"Slow" Projects and Features of the Municipality of Turbigo

Environmental Protection and Energy: The administration constantly monitors air quality (via an ARPA monitoring station) and provides annual subsidies for asbestos disposal. Regarding water, in addition to monitoring by the utility provider AMIACQUE, activated carbon filters have been installed on two wells, and a "Water House" (public water dispensing station) has been operational since June 2015. The separate waste collection rate stands at around 50% and is supported by financial incentives for home composting (fee discounts utilized by approximately 370 households). The Municipality has adopted a Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) and plans energy-saving measures and photovoltaic panel installations on public buildings, alongside the ongoing upgrade of public lighting to LED technology.

Sustainable Mobility and Infrastructure: Turbigo currently boasts nearly 2.7 km of bicycle paths (accounting for about 6% of the total road network). These are essential for connecting the railway station—which has been fully upgraded and integrated via a new pedestrian and cycle underpass in the town center—to key local destinations such as the pharmacy, Town Hall, the Naviglio Grande canal, and the internal trails of Ticino Park. Urban infrastructure includes adequate wheelchair ramps, designated "pink" parking spaces for new mothers, and electric vehicle charging stations (regulated by the new Building Code).

Agriculture, Local Products, and Traditions: In compliance with national and regional directives, the Municipality promotes "zero-mile" (locally sourced) foods—including organic products—in public canteens, ensuring the exclusion of GMOs. In September 2013, the "Zero-Mile Market" was launched (in partnership with Coldiretti – Campagna Amica). To highlight local artisanal specialties, the administration is working to award the De.Co. (Municipal Designation) label to local bakers. Furthermore, within the framework of the Ticino Valley Park (Parco Lombardo della Valle del Ticino), the Municipality supports the Park’s registered trademark to safeguard local products.

Urban Quality and Resilience: The urban planning instrument (PGT) mandated a positive ecological balance (zero net land take), even reclaiming approximately 1,000 square meters of agricultural land and providing for fee reductions of up to 50% for the redevelopment of brownfield sites. Regarding social and participatory initiatives, areas for urban garden allotments have been established, an "urban orchard" is being planned, and the innovative "A Book Looking for a Reader" project has launched, featuring over 20 free lending points at medical clinics and local businesses.

Social Cohesion and Training: Significant services are provided in the areas of youth support and social care. The Municipality offers nursing and blood-sampling services through partnership agreements and has launched the "Feeling and Thinking of a World Without Borders" project to provide language support for foreign nationals. The "Villa Tatti" property has been made available for a flexible-hours nursery school, and pre- and after-school care services are provided. Municipal properties are granted free of charge to young people for use as community centers—an initiative culminating in the participatory election of a "Youth Mayor." 

List of Events 

Autumn Festival: An educational initiative focused on discovering rural heritage, featuring children's workshops on bread-making, the grape harvest, and the preparation of chocolate and polenta, alongside an exhibition of antique farming tools.

TurbiGusto and Vogasciutta: Food, wine, and recreational-sports events designed to foster community spirit within local neighborhoods.

Rediscovered Places (*I luoghi ritrovati*): A cycling and cultural tour designed to guide residents and tourists in discovering lesser-known historical and architectural treasures.

FAI Spring Days and Naviglio Navigation: Tourism promotion projects that culminated in 2015 with the restoration—thanks to the Villoresi Consortium—of the Naviglio Grande’s historic navigability through the reconstruction of two strategic locks.