The latest DIVERSE project meeting took place at the Grattacielo della Regione Piemonte, bringing together international partners for a key moment of exchange and alignment.
During the working sessions, participants reviewed the project’s progress, with a strong focus on the comparative analysis of the focus labs implemented across the seven pilot projects. These labs play a central role in DIVERSE, enabling the testing of innovative approaches along different biomass value chains, while highlighting territorial specificities, challenges, and shared opportunities.
From discussion to practice: the field visit in Val di Susa
One of the most insightful moments of the meeting was the field visit to Val di Susa, hosted by the forestry company La Foresta S.C.R.L..
Participants had the opportunity to observe first-hand the evolution of an innovative business model. Originally focused on bioenergy production, the company has gradually shifted towards higher value-added timber products.
This transition led to the implementation of a cascade use system, where wood is primarily allocated to higher-value applications, while only the residual material is destined for energy production.
Such an approach required a significant mindset shift: instead of starting from predefined projects and sourcing suitable raw materials, the company now designs products based on locally available resources. This model strengthens both sustainability and resilience in forest-based value chains.
Energy efficiency and local resource optimisation
The visit continued at the biomass district heating plant in Oulx, where a deep renovation project of a school building is planned.
The intervention aims to reduce the building’s energy demand by 80%, while improving the overall efficiency of the system. With the same installed capacity, it will be possible to heat up to three times the current volume, also connecting nearby buildings.
This represents a concrete example of how energy efficiency measures can be successfully combined with local biomass valorisation.
Towards more sustainable forest value chains
The experiences shared during the meeting highlight the importance of sustainable forest management, in line with the principles of the new Renewable Energy Directive, which promotes the efficient and responsible use of biomass resources.
In this framework, European projects such as DIVERSE Project prove to be essential platforms for knowledge exchange, mutual learning, and capacity building.
They provide valuable opportunities to strengthen cooperation and to jointly develop more resilient, innovative, and sustainable value chains.