The PNRR Decree 4approved by the Council of Ministers and published in the Official Journal, introduces innovative measures aimed at improving the governance of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), placing emphasis on safety, digitalisation, sustainability and combating irregular work.
In this article, we will analyze the most relevant provisions of the decree, highlighting the opportunities and challenges that await professionals in the construction sector.
Safety at Work: The Points License Revolution
One of the most revolutionary innovations introduced by the PNRR 4 Decree concerns safety on construction sites: the points licence.
After years of waiting, from 1 October 2024, every company and self-employed worker who operates on temporary or mobile construction sites will have to be in possession of this license to guarantee their suitability for safety at work.
This system, based on credits, provides an initial score of 30 points, with the possibility of operating on construction sites only if the score is equal to or higher than 15 credits. The objective is to reward companies that actively invest in preventing and improving safety, creating a safer working environment and reducing accidents.
Certificate and registration in the INL Conformity List
The introduction of the certificate and registration in the INL compliance list represents one of the most significant measures introduced by the PNRR 4 decree to promote safety and transparency in the construction sector. This innovation aims to recognize and enhance companies that scrupulously respect regulations on labour, safety and social legislation.
According to article 29, paragraph 7, of the decree, at the end of inspections that do not detect violations or irregularities, the National Labor Inspectorate (INL) issues the company a certificate of conformity and proceeds with registration in the publicly accessible electronic register. This “INL compliance list” not only offers tangible recognition of the company's commitment to a safe and legal working environment, but also serves as an incentive to maintain high standards of compliance.
Companies that obtain this certificate benefit from a twelve-month period during which are exempt from further checks on specific matters, with the exception of those relating to health and safety at work. This exemption, however, is not absolute and can be revoked if violations are subsequently detected, thus ensuring that the system remains flexible and vigilant to market dynamics.
The introduction of this measure represents an important step forward towards a more responsible and transparent sector, where regulatory compliance is not just a matter of legal obligation, but becomes a competitive advantage and a brand of trust for companies operating in the sector construction.
Controls on Asseverations and Superbonus Construction Sites: Quality and Compliance Guarantees
These provisions aim to establish an accurate verification mechanism for interventions financed through the 110% superbonus, ensuring that each project respects the expected quality and energy efficiency standards.
According to article 41 of the decree, within ninety days from the entry into force of the provision, the list of reported ecobonus certifications will be published on the institutional website of the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security. This list will include key information such as the unique identification code and the Single Project Code, facilitating checks and ensuring greater transparency for citizens and sector operators.
The decree also provides for the expansion of the control programme, coordinated by the National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), which, in collaboration with other national and European bodies, will carry out on-site checks, assigning priority to controls based on specific criteria and respecting the timescales established for carrying them out.
This approach aims to prevent abuse and guarantee the effective implementation of quality interventions, in line with the objectives of energy saving and reduction of CO2 emissions.
The digital and sustainable future: 5.0 transition plan and digitalisation of the PA
Within the PNRR 4 decree, particular attention is paid to digitalisation and sustainability, with two key initiatives: the Transition Plan 5.0 and the digitalisation of the Public Administration (PA).
Transition Plan 5.0: a boost to innovation
The Transition Plan 5.0 represents a turning point for companies in the construction sector and beyond, offering tax incentives in the form of tax credit up to 35% for those who invest in innovative technologies linked to the digital and energy transition.
These tax breaks are intended to cover expenses incurred in the two-year period 2024-2025 for digital activities, self-production of energy from renewable sources, excluding biomass, and staff training on skills related to the green transition. With these measures, the decree aims to stimulate technological innovation and environmental sustainability, encouraging companies to adopt more efficient and environmentally friendly practices.
PA digitalisation: towards an era of efficiency
The digitalisation of the Public Administration through the IT-Wallet System marks a further step forward towards the modernization of the sector. This innovation involves the introduction of an Italian digital wallet which will facilitate access to public services, improving the efficiency and transparency of the administration. Furthermore, the amendment to the Digital Administration Code and the provisions for the transmission of data to the National Register of Higher Education (ANIS) underline the commitment towards a more agile and interconnected PA, capable of responding more effectively to the needs of citizens and businesses.
Strengthening Governance and Financing for the PNRR
The PNRR 4 decree introduces decisive measures for strengthening the governance of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and for increasing its financial allocations. These actions aim to ensure effective and timely management of available resources, as well as promoting the implementation of planned projects.
Financial Increase and Efficient Management of Resources
With an increase in funding from 191.6 billion to 194.4 billion euros, the decree provides for greater availability of resources to support the new PNRR measures. This financial remodeling, agreed with the European Union, also includes funds allocated to projects financed with alternative resources, highlighting a shared commitment to achieving the plan's objectives.
Furthermore, the coordinated approach with the Development and Cohesion Fund and the Complementary National Plan demonstrates the desire to optimize the use of available resources to maximize the impact of investments on the national territory.
Measures for Improved Governance
The new governance provisions aim to improve the supervision and control of projects financed by the PNRR, through closer monitoring and the activation of replacement powers in the event of delays or inaction.
The increase in financial advances from 10% to 30% for the administrations involved and the possibility of recovering funds in the event of failure to achieve the objectives underline the importance of proactive and responsible management of the planned initiatives. Furthermore, the appointment of extraordinary commissioners to accelerate specific initiatives highlights the determination to overcome any bureaucratic and operational obstacles, ensuring the rapid implementation of projects.