A collaboration on the themes ofrational use of water and energy resources To promote the circular economy, contribute to reducing consumption and protecting the environment, and also to train Italian Army personnel on water management. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Army General Staff and ACEA, Italy's leading water operator, by Gen. CA Carmine Masiello, Chief of Staff of the Army, and Fabrizio Palermo, CEO of ACEAThe objectives include specific staff training and the implementation of water and energy efficiency measures and the integration of renewable energy sources.
The protocol provides for the launch of initiatives for training and exchange of know-how in environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and water resource management, as well as identifying best practices for reducing water and energy consumption. The collaboration includes training activities such as workshops and executive courses on water management for Armed Forces personnel, such as Commanders or their Energy Managers. The topics covered will include the operational phases of the water cycle, procurement, water uses in infrastructure and the military, technological systems aimed at saving water, water system management methods, and its optimization, made possible through technological innovation, artificial intelligence, and process digitalization.
Research and study activities are also planned for the implementation of pilot projects that include water and energy saving interventions in the Armed Forces' facilities, from a “Net Zero Water Building” and “Nearly Zero Energy Building” perspective: from the implementation of systems to ensure the availability of water resources with collection/storage and reuse systems for unconventional water (e.g., rainwater, wastewater, marine water, etc.), to the installation of sensors and monitoring systems, using artificial intelligence, to optimize consumption, from the implementation of systems for improving energy efficiency in buildings to the implementation of energy electrification interventions for the production of thermal energy enabling the decarbonization of consumption, up to the installation of self-generation systems for renewable energy and electricity storage with the aim of achieving Net Zero Carbon.
Army Chief of Staff Carmine Masiello In his speech, he emphasized that "the collaboration we have initiated strengthens the Army's commitment to dialogue with civil society, promoting an integrated vision of the country's system." He continued: "I am particularly pleased with the professional redeployment opportunities offered to our personnel, men and women with proven skills, whom I consider a concrete and reliable asset to the national productive system." "The signed protocol is a further step forward in our efforts to protect water and ensure environmental sustainability. We have a responsibility to the citizens and communities we serve every day, and this important collaboration will serve to raise awareness of the complexity of water and energy issues by identifying best practices for the rational use of these precious resources," stated Acea CEO Fabrizio Palermo.
