MORE THAN 60 ITALIAN FIRMS LAUNCH CO2ALITION FOR CLIMATE NEUTRALITY

Fifty Italian companies, all leaders in their own sectors, formally commit to achieving climate neutrality by creating "CO2alition,” a group of companies committed to the progressive evolution of their business models and operations toward a zero climate-changing gas economy. In fact, these companies formally pledge to integrate climate neutrality within their bylaws as a purpose on par with generating profit. The goal is to contribute to the target set by the European Union to pursue climate neutrality by 2050, so as to limit global warming and contribute to the Paris Agreement objectives.

The following companies have joined the movement in Italy: Aboca, Acetificio de Nigris, ADR Center, Arkage, Beste, CEF Publishing, Chiesi Group, Damiano, Danone Italia, Davines, E’Ambiente, E80, Emsibeth, Enetec, Engine, Erbolario, Erbolario Franchising, Eurotherm, Evogy, Fedabo, Feudi San Gregorio, Fileni, Florim, Garc Ambiente, Garc, Gelit, Grassi, Green Future Project, Gruppo Hera, Gustibus Alimentari, Herbatint, illycaffè, Intexo, Irritec, Jonix, Kerakoll, Lazzerini, Lenet Group, Lundbeck Italia, Mine Studio, Mutti, NATIVA, Nespresso, NWG Energia, NWG Italia, Onde Alte, Palm, Panino Giusto, Pattern, Perlage Winery, Piacenza, POLIMI Graduate School of Management, Redo, Renovit, Reti, Sales, SAVE THE DUCK, Siav, Slowear, SNAM, The ID Factory, ViCook, Way2Global.

It is now widely agreed that atmospheric concentrations of CO2 and other major greenhouse gases are causing climate disruption with catastrophic potential for the planet and our species. The scientific consensus points to human activity as the main cause of these disruptions, while experts point to the urgency of acting synergistically among all parties as a key determinant in limiting the effects of climate change. This call should be followed, in the coming decades, by a radical change in our habits and a sharp shift from current production and consumption patterns to a zero-emissions model, which to be implemented requires - first and foremost - corporate accountability and a commitment to report annually, on the actions and policies put in place for climate protection.

"In the absence of stringent laws and regulatory constraints," says Paolo Di Cesare, co-founder of NATIVA and one of many CO2alition promoters, "it is essential to adopt innovative tools capable of unleashing the creative energies of individuals and to give rise to collaborative processes that have never been tried before. This requires an enabling condition capable of making permanent and institutionalizing, as an integral part of corporate management, company action towards achieving climate neutrality, alongside the purpose of profit distribution." 

"The integration of the purpose of climate neutrality within the bylaws, approved by members and shareholders, enshrines once and for all the clear and unequivocal direction to preserve climate balances, assigning a new and innovative mandate to current and future corporate management. This is a substantial innovation that places the achievement of climate neutrality among the purposes for which the enterprise itself exists” -comments Eric Ezechieli, co-founder of NATIVA. 

With the recent incorporation of environmental protection into the Constitution, Italy has formalized its commitment to contribute to this vital goal and can, in turn, take a leadership position by stimulating other European countries and the world at large to contribute. In addition to institutional direction and guidance, the inclusion of climate neutrality as a statutory purpose represents the private sector's formal commitment to the goal of climate protection, in line with European climate neutrality goals and national ecological transition goals.

To join the CO2alition, an amendment to the bylaws is required within 6 months of signing the commitment with the inclusion of climate neutrality as a corporate purpose. Following this, each company must establish and report annually on concrete actions and goals with respect to its commitment.