Urban and environmental planning for the protection and valorization of low temperature geothermal resources

Abstract

Ground heat is a territorial and environmental resource. This resource is suitable for heating and cooling by means of open or closed loops. Its correct use implies to take into consideration the renewability limits of the resource (heat or water) and the environmental, social and economic sustainability, in order to avoid or to limit negative impacts. Up to 1995 in Italy specific authorities and plans, all focused on the concept of sustainable development, dealt with defining the rules of how to use the environmental resources. Since 1995 several regional urbanistic rules are created and focused on the important role that land planning oriented to sustainable development can play for the correct use, valorization and protection of the environmental resources. The quantitative evaluation of geothermal resource and its economical suitable use can thus conveniently be handle inside the planning process. Important factors in the evaluation process are also hazard and risk concepts, considering the human factor as a driving force on the surrounding environment. In addition, the Strategic Environmental Evaluation, which must be included into any urban plan, strengthen the correct use of the natural resource by assuring all objective of environmental compatibility, along with economic and social sustainability, are reached. This paper aims at showing the technical, administrative and environmental advantages of managing the geothermal resources within the regional, provincial and local planning process.