ESA
Home / Innovative product case studies / ESA The European Space Agency (ESA) is pursuing a major innovation and sustainability pathway at the ESA-ESRIN center in Frascati (Rome), with the aim of improving the quality of work environments, optimizing space utilization, and digitalizing building management. In this context, two strategic buildings—Building 14 and Building 9—were at the core of an advanced process of environmental monitoring, digital modeling, and indoor conditions control, enabled by the adoption of Matterport, Spaceti, and Kaiterra technologies. These solutions made it possible to create up-to-date digital twins, collect reliable data on space occupancy, and continuously monitor indoor air quality, supporting ESA’s strategy for smarter, more efficient, and healthier buildings. The implemented activities also contributed to achieving two major recognitions: WELL Certification and LEED v5 Platinum. Results Role of R2M Digitalization and space documentation Thanks to Matterport, comprehensive virtual tours were developed for both buildings: – Building 14: the 3D model enabled the creation of a digital twin supporting space management, maintenance planning, and remote access for ESA teams. – Building 9: still under construction, the building was documented through a Matterport tour that facilitated construction progress monitoring and coordination among designers and contractors. Occupancy monitoring and space optimization In Building 14, Spaceti sensors were installed to detect real-time space occupancy and usage patterns. The collected data supports more informed space management decisions, improves the efficiency of shared spaces, and enhances user comfort. Indoor air quality and sustainability certifications Kaiterra sensors were implemented to monitor key Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) parameters, in line with sustainability protocol requirements. The resulting data supported ESA in achieving the standards required for: – WELL Certification (health, wellbeing, and indoor environmental quality) – LEED v5 Platinum Certification, the highest level of the latest version of the standard R2M Solution played a central role throughout all phases of the project, providing integrated, sustainability-driven technical support: – Analysis of ESA’s needs and definition of the most suitable digital solutions – Implementation of Matterport, Spaceti, and Kaiterra technologies, from configuration to commissioning – Support in the collection and management of data required for WELL Certification and LEED v5 Platinum – Technical consultancy and coordination to ensure a coherent digitalization process that is easy for ESA teams to use – Development of digital models, dashboards, and tools that make buildings easier to manage, more transparent, and strongly focused on occupant wellbeing Thanks to an integrated, digital, and sustainable approach, R2M Solution helped create smarter, healthier, and higher-performing buildings, supporting the European Space Agency in its transition toward increasingly efficient and innovation-driven assets. Digitalization and space documentation Thanks to Matterport, comprehensive virtual tours were developed for both buildings: – Building 14: the 3D model enabled the creation of a digital twin supporting space management, maintenance planning, and remote access for ESA teams. – Building 9: still under construction, the building was documented through a Matterport tour that facilitated construction progress monitoring and coordination among designers and contractors. Occupancy monitoring and space optimization In Building 14, Spaceti sensors were installed to detect real-time space occupancy and usage patterns. The collected data supports more informed space management decisions, improves the efficiency of shared spaces, and enhances user comfort. Indoor air quality and sustainability certifications Kaiterra sensors were implemented to monitor key Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) parameters, in line with sustainability protocol requirements. The resulting data supported ESA in achieving the standards required for: – WELL Certification (health, wellbeing, and indoor environmental quality) – LEED v5 Platinum Certification, the highest level of the latest version of the standard R2M Solution played a central role throughout all phases of the project, providing integrated, sustainability-driven technical support: – Analysis of ESA’s needs and definition of the most suitable digital solutions – Implementation of Matterport, Spaceti, and Kaiterra technologies, from configuration to commissioning – Support in the collection and management of data required for WELL Certification and LEED v5 Platinum – Technical consultancy and coordination to ensure a coherent digitalization process that is easy for ESA teams to use – Development of digital models, dashboards, and tools that make buildings easier to manage, more transparent, and strongly focused on occupant wellbeing Thanks to an integrated, digital, and sustainable approach, R2M Solution helped create smarter, healthier, and higher-performing buildings, supporting the European Space Agency in its transition toward increasingly efficient and innovation-driven assets. 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CityxChange – Bologna
Home / Innovative product case studies / CityxChange – Bologna The Bologna is among the leading European cities in the challenge toward climate neutrality, as part of the EU mission 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030. In this context, R2M Solution, in collaboration with the University of Bologna, developed a case study focused on the application of the urban Digital Twin as an innovative tool for sustainable urban planning and city decarbonization. Results Role of R2M The urban Digital Twin developed for Bologna made it possible to analyze the energy behavior of buildings and districts by simulating different retrofit, energy efficiency, and renewable energy production scenarios. The model integrated data from heterogeneous sources—such as cadastral records, 3D models, energy consumption data, climate data, and Energy Performance Certificates—providing a dynamic and interconnected view of the urban fabric. Two pilot areas were selected for the experimentation: Pilastro–Roveri, characterized by a mix of residential and industrial functions, and Pratello–Sant’Isaia, located in the historic city center. For each area, an energy baseline was established and intervention scenarios were simulated, including both passive measures (thermal insulation, reduction of heat losses) and active measures (system replacement, installation of photovoltaic panels). The result is a multiscale urban energy model, capable of providing valuable insights to support the planning and development of low-emission neighborhoods and districts. As part of the CityxChange project, R2M Solution developed dynamic energy modeling for the Italian case studies using IES iCD, a GIS plug-in based on OpenStreetMap and integrated into SketchUp. This tool enabled the rapid generation of three-dimensional models and the simulation of realistic energy scenarios at the urban scale. The work contributed to defining a reference methodology for the use of Digital Twins in urban planning, providing practical tools for public administrations, professionals, and citizens to support the development of energy efficiency, decarbonization, and sustainable mobility strategies. The urban Digital Twin developed for Bologna made it possible to analyze the energy behavior of buildings and districts by simulating different retrofit, energy efficiency, and renewable energy production scenarios. The model integrated data from heterogeneous sources—such as cadastral records, 3D models, energy consumption data, climate data, and Energy Performance Certificates—providing a dynamic and interconnected view of the urban fabric. Two pilot areas were selected for the experimentation: Pilastro–Roveri, characterized by a mix of residential and industrial functions, and Pratello–Sant’Isaia, located in the historic city center. For each area, an energy baseline was established and intervention scenarios were simulated, including both passive measures (thermal insulation, reduction of heat losses) and active measures (system replacement, installation of photovoltaic panels). The result is a multiscale urban energy model, capable of providing valuable insights to support the planning and development of low-emission neighborhoods and districts. As part of the CityxChange project, R2M Solution developed dynamic energy modeling for the Italian case studies using IES iCD, a GIS plug-in based on OpenStreetMap and integrated into SketchUp. This tool enabled the rapid generation of three-dimensional models and the simulation of realistic energy scenarios at the urban scale. The work contributed to defining a reference methodology for the use of Digital Twins in urban planning, providing practical tools for public administrations, professionals, and citizens to support the development of energy efficiency, decarbonization, and sustainable mobility strategies. Related products
PadovaxChange
Home / Innovative product case studies / PadovaxChange The +PADOVAxCHANGE project, approved under the European Scalable Cities initiative, was designed to transform Padua’s industrial area into a Positive Energy District through the creation of an energy digital twin. In collaboration with the Comune di Padova and other stakeholders, R2M Solution developed dynamic energy modeling and urban decarbonization scenarios, laying solid foundations for achieving carbon neutrality. Results Role of R2M The adoption of the digital twin made it possible to assess and design complex solutions such as a district heating network powered by industrial waste heat, the expansion of renewable energy production—particularly photovoltaic systems—and the integration of energy communities within the district. The implementation of these measures would lead to a 92% reduction in annual CO₂ emissions for the ZIP area. This approach enabled the Comune di Padova to leverage data-driven tools and realistic simulations to plan the transition toward clean energy and climate neutrality, in line with the urban mission of Net Zero Cities. R2M Solution led the dynamic energy modeling process through the use of IES ICL, a platform that enables the integration, analysis, and visualization of real and simulated data on buildings and urban areas through interactive dashboards. In parallel, R2M collaborated with the Comune di Padova and key local stakeholders to support methodological transfer and the dissemination of the approach, helping the city advance on its path toward climate neutrality. Padua is in fact one of the 100 European cities selected under the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission promoted by the European Commission. The adoption of the digital twin made it possible to assess and design complex solutions such as a district heating network powered by industrial waste heat, the expansion of renewable energy production—particularly photovoltaic systems—and the integration of energy communities within the district. The implementation of these measures would lead to a 92% reduction in annual CO₂ emissions for the ZIP area. This approach enabled the Comune di Padova to leverage data-driven tools and realistic simulations to plan the transition toward clean energy and climate neutrality, in line with the urban mission of Net Zero Cities. R2M Solution led the dynamic energy modeling process through the use of IES ICL, a platform that enables the integration, analysis, and visualization of real and simulated data on buildings and urban areas through interactive dashboards. In parallel, R2M collaborated with the Comune di Padova and key local stakeholders to support methodological transfer and the dissemination of the approach, helping the city advance on its path toward climate neutrality. Padua is in fact one of the 100 European cities selected under the Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission promoted by the European Commission. Related products
Chiesi Farmaceutici
Home / Innovative product case studies / Chiesi Farmaceutici The new headquarters of Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A., located in Parma on a 4.6-hectare site, represents a corporate regeneration project focused on sustainability, climate resilience, and innovation. The campus was designed to foster collaboration and workplace wellbeing, integrating green spaces, advanced technological solutions, and architecture with a strong focus on environmental quality. The campus incorporates permeable surfaces and green areas, green roofs, and photovoltaic systems, supporting efficient management of natural resources. Results Role of R2M The project achieved Greenpass Gold certification with a total score of 75%. The main categories are: Energy (73%) The project scored 10/10 in the Cooling Degree Hours parameter, demonstrating a strong ability to reduce the building’s cooling demand. Thanks to the adopted solutions—such as vegetation, green roofs, low thermal mass materials, and urban heat island mitigation strategies—the building requires fewer hours of air conditioning, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs. A score of 6/10 was achieved in the Thermal Storage parameter, which measures the amount of heat stored by materials during the day and released afterward. Climate (67%) The project achieved 10/10 in the Thermal Load, Albedo, and Night Time Cooling parameters, highlighting a strong capacity to reduce heat accumulation and release cooler air into surrounding spaces, the use of highly reflective surfaces that limit overheating, and an effective natural cooling performance during nighttime hours. Water (62%) The project achieved its highest scores (8/10) in the Runoff Score, Sealing Degree, and Water Storage indicators, demonstrating an excellent ability to reduce surface runoff, a high percentage of permeable surfaces, and an effective capacity to retain and manage rainwater. Bonus Points Ecology (9/12) – thanks to high biodiversity levels, the presence of diversified vegetation structures, dedicated habitats, pollinator-friendly species, areas for birds and pollinating insects, nesting and breeding sites, and animal-friendly lighting. Resources (6/7) – due to the use of recyclable and sustainable materials, water treatment systems, smart lighting, and renewable energy sources. Social (3/3) – thanks to the presence of open spaces, shared areas, and high site accessibility. Mobility (4/4) – thanks to electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle parking, pedestrian pathways, and strong connectivity to local public transport. As Greenpass Master Partner for Italy, R2M Solution led the entire urban climate assessment process, developing the digital twin of the campus and carrying out advanced microclimatic simulations—including thermal, wind, and outdoor comfort maps—which resulted in the achievement of Greenpass GOLD certification (75%). The project achieved Greenpass Gold certification with a total score of 75%. The main categories are: Energy (73%) The project scored 10/10 in the Cooling Degree Hours parameter, demonstrating a strong ability to reduce the building’s cooling demand. Thanks to the adopted solutions—such as vegetation, green roofs, low thermal mass materials, and urban heat island mitigation strategies—the building requires fewer hours of air conditioning, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs. A score of 6/10 was achieved in the Thermal Storage parameter, which measures the amount of heat stored by materials during the day and released afterward. Climate (67%) The project achieved 10/10 in the Thermal Load, Albedo, and Night Time Cooling parameters, highlighting a strong capacity to reduce heat accumulation and release cooler air into surrounding spaces, the use of highly reflective surfaces that limit overheating, and an effective natural cooling performance during nighttime hours. Water (62%) The project achieved its highest scores (8/10) in the Runoff Score, Sealing Degree, and Water Storage indicators, demonstrating an excellent ability to reduce surface runoff, a high percentage of permeable surfaces, and an effective capacity to retain and manage rainwater. Bonus Points Ecology (9/12) – thanks to high biodiversity levels, the presence of diversified vegetation structures, dedicated habitats, pollinator-friendly species, areas for birds and pollinating insects, nesting and breeding sites, and animal-friendly lighting. Resources (6/7) – due to the use of recyclable and sustainable materials, water treatment systems, smart lighting, and renewable energy sources. Social (3/3) – thanks to the presence of open spaces, shared areas, and high site accessibility. Mobility (4/4) – thanks to electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle parking, pedestrian pathways, and strong connectivity to local public transport. As Greenpass Master Partner for Italy, R2M Solution led the entire urban climate assessment process, developing the digital twin of the campus and carrying out advanced microclimatic simulations—including thermal, wind, and outdoor comfort maps—which resulted in the achievement of Greenpass GOLD certification (75%). Related products
La Forgiatura
Home / Innovative product case studies / La Forgiatura La Forgiatura is an integrated, technologically advanced campus located in Milan. R2M Solution supported the client in integrating BrainBox AI across 10 buildings, with the goal of optimizing energy performance, reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint, and accelerating the decarbonization pathway through HVAC system optimization. The application of AI-based technologies to the HVAC systems at La Forgiatura delivered significant improvements in energy efficiency and operational management. The implemented solutions enable advanced functionalities such as predictive controls, fault detection, and optimization based on real-time environmental data. Results Role of R2M – Average savings of 37% in cooling and heating system energy consumption – 6% reduction in overall energy bills – Lower CO₂ emissions, while improving occupant comfort – Extended equipment lifespan, thanks to more efficient and predictive system management – Seamless, non-invasive integration: BrainBox AI connects directly to the building management system, with no need for structural works R2M Solution led the integration of BrainBox AI technology, guiding the client through a decarbonization pathway and the green certification of the building complex. As part of the same project, R2M also developed an ESG Digital Twin Ecosystem—an advanced, multidimensional approach that combines artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and real operational data to create digital twins of buildings. This system enables continuous performance monitoring, energy efficiency optimization, and support for sustainable finance strategies, fostering intelligent, low-impact management of real estate assets. – Average savings of 37% in cooling and heating system energy consumption – 6% reduction in overall energy bills – Lower CO₂ emissions, while improving occupant comfort – Extended equipment lifespan, thanks to more efficient and predictive system management – Seamless, non-invasive integration: BrainBox AI connects directly to the building management system, with no need for structural works R2M Solution led the integration of BrainBox AI technology, guiding the client through a decarbonization pathway and the green certification of the building complex. As part of the same project, R2M also developed an ESG Digital Twin Ecosystem—an advanced, multidimensional approach that combines artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and real operational data to create digital twins of buildings. This system enables continuous performance monitoring, energy efficiency optimization, and support for sustainable finance strategies, fostering intelligent, low-impact management of real estate assets. Related products
WOLIBA Life and Business Park
Home / Innovative product case studies / WOLIBA Life and Business Park WOLIBA Life and Business Park, located in Rome, has undergone an urban regeneration project that brings together environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and innovation. Spanning more than 8 hectares, the campus was designed with a people-centred vision focused on wellbeing and the quality of spaces, enabled by the strong presence of green areas and the integration of nature-based solutions. Through the creation of a digital twin of the site and the use of advanced microclimatic simulations (heat and wind maps), it was possible to thoroughly assess the project’s response to the six urban challenges defined by the Greenpass protocol: climate, water, air, biodiversity, energy, and costs. Results Role of R2M The project achieved Greenpass Silver certification with a score of 67%. The main categories are: Energy (53%) The project scored 10/10 in the Cooling Degree Hours parameter, demonstrating a strong ability to reduce the building’s cooling demand. Thanks to the adopted solutions—such as vegetation, green roofs, low thermal mass materials, and urban heat island mitigation strategies—the building requires fewer hours of air conditioning, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced operating costs. Water (52%) The project achieved its highest scores (8/10) in indicators related to the water demand of green infrastructures. Vegetation is highly active and efficient, ensuring excellent evapotranspiration capacity and effective water use to enhance thermal comfort across the site. Climate (52%) The project scored 10/10 in the Thermal Load parameter, highlighting an excellent ability to limit heat accumulation and release cooler air into the surrounding neighborhood. In addition, the 8/10 score in Night Time Cooling confirms a strong capacity for natural cooling during nighttime hours, enabled by vegetation and the use of low thermal mass materials. Biodiversity (50%) In the Biodiversity category, the project scored 6/10 for the Green Area and Shannon Index parameters. The presence of extensive green spaces and a good variety of plant types contributes positively to site biodiversity, while still allowing room for further growth in ecological complexity. Bonus Points Ecology (9/12) – thanks to overall biodiversity, diversity of vegetation structures, provided habitats, presence of herbaceous and protected species, pollinator-friendly plants, areas suitable for birds and pollinating insects, as well as nesting and breeding sites. Resources (5/7) – due to the use of recyclable materials, water treatment systems, smart lighting, and renewable energy sources. Social (3/3) – thanks to the presence of open spaces, shared areas, and the high level of site accessibility. Mobility (4/4) – thanks to electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle parking, pedestrian pathways, and strong connectivity to local public transport. As Greenpass Master Partner for Italy, R2M Solution carried out the entire urban climate assessment of the project, conducted after construction was completed. The analysis led to the achievement of the first Greenpass certification in Italy, awarded at SILVER level (67%), confirming the campus’s high environmental performance and climate resilience. Compliance with EU Taxonomy Environmental Objective 2 (climate change adaptation) was also verified, generating positive impacts on ESG ratings and facilitating access to sustainable finance. WOLIBA stands as a benchmark model of sustainable urban regeneration, demonstrating how a data-driven approach based on advanced microclimatic simulations can enhance environmental quality, mitigate climate risks, and increase the ESG value of real estate developments. The project achieved Greenpass Silver certification with a score of 67%. The main categories are: Energy (53%) The project scored 10/10 in the Cooling Degree Hours parameter, demonstrating a strong ability to reduce the building’s cooling demand. Thanks to the adopted solutions—such as vegetation, green roofs, low thermal mass materials, and urban heat island mitigation strategies—the building requires fewer hours of air conditioning, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced operating costs. Water (52%) The project achieved its highest scores (8/10) in indicators related to the water demand of green infrastructures. Vegetation is highly active and efficient, ensuring excellent evapotranspiration capacity and effective water use to enhance thermal comfort across the site. Climate (52%) The project scored 10/10 in the Thermal Load parameter, highlighting an excellent ability to limit heat accumulation and release cooler air into the surrounding neighborhood. In addition, the 8/10 score in Night Time Cooling confirms a strong capacity for natural cooling during nighttime hours, enabled by vegetation and the use of low thermal mass materials. Biodiversity (50%) In the Biodiversity category, the project scored 6/10 for the Green Area and Shannon Index parameters. The presence of extensive green spaces and a good variety of plant types contributes positively to site biodiversity, while still allowing room for further growth in ecological complexity. Bonus Points Ecology (9/12) – thanks to overall biodiversity, diversity of vegetation structures, provided habitats, presence of herbaceous and protected species, pollinator-friendly plants, areas suitable for birds and pollinating insects, as well as nesting and breeding sites. Resources (5/7) – due to the use of recyclable materials, water treatment systems, smart lighting, and renewable energy sources. Social (3/3) – thanks to the presence of open spaces, shared areas, and the high level of site accessibility. Mobility (4/4) – thanks to electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle parking, pedestrian pathways, and strong connectivity to local public transport. As Greenpass Master Partner for Italy, R2M Solution carried out the entire urban climate assessment of the project, conducted after construction was completed. The analysis led to the achievement of the first Greenpass certification in Italy, awarded at SILVER level (67%), confirming the campus’s high environmental performance and climate resilience. Compliance with EU Taxonomy Environmental Objective 2 (climate change adaptation) was also verified, generating positive impacts on ESG ratings and facilitating access to sustainable finance. WOLIBA stands as a benchmark model of sustainable urban regeneration, demonstrating how a data-driven approach based on advanced microclimatic simulations can enhance environmental quality, mitigate climate risks, and increase the ESG value of real estate developments. Related products