## 1 Introduction and Background
### Energy Efficiency in the Agricultural Sector  
Despite the growing interest in sustainable construction, few studies have focused on rural livestock buildings with high energy demand and their potential for scalable retrofit solutions. The attention previously mentioned is widely justified by the impact that the agricultural sector generally exerts on the territorial and landscape levels, particularly considering the role that certain types of production play in shaping the \"development trajectories\" of entire territorial systems [7]. Indeed, while rural buildings typically respond to specific business needs--both in terms of typology and settlement patterns--through a largely standardized construction process, these buildings also impact local land use and ecosystems. These effects stem both from the intensive use of natural resources and from the significant energy demands that certain entrepreneurial practices require.  
Moreover, the need for energy efficiency in rural construction does not pertain exclusively to residential buildings or the restoration of rural dwellings [8]. Rather, it primarily concerns productive structures and livestock farms, which are particularly energy-intensive. These facilities require substantial energy for heating, cooling, ventilation, and water supply to ensure the well-being of the farmed animals. Technologies associated with sustainable construction [9], along with the integration of renewable energy production systems--such as photovoltaic panels and solar thermal systems--offer concrete opportunities to make livestock buildings autonomous and self-sufficient. Additionally, they contribute to improving the landscape integration of productive structures. On innovative technologies, green roofs have been shown to reduce peak heat flux by up to 60%, depending on insulation layers and climate conditions [10], while also enhancing their profitability, operational sustainability, and appeal to tourism sectors that promote sustainable rural development [11].  
The technological aspects outlined above suggest that the sustainability of construction, particularly in rural contexts, should also take into account the social and economic implications underlying environmental concerns. Investing in the energy efficiency ofrural buildings can serve as a strategic tool to support the integration of more balanced economic development models, enriching decision-making processes in areas affected by depopulation.  
The socio-economic implications referenced here should not be regarded as merely theoretical considerations; rather, they have also informed the selection of the case study analyzed in this research. The two poultry tunnels examined, in fact, represent a common production model in rural areas at risk of marginalization [12]. As previously noted, energy retrofit interventions can generate tangible benefits not only in environmental terms, but also in enhancing local economic resilience [13].  
This assessment will focus on evaluating the benefits of reducing energy consumption and economic assessment methods based on life cycle analysis, including life cycle assessment (LCA). These methodologies provide comprehensive tools for assessing the environmental impact associated with the operation of the analyzed buildings, thereby identifying scientifically grounded, sustainable, and long-term solutions [14].