1)
Efficiency improvements to systems and buildings- Installation of a 20 kW
photovoltaic system- Replacement of asphalt and pervious concrete paving
- New high-efficiency system
2)
Redevelopment and enhancement of the property's plant heritage.
- Extraordinary maintenance work on monumental trees
- Extraordinary pruning of the Etna forest
- Restoration of tree species
- Planting of over
2,000 new species, including trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, in a new area of approximately one hectare (defined as a new urban park).
3)
Eco-friendly greenery managementA
bioshredder was purchased to reduce the costs and impact of waste disposal and to enable the self-production of material useful for natural mulching.
4)
Water SavingInstalled a first rainwater harvesting system
5)
Eco-Friendly MaterialsUsed biodegradable materials from the garden itself for mulching
6)
Increase BiodiversityAmong the more than 2,000 new plantings, native plants were preferred, or at least those well-adapted to Sicily's increasingly desert climate, and a selection of wildflowers was sown in an area of over 600 square meters to attract pollinators, insects, and butterflies.
The University of Catania has identified over 700 species representing the park's botanical heritage.
7)
WildlifeIn addition to what has already been described in the previous point, natural bird baths have been created and bug houses have been designed, which are currently under construction.
8)
Environmental Education and OutreachSince the garden's reopening (2025), between April and May alone, Paternò Park has offered guided tours and workshops for over 1,000 primary and secondary school students. They have a PCTO agreement with the agricultural institutes. They are open on all days promoted by UGAI, APGI, FAI, and Via dei Tesori (in Sicily).
They host meetings and events almost every weekend aimed at helping residents experience and reconnect with nature, even in an urban environment.
9)
Other good practices- Automatic drinking water dispenser for refilling water bottles.
- Elimination of plastic.
Paternò Park has benefited from PNRR funds, thanks to which it has implemented several eco-sustainability interventions: