(29 June 2016) A group of researchers from the DEIM department (Energy, Engineering and Mathematical models) of the Polytechnic School of the University of Palermo have been awarded with “Best Paper Award” of the International Sdewes Conference 2016, held in Piran (Slovenia) from June 15 to 18. The study titled “A survey of energy performance of the non-residential public building stock in Southern Italy; toward a decision support tool for refurbishment actions” arose from a collaboration with the UPI (Union of Italian Provinces) and was presented by Giuseppina Ciulla with co-authors Mark Beccali, Valerio Lo Brano, Alessandra Galatioto, Marina Bonomolo and Enrico Spera. The research, by combining a statistical approach with innovative artificial intelligence techniques, has enabled the development of a decision support tool able to guide public administrations towards the best choice of energy improvement options of the existing residential housing stock in the South of Italy (Red)