guidance to policy-makers planning individual and community interventions to protect children from the possible health effects of air pollutants. Contact: gelatti@med.unibs.it

LIFE EDESIA (Istituto Superiore di Sanità): This project aims to demonstrate a new, robust and cost-effective in silico/in vitro approach to evaluate suitable chemicals for replacing Endocrine Disruptor Compounds (EDCs) of equivalent concern. It will provide at least one suitable alternative each for bisphenol A/BPA, phthalates and parabens). Foreseen applications of the alternatives will overlap the main usages of the chemicals of interest, namely plasticiser (hard plastics) for BPA, plasticiser (PVC-based medical devices) for phthalates, and antimicrobials (personal care products and over-the-counter drugs) for parabens. Using (Q)SAR, potential alternatives will be tested upon selection for absence of mutagenicity/genotoxicity and persistence/bioaccumulation. The project’s in-vitro tests for EDCs will complement the efforts of the REACH Regulation and provide a comprehensive screen for endocrine-disrupting properties. Contact: alberto.mantovani@iss.it

LIFE-OPTIMAL2012 (Biogas Wipptal s.r.l.): The general objective of this project is to demonstrate an innovative approach for the management of the manure produced by livestock farming, by turning it into high quality solid and liquid fertiliser using an anaerobic digestion plant. Environmental benefits will include a reduction in nitrogen/nitrates on agricultural land and decreased greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions. Contact: mayr.josef@rolmail.net

LIFE ReTSW-SINT (Majorca S.p.A.): The project aims to demonstrate the feasibility of valorising and recycling different types of thermal spray waste from the ceramic industry into high value products for industrial and residential use. The goal is to convert such waste streams into usable and high-value products by separating waste powder streams according to composition, particle size and morphology. The project will develop innovative frits and glazes for use in the manufacture of glazed ceramic tiles with abrasion resistance, conductivity, electro-magnetic field absorption and aesthetical properties.Contact: corrado.m@majorca.it

LIFE CarbOnFarm (Centro di Ricerca Interdipartimentale sulla Risonanza Magnetica Nucleare per l'Ambiente, l'Agro-Alimentare e i Nuovi Materiali): The project intends to address the basic requirements concerning the sustainable use of agricultural soils through the restoration and preservation of soil properties; valorisation of the economic and environmental role of soil as a resource in agro ecosystems; and improved agricultural biomass recycling. The main objective is to monitor and improve the quantity and quality of soil organic matter (SOM) in agricultural soils. This will be achieved by applying environmentally-sustainable SOM management methods. The project will also adopt “on-farm” composting facilities for valorising residual biomass from local farming activities. Contact: riccardo.spaccini@unina.it

GREEN SINKS (DELTA srl): The project aims to introduce the first ‘green kitchen sinks’. To this end it will demonstrate the feasibility of 100 % substitution of primary resources by treating and recycling 80 % of the methyl methyl methacrylate (MMA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) used in composite sink manufacture. The project will combine the recycled MMA and PMMA with other minerals and mould the material into new composite sinks, which will be subject to a lifecycle assessment. Some 20-30 demonstration sinks will be produced for demonstration purposes. Contact:savina.pianesi@telmacucina.it

LIFE MED HISS (Agenzia Regionale per la Protezione Ambientale del Piemonte): MED-HISS is a demonstration project involving partners in Spain, France, Italy and Slovenia. Its main objectives are to update and develop EU environmental policy and legislation with improved data on the adverse health effect of air pollution (PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3); to consolidate the knowledge base for the development, assessment, monitoring and evaluation of environmental policy and legislation, by setting up a European surveillance system of long term effects of air pollution; and to assess the feasibility of transferring the adopted approach to other European countries. Contact: ennio.cadum@arpa.piemonte.it

LIFE FRELP (Sasil S.p.A.): The project aims to demonstrate innovative technologies for 100 % recycling of end-of-life photovoltaic panels in an economically viable way. Two key environmental solutions are proposed: recovery of high quality extra clear glass, to be used in the hollow and flat glass industry; and recovery of (metallic) silicon, to be employed as ferrosilicon in iron silicon alloys or, if sufficient purity is obtained, transformed into amorphous silicon for use in the production of thin films. Both processes promise significant energy and CO2 emissions savings. Contact: l.ramon@sasil-life.com

LIFE PRIME GLASS (STARA GLASS S.p.A.): The aim of the project is to test and demonstrate technologies that will significantly reduce the environmental impact of the glass industry. In particular, NOX formation during the combustion process in the glass furnace will be significantly reduced at the source and the energy performance of glass furnaces will be improved. The innovative systems demonstrated in this project are designed to provide results that will feed into further BREF revisions. Contact: giampaolo.bruno@hydragroup.it

WEENMODELS life (Comune di Genova): The main objective of the project is to demonstrate that through the application of an efficient logistic system and the central coordination of WEEE collection services, it is possible to reach and even to exceed the targets defined by the EU WEEE Directive (2012/19/UE). It will create a new collection and logistical model designed to operate in a stable and systematic way whilst minimising service costs.Contact: progettieuropei@comune.genova.it

LIFE SANITSER (Minerali Industriali S.p.A.): The project aims to revise the production process in the Vitreous Sanitary Ware (VSW) ceramic sector by introducing appropriate amounts of cullet from urban glass collection streams into VSW ceramic formulas. Actions will focus on process innovations designed to ensure the availability and recovery of suitable quantities of glass cullet waste (soda lime glass), improve the environmental performance of the ceramic sector by reducing CO2 emissions, and enhance sustainability by saving energy and raw materials. Contact: mestriner@g-m-m.it

InBioWood (Consorzio di Bonifica Veronese): This project aims to increase and protect biodiversity in areas where it is under threat because of intensive agriculture. It will do this by introducing and promoting polycyclic permanent plantations, a new approach to plantation forestry that combines the environmental benefits of a natural forest with the productivity gains of artificial plantations. This will increase and protect biodiversity in agricultural areas, improve water management and the drainage network and balance environmental benefits with a good income for farmers. Contact:consorzio@bonificaveronese.it

LIFE+ Nature (10 projects – 24.7 million)

SPIN4LIFE (Regione Siciliana - Assessorato del Territorio e dell'Ambiente Dipartimento Regionale dell'Ambiente): The project aims to draft a long-term management plan for all Natura 2000 sites in Sicily with the goal of achieving a “favourable” conservation status for all protected habitats and species. The plan will take into account all potential sources of EU, national and regional funding and establish a Priority Action Framework for Sicily’s Natura 2000 network, with a list of priority actions to be carried out on the sites over the next 10 years. Contact: matilde.fiore@regione.sicilia.it

LIFEEMYS (Costa Edutainment S.p.A.): The project aims to eradicate alien freshwater terrapin and turtle species within the two most important wetlands of Liguria: the Centa river plain and the basins of the Magra and Vara rivers. This action will be a precursor to the captive-breeding and reintroduction of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) to the Centa plain. Contact: cgili@costaedutainment.it

LIFE Puffinus Tavolara (Comune di Olbia): The objective of the project is to eradicate invasive rodents (black rat and house mouse), and alien plant species from Tavolara and three smaller islets, where the world’s largest Yelkouan shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan) population is under threat. Contact:vsecchi@comune.olbia.ot.it

LIFE Xero-grazing (Ente di Gestione delle Aree protette delle Alpi Cozie): The aim of the project is the conservation and restoration of dry grasslands with orchid habitats in the Natura 2000 site “Oasi xerotermiche della Valle di Susa - Orrido di Chianocco e Foresto”. Contact:castagneri.alpicozie@ruparpiemonte.it

TARTALIFE (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche - Istituto di Scienze Marine): The aim of the project is to reduce loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) mortality in the Mediterranean, firstly by reducing commercial fishing by-catch and secondly by training the fishing community in how to prevent deaths of turtles caught in their nets. The project will also support the work of marine turtle first aid/rescue centres. It covers all 15 Italian regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Contact: a.sala@ismar.cnr.it

LIFE+TROTA (Amministrazione Provinciale di Pesaro e Urbino): The main objective of this project is the recovery and the conservation of existing populations of Salmo macrostigma (a sub-species of brown trout) in four main watersheds in central Italy (Ambro-Tenna, Nera, Chienti and Metauro).Contact: e.cecchini@provincia.ps.it

LIFE+ Tetrax (Amministazione provinciale di Foggia): The overall goal of this project is recovery of the little bustard populations of Apulia and Basilicata in southern Italy. Actions will focus on restoring grassland habitat that supports the species, reduction of the presence of predators (rats, stray dogs and cats) and reduction of the impact of human activities. Contact: info@centrostudinatura.it

LIFE VIMINE (Università degli Studi di Padova - Dipartimento di Ingegneria Industriale): This project aims to demonstrate an integrated approach to the conservation of the salt marshes of the Venice lagoon. It will identify and repair numerous small areas of salt marsh in order to stop erosion. This will be done using low-impact soil bioengineering techniques and manual labour, a cost-effective approach that will be merged with participatory processes to involve stakeholders in the conservation works, increase environmental awareness and promote sustainable local economic activities based on salt marsh services. Contact: lpalmeri@unipd.it

LIFE WOLFALPS (Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime): The ultimate goal of this project is to implement and coordinate transboundary wolf conservation actions from the western Alps (France) to the eastern part of the range (Slovenia) via Italy. These actions are designed to enhance the re-colonisation process. Contact: giuseppe.canavese@parcoalpimarittime.it

LIFE Caretta Calabria (Comune di Palizzi): This project focuses on conservation of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in Calabria. The beneficiary will conserve and restore four key nesting areas in coastal dune habitats, and seek to reduce the impact of the activities of the Calabrian and Sicilian fishing fleets. Contact: valeriapulieri@gmail.com

LIFE+ Biodiversity (2 projects – 3.5 million)

AQUALIFE (Ente Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga): The project aims to develop and disseminate the AQUALIFE Package, an innovative and user-friendly working package of biodiversity indicators that can be easily and widely used for assessing biodiversity status and loss in groundwater dependent ecosystems. Contact: monica.difrancesco@gransassolagapark.it

LIFE Alta Murgia (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche): The project aims to eradicate the invasive alien plant species, Ailanthus altissima from the Alta Murgia National Park, a Natura 2000 site. Contact: maurizio.vurro@ispa.cnr.it

LIFE+ Information and Communication (2 projects – 2.4 million)

Life Go Park (Coordinamento C.R.E.I.A Regione Lazio): The objective of the this project is to raise awareness of Nature Protection Areas (NPAs) and Natura 2000 sites in the Lazio Region, as well as of citizens’ impact on biodiversity. It also seeks to encourage more visitors to Lazio’s NPAs and Natura 2000 sites, whilst encouraging them to respect the environment. Contact: mantonelli@regione.lazio.it

EcoLife (LEGAMBIENTE Onlus): The project intends to transfer the knowledge and experience gained in professional communication on risk perception and prevention to communication on climate change. It will launch a long-term, sustainable, information and communication campaign designed to improve population awareness and reduce CO2 emissions through the adoption of a new and environmental-friendly lifestyle. Contact: n.corona@legambiente.it