PEOPLEClaudio Zandonella Callegher

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Claudio Zandonella Callegher

Senior Researcher
Institute for Renewable Energy

T +39 0471 055 636

claudio.zandonellacallegher@eurac.edu

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7721-6318

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About

Machine Learning
Statistical analyses
R Programming
Open Science

Claudio Zandonella Callegher obtained his PhD at the University of Padova in 2022. During his PhD, he worked on the statistical approaches for the formalization and evaluation of research hypotheses in scientific research. His PhD thesis was focused on the use of Design Analysis and the evolution of informative hypotheses via the Bayes Factor with the encompassing prior approach. In 2022, he joined the Urban and regional energy systems group at EURAC working in the Team of Engineering Energy Economics. He has worked on several projects related to energy statistics where he contributed to the collection, assembly, processing, and analysis of data related to energy efficiency and characteristics of the European building stock. He is highly proficient in R and Python programming languages.

Scientific Publications

Conference proceedings article2026

Environmental justice and nature-based solutions: Thermal and ecological benefits of high-biodiversity and biosolar roofs in the Bolzano industrial zone

Pace R, Chen Y, Zarei M, Grazieschi G, Pinotti R, Siclari I, Zandonella Callegher C, Gantioler S

Rocco Pace, Gianluca Grazieschi, Riccardo Pinotti, Claudio Zandonella Callegher

Progetto: EU H2020 JUSTNature - Attivazione di soluzioni basate sulla natura per una transizione giusta e a basso contenuto di carbonio

Cities face significant environmental challenges due to climate change. The lack of green spaces in urban areas can worsen these issues by amplifying the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Socio-economic inequalities further complicate the situation, leading to uneven distribution of climate impacts. Nature-based Solutions (NbS), such as green roofs and walls, offer benefits like cooling effects, enhanced biodiversity, and improved energy efficiency. The JUSTNature project studies the effectiveness of NbS interventions. In Bolzano (Italy), biosolar and high-biodiversity green roofs were implemented on a building in an industrial zone with high UHI intensity. High-resolution microclimate simulations using ENVI-met software, along with local weather data and detailed 3D models, assessed the thermal effects of green roofs. Energy modeling simulations evaluated the impact on building energy performance, including photovoltaic panel output and cost-benefits. Simulations showed significant temperature reductions: over 20 °C in surface temperature and up to 2 °C in air temperature during the hottest day recorded in 2023 (August 23). These interventions resulted in energy savings of 30–46% for cooling, demonstrating their effectiveness in enhancing building energy performance while maintaining indoor comfort. The findings highlight the broader benefits of NbS, such as mitigating UHI effects, promoting urban biodiversity, and creating green corridors in densely built environments. Insights from this project suggest that NbS can support sustainable UHI adaptation strategies, contributing to more equitable environmental transformation in cities.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1007/978-981-95-1818-0_30

Conference proceedings article2026

Nature-Based Solutions: Thermal and Environmental Benefits of High-Biodiversity and Biosolar Roofs in the Bolzano Industrial Zone

Pace R, Chen Y, Zarei M, Grazieschi G, Pinotti R, Siclari I, Zandonella Callegher C, Gantioler S

Rocco Pace, Gianluca Grazieschi, Riccardo Pinotti, Marzieh Zarei, Claudio Zandonella Callegher, Isabella Siclari, Yi Chen

Progetto: EU H2020 JUSTNature - Attivazione di soluzioni basate sulla natura per una transizione giusta e a basso contenuto di carbonio

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1007/978-981-95-1818-0_30

Journal article2025

Enhancing the impact of energy system modeling on regional policy: a case study of knowledge exchange in Piemonte Region, Italy

D’Alonzo V, Prina MG, Guiot E, Baretti F, De Nigris S, Nuvoli G, Beltrami F, Dalle Nogare G,

Giovanni Dalle Nogare, Daniele Vettorato, Wolfram Sparber, Filippo Beltrami, Samuele Zilio, Claudio Zandonella Callegher, Matteo Prina

Energy system modeling has become a critical tool for guiding energy transition plans at different administrative levels, yet a persistent gap exists between modeling outputs and practical policy implementation. This paper presents a novel co-creation approach applied for the Piemonte Region, Italy, that successfully bridges this divide through structured knowledge exchange between researchers and public officers. Using the EPLANopt model—which combines multi-objective evolutionary algorithms with EnergyPLAN simulation software—we developed optimized deep decarbonization scenarios for the regional energy system for 2030, 2040, and 2050. The modeling framework integrated all major energy sectors (electricity, heating, transportation, and industry) while comprehensively evaluating various renewable technologies, including different photovoltaic (PV) configurations, wind power, hydrogen production, energy storage systems, and efficiency measures. Through geographic information systems-based spatial analysis, we identified and quantified the technical potential of renewable energy sources across the region, incorporating territorial constraints and environmental considerations. The participatory approach fostered continuous dialogue between modelers and regional authority, resulting in scenarios that better reflect local priorities, constraints, and implementation capacity. Our findings demonstrate that this co-creation methodology leads to more robust and feasible energy transition scenarios, offering targeted recommendations for technology deployment with spatial and temporal specificity. Key actions include expanding rooftop PVs, establishing agrivoltaics regulations, improving energy efficiency in older buildings, investing in storage and flexible energy systems, promoting industrial decarburization, and maximizing local economic benefits through support for regional supply chains.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1088/2753-3751/adfb7f

Journal article2024

Investigating the validity of the hue-heat effect on thermal sensitivity

Battistel L, Zandonella Callegher C, Zampini M, Parin R

Riccardo Parin, Claudio Zandonella Callegher, Laura Battistel

In this study, we aimed to investigate the validity of the hue-heat effect on the body thermal sensitivity. Previous research on thermal comfort has proposed associations between red and warmth, and blue with cold. However, inconsistencies in confirming this effect have arisen, with studies often relying on subjective scales for thermal comfort assessment, introducing potential confounding variables. To overcome these limitations, we conducted a study focusing on the hue-heat effect within the domain of thermal sensitivity, providing a more objective measurement of thermal perception. Participants (n = 26) were required to compare the perceived temperatures inside different climate chambers lighted by either red or blue lights following two different paradigms. In the congruent paradigm, the warmest chamber was lighted by red lights, while the coldest chamber had blue lights. On the contrary, the incongruent condition featured the warmest chamber with blue lights and the coldest chamber with red lights, thereby violating the hue-heat effect. We found comparable performance in both conditions, challenging the hypothesis that congruence between colour and temperature enhances thermal perception. Notably, some participants aligned with our hypothesis, while others exhibited opposing behaviour, highlighting the potentially subjective nature of the hue-heat effect. Furthermore, we compared the present results with our previous data without the added stimuli of the lights. Surprisingly, the sensitivity observed in this experiment was even lower than the one measured in our previous study (p-value < 0.0001), suggesting that the colour of the lights might have increased participants’ cognitive load, leading to a decline in their performance.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71784-7

Journal article2024

Use of Machine Learning Techniques on Aerial Imagery for the Extraction of Photovoltaic Data within the Urban Morphology

Giussani F, Wilczynski E, Zandonella Callegher C, Dalle Nogare G, Pozza C, Novelli A, Pezzutto S

Giovanni Dalle Nogare, Simon Pezzutto, Eric Wilczynski, Cristian Pozza, Fabio Giussani, Claudio Zandonella Callegher

Progetto: EU HEU MODERATE - SOLUZIONI DI DATI APERTI COMMERCIABILI PER L'OTTIMIZZAZIONE DEI SERVIZI ENERGETICI LEGATI AGLI EDIFICI

Locating and quantifying photovoltaic (PV) installations is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, but it is necessary for monitoring their distribution. In the absence of existing data, the use of aerial imagery and automated detection algorithms can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the data collection process. This study presents a machine learning approach for the analysis of PV installations in urban areas based on less complex and resource-intensive models to target the challenge of data scarcity. The first objective of this work is to develop a model that can automatically detect PV installations from aerial imagery and test it based on the case study of Crevillent, Spain. Subsequently, the work estimates the PV capacity in Crevillent, and it compares the distribution of PV installations between residential and industrial areas. The analysis utilizes machine learning techniques and existing bottom-up data to assess land use and building typology for PV installations, identifying deployment patterns across the town. The proposed approach achieves an accuracy of 67% in detecting existing PV installations. These findings demonstrate that simple machine learning models still provide a reliable and cost-effective way to obtain data for decision-making in the fields of energy and urban planning, particularly in areas with limited access to existing data. Combining this technology with bottom-up data can lead to more comprehensive insights and better outcomes for urban areas seeking to optimize and decarbonize their energy supply while minimizing economic resources.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.3390/su16052020

Journal article2023

Assessment of Building Materials in the European Residential Building Stock: An Analysis at EU27 Level

Zandonella Callegher C, Grazieschi G, Wilczynski E, Oberegger Filippi U, Pezzutto S

Simon Pezzutto, Eric Wilczynski, Gianluca Grazieschi, Claudio Zandonella Callegher

Progetto: EU H2020 BuiltHub - Collettore dinamico di conoscenza sul parco costruito europeo

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption in the building sector requires not only improving the energy efficiency of buildings but also minimising material requirements, embodied emissions, and waste generation. Circular Economy (CE) principles can be applied to minimize resource extraction and waste generation in the building industry. However, to implement effective CE strategies, quantification and evaluation of materials accumulated in buildings are required. This study aims to provide accurate data and a detailed analysis of the materials available in the EU27 residential building sector. By elaborating the data provided by the H2020 European projects Hotmaps and AmBIENCe, the different materials used for floors, roofs, walls, windows, and insulation layers in single-family houses, multifamily houses, and apartment blocks in the different construction periods were quantified for each EU27 country. Considering results at the EU27 level, concrete and brick characterize the largest part of the European residential building stock, whereas materials such as wood and different types of rock are used in much more limited amounts. These results form the basis for policymakers to monitor the status of the residential building sector, evaluate the potential of CE policies at a national level, and assess the environmental impact of building practices through lifecycle assessment.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.3390/su15118840

Journal article2023

Review of heating and cooling technologies for buildings: A techno-economic case study of eleven European countries

Mitterrutzner B, Zandonella Callegher C, Fraboni R, Wilczynski E, Pezzutto S

Simon Pezzutto, Eric Wilczynski, Riccardo Fraboni, Claudio Zandonella Callegher

The present study develops a review of heating and cooling (H&C) technologies used to produce space H&C services in eleven European member states. On the one hand, it revises (a) technical parameters, e.g. energy efficiency, of various H&C technologies. On the other hand, it reflects the status-quo of (b) economic costs of these systems, and it exhibits a (c) short environmental impact assessment. Costs are differentiated between investment and operational costs. The H&C technology portfolio is subdivided into (i) end-use heating technologies, (ii) district heating (DH) technologies and (iii) cooling technologies. Based on the data analysis, the different H&C systems are compared among one another in terms of technical efficiency, capital and operational cost, and technical lifetime and age of the technology stock. Whilst the different heat pump (HP) systems excel in the average efficiency, natural gas boilers are the most efficient option among fossil fuel fired boilers. Furthermore, it is the cleanest of the fossil fuels. The environmental assessment exhibits the importance of renewable energy systems for a sustainable energy transition. HP systems and electric heaters are grid-dependent and the CO₂ footprint depends on the carbon footprint of the specific country’s electricity supply. Regarding the economic analysis, following is concluded: on average, the capital costs of end-use HPs and solar thermal collectors are around 1000 k€/MW, while biomass boilers cost slightly more. Both on a DH and end-use level, fossil fuel boilers are among the most cost-efficient options. District cooling systems are low-cost options compared to small granular air-conditioners. Furthermore, HP systems (which can provide heating and cooling attendances) are more cost-effective on a decentralised scale, meanwhile biomass boilers and combined heat and power (CHP) plants are more cost competitive on a large DH plant level. Current developments and challenges within the residential sector are identified and future research trends are summarised. Overall, the outcome is a simple, but unified review of heating and cooling technologies for Europe and a perspective for efficient pathways for this sector.

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.129252

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Journal article2023

Review of heating and cooling technologies for buildings: A techno-economic case study of eleven European countries

Mitterrutzner B, Zandonella Callegher C, Fraboni R, Wilczynski E, Pezzutto S

Simon Pezzutto, Eric Wilczynski, Riccardo Fraboni, Claudio Zandonella Callegher

DOI Fonte

DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.129252

Claudio Zandonella Callegher

About

Scientific Publications

Environmental justice and nature-based solutions: Thermal and ecological benefits of high-biodiversity and biosolar roofs in the Bolzano industrial zone

Nature-Based Solutions: Thermal and Environmental Benefits of High-Biodiversity and Biosolar Roofs in the Bolzano Industrial Zone

Enhancing the impact of energy system modeling on regional policy: a case study of knowledge exchange in Piemonte Region, Italy

Investigating the validity of the hue-heat effect on thermal sensitivity

Use of Machine Learning Techniques on Aerial Imagery for the Extraction of Photovoltaic Data within the Urban Morphology

Assessment of Building Materials in the European Residential Building Stock: An Analysis at EU27 Level

Review of heating and cooling technologies for buildings: A techno-economic case study of eleven European countries

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Scientific Publications

Environmental justice and nature-based solutions: Thermal and ecological benefits of high-biodiversity and biosolar roofs in the Bolzano industrial zone

Nature-Based Solutions: Thermal and Environmental Benefits of High-Biodiversity and Biosolar Roofs in the Bolzano Industrial Zone

Enhancing the impact of energy system modeling on regional policy: a case study of knowledge exchange in Piemonte Region, Italy

Investigating the validity of the hue-heat effect on thermal sensitivity

Use of Machine Learning Techniques on Aerial Imagery for the Extraction of Photovoltaic Data within the Urban Morphology

Assessment of Building Materials in the European Residential Building Stock: An Analysis at EU27 Level

Review of heating and cooling technologies for buildings: A techno-economic case study of eleven European countries