In 2023, a project was completed under the ELENA facility that used a €1.5 million grant to fund energy efficiency renovations in public buildings and the installation of public lighting in 23 municipalities of the Salento peninsula in south-eastern Italy. The preparation, procurement and execution of works were led by the municipality of Campi Salentina.

The investments were largely implemented using Energy Performance Contracting (EPC). Most of the building retrofits were also partially financed through Conto Termico, a grant from the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance to improve the energy performance of buildings.

The investment programme focused on two main areas: energy efficiency in public buildings (a €30.25 million) and energy efficiency in public lighting (about €14.0 million). The public buildings component involved deep retrofits of 42 buildings, mostly schools.

The refurbishments significantly reduced energy use, and the retrofitted buildings received top energy performance ratings. The project included new windows, wall and roof insulation, solar panels, new heating and air conditioning, and new lights.

LED bulbs were installed in nearly 22 400 old streetlamps. Old control panels were replaced with new remote-control systems to improve the operation and maintenance of the lights.