The Vatican Museums go Greener

A transparent, luminous solution of cutting-edge technology and energy efficiency, with a modern design and, last but not least, a pleasant visual impact: a model of harmonious and respectful integrative intervention within an architectural context as delicate as the Vatican Museums.

Implementing the principles of the Encyclical Laudato Si’, and in compliance with the international commitments undertaken with the signing of the Paris Agreement, the project has been promoted by the Governorate of Vatican City State which, with the collaboration of Acea/Areti, has launched a broader programme for the development of installations from renewable sources, the optimization of water resources and the promotion of electric mobility.

The construction of the new photovoltaic system has made it possible to achieve a number of significant objectives, thanks also to the coordination of the Infrastructure and Services Directorate, in synergy with the Directorate of the Museums and Cultural Heritage: the extraordinary maintenance of the pre-existing roof; the reduction of radiation, with a consequent significant reduction in energy consumption for summer cooling and simultaneous improvement of the thermal comfort of visitors and staff; the production of electricity from renewable sources with a nominal power of 135 kWp and an energy produced per year of approximately 164 MWh/year, to compensate for the energy consumption of the systems serving the entrance to the Museums; and finally, the creation of a new lighting system for the area, to adapt to the lighting requirements and aesthetically enhance the spaces.

A further decisive step was then taken towards the implementation of the development programme launched in November last year, entitled “Ecological Conversion 2030), aimed at the full energy sustenance of Vatican City State through the use of clean and renewable energies.
It also further testifies to the active and pragmatic attention to Pope Francis’ words in his Motu proprio “Fratello sole”, dated 21 June 2024: “There is a need to make a transition to a sustainable development model that reduces greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, setting the goal of climate neutrality. Mankind has the technological means to deal with this environmental transformation and its pernicious ethical, social, economic and political consequences, and, among these, solar energy plays a key role”.