More sustainable Italian cities: how is Varese positioned?

The orientation towards environmental sustainability has been much more than a trend for some time, investing every sector, including construction and, more generally, the real estate sector. The latter is clearly affected by the policies adopted at the local level, often also causing large gaps between Italian cities. This is also demonstrated by the now customary ranking of the most sustainable cities in Italy drawn up every year by Legambiente, which highlights the very different performances among the 105 local capitals.

For 2021 there are numerous confirmations but also many surprises, first of all the city of Varese, one of the few to be able to boast a real leap forward compared to the previous year.

Let's find out together with the Engel & Völkers experts what are the characteristics of sustainable cities and how Varese is positioned in the Italian 2021 ranking.

Legambiente and Ambiente Italia recently presented the 28th Urban Ecosystem Report which shows the environmental performance of 105 provincial capitals with reference to 2020.

The ranking of the most sustainable cities in Italy 2021 is based on 18 parameters, divided into 5 macro-areas: environment, mobility, waste management, air and water. With reference to these parameters, the most virtuous cities of 2021 were put in order, i.e., the cities that stand out most for their quality of life and attention to environmental and sustainability issues.

The maximum theoretical score is 100 and 2021 recorded an average score of 53.05%, almost identical to that of the previous year. This figure, combined with the numerous confirmations in terms of positioning, is symptomatic of an almost substantial immobility of local sustainability-oriented policies, with occasional exceptions.

Trento once again leads the ranking of sustainable cities in 2021, with a final score of 84.71%. The Trentino capital, in fact, recorded an improvement in performance in land use, in the reduction of fine dust, in terms of cycle paths and separate waste collection. Followed in the top 3 by Reggio Emilia with a score of 77.89% and Mantua with a score of 75.14%. Next, Cosenza in fourth position, one of the very few cities in the South to conquer leading positions, and Pordenone. The worst in the rankings? Brindisi (30.03%), Catania (29.38%) and Palermo (26.60%), respectively in 103rd, 104th and 105th place in the final ranking of 2021.

On the national scene, the Lombard capitals are those that, on average, have recorded the most evident improvements compared to the previous year, climbing the ranking by dozens of positions in just one year. This is the case of Brescia, which passes from 34th to 27th place, of Pavia from 53th to 40th and, above all, the case of Varese which leaps from 62nd to 44th place in the ranking with a final score of 55, 4%. This result confirms a positive trend that improves year after year and suggests excellent prospects for the future of Varese as a sustainable city.

In particular, the Lombard city recorded positive performances above the national average, especially in terms of public parks and pedestrian areas, mobility offers and air quality.

Among the latest achievements, Varese can also boast its inclusion among the 18 Italian cities reported as "Good examples of sustainability" for 2021. In particular, the Varese capital stood out for "Area friendly to biodiversity", a connection project ecological that aims to reduce the negative impact of urban habitats on ecosystems, recreating wetlands with a high value for biodiversity. The realization of this project includes important works of environmental improvement and restoration, as well as renaturalization works in the urban context.

Why wait? Contact your Engel & Völkers agency to find your dream home in Varese.