The Fabbrica di San Pietro (Italian: Fabbrica di San Pietro) is the institution that manages the conservation of one of Christianity’s most important shrines, St Peter’s Basilica. The authority has announced the launch of a project to transform the monument into a climate-neutral building. The initiative, inspired by the encyclical ‘Laudato si’ by Pope Francis, is intended to set the standard for heritage conservation worldwide, combining care for the environment with the preservation of the monument’s unique value.
St Peter’s Basilica as a space for ecological transformation
According to Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, president of St Peter’s Basilica, the main thrust of the project is to make the basilica a place that does not adversely affect the climate and supports the spiritual development of its visitors. The programme includes the temple itself, as well as neighbouring buildings, including the Canonical Palace, the House of Saint Martha and the Mosaic Studio. Work on the project began as early as 2022. As Cardinal Gambetti stressed, while ecological themes may hide in the shadows of other contemporary crises, issues related to climate change and sustainability have gained a permanent place in the politics, education and industrial strategies of Western countries.
Vatican in the spirit of sustainable development
The project is scientifically overseen by Professor Walter Ganapini, who pointed out the convergence of the measures with the demands of the encyclical ‘Laudato si’, as well as with the Agenda 2030 and the European Green Deal. The Basilica, in line with the idea of ‘One Health’, is to be transformed into a place where the protection of the environment and human and animal health is an integrated system. Professor Ganapini further stressed that ecological balance is a condition for social and spiritual health.
We cannot be healthy in a sick world
– pope Francis used to say.
St Peter’s Basilica under the magnifying glass of air quality specialists
In 2023, experts from the Italian agency ENEA carried out a detailed analysis of the basilica’s needs. Improving the air quality in its interiors, through which up to 45,000 people pass every day, and this number can double during festive periods, was identified as the main objective. Incense is used during the liturgy, but thanks to the size of the sanctuary and good ventilation, its impact on the air is limited. An environmental monitoring system, located at seven points in the basilica, allows parameters such as the concentration of particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide levels and microclimatic conditions to be analysed in real time. According to Prof Niccolò Astego of the Politecnico di Milano, the basilica resembles a living organism in terms of its sensitivity, which calls for caution when introducing any technological solutions.
A monument with modern technology at the service of heritage
As part of the ongoing work, the natural ventilation system has already been upgraded and the lighting in the side aisles has been replaced with energy-efficient LED luminaires. The heating, cooling and dehumidification systems in the Mosaic Study and the Canon Palace will also be reconstructed. These will be adapted to the individual conditions of each space, reducing emissions and improving visitor comfort, while maintaining optimal conditions for the historic buildings.
St Peter’s Basilica as an example of global action
The Vatican project, which brings together the involvement of specialists from various fields with the support of the Catholic Church, is part of the wider context of the Holy See’s activities, including the ‘Ecological Conversion 2030′ programme and the Borgo Laudato si’ initiative at Castel Gandolfo, where models of integral ecology and sustainable resource management are being tested.
Source: basilicasanpietro.va
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