The proposal is for the preparation of a knowledge tool and start-up of an advanced training path on the subject of energy efficiency in historic buildings. The training process envisaged focuses on a specific question of the complex subject matter dealt with: up to what point is it possible to preserve historic-cultural characteristics while, at the same time, improving the buildings involved from the energy standpoint? The question does not concern the mere energy improvement of existing buildings, but the drafting of flexible indications which, by means of a cognitive-performance type of approach, make it possible to define the most suitable actions, through a process based on an in-depth knowledge of the building and its relationship with the context. At the international level, in particular for Europe and the Mediterranean, this topic is recognized as being of central interest and topicality, as demonstrated by a growing number of studies being conducted internationally: 3ENCULT (2010-1014); GOVERNEE (2010-1013); SECHUrbA (2008-2011); New4Old (2007-2010);BRITA in PuBs (2004-2008); RECITE/REBUILD (1993-1995). A common factor of these experiences is that they highlight the logic of integration of the various pieces of knowledge, as the main strategy for dealing with the enhancement and regeneration of the historic identity and energy and environmental qualities of settlements. What is more, there is a call for the training of scientific and professional figures as a first, fundamental step toward dealing with the various matters being discussed, with the highlighting of the following: 1. the lack of teaching paths specifically oriented toward the interdisciplinary training required by the topic in question; 2. the incompleteness of a systematic study on the topics of conservation and sustainability capable of developing research paths that are innovative from both the theoretical and operational standpoints; 3. the insufficiency of tools capable of facilitating orientation within complex professional themes, capable of making the best use of the techniques and technologies for building the integrated project. In order to deal with these inadequacies, the idea is to prepare a tool based on conjunctive learning, strongly oriented toward the operational aspects of the specific thematic matter, applied to specific geographic areas. For this purpose, the tool used will be that of “conceptual maps”: a device considered valid for supporting an open, never mechanically determined, cognitive process, capable of fostering the interactions and connections among known subject matters, while at the same time ready to tap into new information and new connections. The tool is used in various fields of scientific research, and is also an indispensable tool for transferring complex mental elaborations in the field of artificial intelligence and multi-agent systems. The use of complex maps and their elaboration will be the subject of study during the first year of work. During the second year, the maps prepared will be discussed and compared among the various participants and discussed in dedicated workshops. The potential targets of the training programme are: - teachers, working in university and post-university education on conservation and energy efficiency subjects, for whom the complex map may be a teaching tool; - researchers, working on the definition and optimization of coded or experimental operating methods, tools, and techniques, for whom the complex map may be a study tool, to be expanded and updated; - students and professionals, learning and knowingly applying state-of-the-art methods, tools, and techniques, for whom the complex map may be a tool of support and technical-vocational guidance. The expected results of the project are: a. proposal of a cognitive model as well-structured and relevant to experimented situations as possible, capable of supporting the critical transfer from general characteristics to specific local needs; b. drafting of a knowledge tool, for the purpose of developing a continuous learning of the skills for mediation between energy requirements and the historic and aesthetic values of historic buildings; c. construction of a single expandable and modifiable framework of methods, technologies, and techniques, as a facilitating tool for a constant updating of the possibilities for managing interrelations between energy efficiency strategies and the conservation of historic buildings; d. innovation of the process envisaging the hybridization of the methods and tools of programmed conservation with a series of energy aspects to be monitored, directing toward differentiated solutions depending on the local geographic characteristics; e. development of highly professional skills, for an ability to work easily within complex and transdisciplinary thematic areas.