A methodological proposal for the identification of energy-environmental performance indicators aimed at recovering the air quality

The paper deals with the introduction of a complex index capable of evaluating environmental air quality in industrial areas. In Italy regional plans of recovery and protection of air quality have been put in practice in order to identify areas where the increase of the emissions into atmosphere, owing to urban and/or industrial development, should be limited or prevented. The methodology is founded on an evaluation system of energy efficiency of cogeneration plants, based on some meaningful energy-environmental performance indicators, containing weighting factors taking into account the Best Available Techniques (BATs), even considering the contribution of secondary particulate matter.

Keywords: air pollution, environmental impact, energy-environmental performance indicators, best available technologies, air quality, Italy, energy efficiency, cogeneration plants, secondary particulate matter, environmental technology, environmental management