In 2005, three pioneers of change – Alessandro, Maria, and Maurizio – stumbled upon an abandoned ruin in the italian hills of Terni province. Instead of seeing it as a relic of the past, they saw the chance to create something revolutionary. Driven by their desire to build a more sustainable future, they set out to transform this forgotten place into a centre for ecological innovation. And that’s how PeR – Parco dell'Energia Rinnovabile (Park of Renewable Energy) was born.

The first few years were dedicated to restoring the main building using eco-friendly construction techniques, with natural materials. The goal wasn’t just to make the place habitable, but to create a fully self-sufficient home. Since then, the PeR has continued to grow, becoming a leading centre for research, training, and experimentation in the field of self-sufficiency and renewable energy, including solar thermal, photovoltaics, and pyrolysis.

Less is More

One of the key lessons learned at the PeR is that technology doesn’t need to be complicated. Rather than adopting complex tech like large photovoltaic systems, the centre chose a "less is more" approach, focusing on reducing energy consumption and improving the efficiency of resources. At the PeR, energy savings are achieved through limited use of appliances, highly insulated homes, water recycling, and tools like natural light amplifiers and solar heat collectors.

To succeed in this mission, Alessandro, Maria, and Maurizio also focus on raising awareness. Knowing how much energy you’re using in real time can lead to a 10-15% reduction in consumption!

The Zero-Energy House

At the heart of the project is the zero-energy house, which uses no external resources other than what comes directly from nature. This home was designed as a research lab to show that living without bills is entirely possible, thanks to the use of renewable energy and self-produced energy techniques.

The Climate Greenhouse

One of the most exciting innovations at the PeR is the climate greenhouse, which harnesses the sun's rays without converting them into other forms of energy, providing 30-35% of the house's thermal needs. This example of passive energy shows how the greenhouse effect can be used to reduce energy consumption.

Solar Thermal And Photovoltaic

The roof of the house is equipped with a solar thermal system, which, along with the greenhouse, provides hot water and underfloor heating. The photovoltaic system powers an energy storage unit that ensures up to three days of autonomy even in the absence of sun or wind, making the PeR fully self-sufficient.

Water Recovery

Water recovery is another standout feature at the PeR. Rainwater is filtered and reused for sanitation, while wastewater from sinks and showers is treated and reintegrated into the system, significantly reducing water consumption.

Natural Cooling

For cooling in the summer, the PeR uses a natural cooling system that draws fresh air from the surrounding forest. This technology helps maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without any additional energy costs.

The Monster: A Large Scale Project

Next to the Zero-Energy House stands the "Monster," a 700-square-metre building with 28 beds, designed for testing larger-scale solutions. Here, the focus is on pyrolysis, an advanced wood-burning technology to reduce emissions and increase efficiency.

Low-Temperature Heating System

The Monster uses a low-temperature heating system, which harnesses solar collectors to directly capture the sun’s rays for heat. This technology can reach up to 90% efficiency, outperforming traditional solar thermal systems and photovoltaics.

Natural Lighting

In some areas of the PeR, where installing windows wasn’t possible, natural light amplifiers were installed: tubes that collect and funnel sunlight into the rooms, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Courses and workshops At PeR

The dream of Alessandro, Maria, and Maurizio to create a self-sufficient centre has become a tangible reality, showing that regenerating a place can be the first step towards regenerating how we live and the future we want to create.

That’s why the goal of Il PeR – Parco dell'Energia Rinnovabile is to inspire real change in people’s lives. All of their training courses are designed to teach practical skills for living more self-sufficiently, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds.

The courses cover from self-produced energy, where you learn to build and manage solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, to eco-friendly building techniques. They also offer training in organic farming, permaculture, and water recovery.

In a Nutshell

Il PeR – Parco dell'Energia Rinnovabile, located in Terni, is a shining example of urban regeneration and sustainability, born from the restoration of an abandoned ruin. Today, it stands as a model of energy self-sufficiency and a centre for research and training on topics like renewable energy, sustainable building, and organic farming. By visiting Il PeR, you can learn firsthand how to create a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle, paving the way for a greener, freer future for all.