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A place where we like to share updates about the company, thought-provoking news on what is happening around in sustainability and informative material on the topic 💡
Environmental Sustainability of SMEs?
Target Net Zero is the platform developed together with the BPER Group that enables small and medium-sized enterprises to fully seize the benefits of the energy transition, thereby also improving their ESG positioning.
The BPER Group accompanies and supports entrepreneurs engaged in the...
...energy transition process, both with regard to the correct compliance with new national and European regulations, which establish even more stringent parameters for action and reporting even more stringent, and to enable them to present themselves to the market with competitive sustainability profiles.
The new digital platform "Target Net Zero", provided by the engineering company Bluefoundation, specialised in sustainability and energy, gives SMEs the tools to calculate their emissions and supports them in drawing up their energy transition plan. It is a project born from the BPER Group's Open Innovation activity, coordinated by the Studies, Research and Innovation Department, which directly involved a sample of customers who participated in and guided the initial testing phases.
Target Net Zero enables, in detail, to
🟢 measure the SME's carbon footprint, i.e. the impact on the environment of direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions;
🟢 define an emissions reduction target for the company in line with international standards;
🟢 construct an action plan based on improvement interventions with a view to reducing consumption and emissions, identified by energy consulting experts, on the basis of the best cost/performance synergies;
🟢 quantify in advance the interventions and investments in technical, economic and sustainability terms;
🟢 identify suppliers capable of supplying and implementing the necessary interventions.
Through this new tool, the BPER Group intends to support SMEs in drawing up their decarbonisation/energy transition plan and accompany them with advice and through green financing aligned to the European taxonomy to support the necessary investments.
The proposed solutions take into account numerous aspects, such as the sector of operation, size of company, location of production sites, energy sources adopted, etc., generating an investment roadmap that identifies a simple, demonstrable and monitorable path.
"BPER is always at the forefront in supporting companies on their path to sustainable transition" - declared Stefano Vittorio Kuhn, Chief Retail & Commercial Bank Officer of BPER - “The recent European ”Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive’, transposed into our legal system, establishes precise obligations with which companies must comply. This is why it is important for us to be timely in providing the necessary support to companies to comply with the regulations, but also to present themselves to the market with adequate sustainability profiles that are appreciated by customers and counterparties".
Marco Gianotti Pret, Chief Operating Officer of Bluefoundation, added: "At Bluefoundation, we believe that SMEs can become leaders in sustainability, thanks to a lean structure and with the help of appropriate tools. Target Net Zero is a testimony to our commitment to making decarbonisation accessible and viable for all companies. By providing the necessary resources, knowledge and tools, we not only help SMEs to reduce their carbon footprint, but also enable them to thrive in a ‘low carbon’ economy. Together with BPER and the large companies in contact with their supply chains, we can bring about meaningful change and build a sustainable future".
EU ETS2 - New Deadline!
🚀 ETS2: Last Call!
We are happy to announce that on 30/09/2024 we completed successfully the ETS2 accreditation procedure for two of our customers, meeting the tight deadline! 🎉
However, just about the same day, an extension was announced, moving the deadline to 21 October.
⚠️ Warning to all regulated entities: If you have not yet completed the procedure, you are obliged to do so if you use or market fuels such as petrol, diesel, LPG, natural gas, fuels and other petroleum derivatives.
🚨 Who is covered by the ETS2 obligation?
Persons liable to excise duty who release for consumption fuels for transport, heating of buildings, or industrial uses not covered by the existing ETS scheme.
Read more about what you need to do about the ETS2 on the dedicated Linkedin post we've created to summarise the key points 📝
📅 The extension is only 21 days: We are here to help you achieve smooth ETS2 accreditation! 💼
New Transizione 5.0 Decree and Incentives
While waiting for the implementing decree, which will establish how the tax credits under the Plan will be disbursed, let's try to summarise in 1 minute what are the opportunities for companies and what are the critical aspects that could complicate the use of the incentives.
Click here to open Linkedin where we posted...
...the guide.
The incentives will apply to new investments in production facilities on Italian soil, provided that the new installations lead to a reduction in energy consumption of the production unit of at least 3% (or at least 5% at process level).
To access the mechanism, it is necessary to send the standardised form made available by the GSE and the documentation prescribed by Article 38 of the decree, together with the documentation concerning the description and cost of the investment project.
It will in fact be the GSE's task to verify the formal correctness of the documentation and to notify the Ministry of the list of companies eligible for the facility.
The new Italian Renewable Energy Community Decree
📰 A new instrument that will also enable companies to increase their share of renewable energy and decrease their dependence on fossil fuels
Electricity consumers connected to the same primary substation...
...will be able to form a REC, where there will be energy producers, e.g. through photovoltaics, energy consumers, or even members who both produce and consume.
📈 The advantage? Shared energy is incentivised with a not negligible tariff, which can be found at page 9 of the published introductory document.
💡Bluefoundation is part of the EcosistemaCER project, led by TerrAria s.r.l. and supported by the Lombardy region's green transition cluster Lombardy Energy Cleantech Cluster.
We are available for any info!
Reducing Scope 1 Emissions through Solar Heat
What you can see in the picture is a so called "CSP" (Concentrated Solar Power) thermal plant.
Till a few years ago this solution was only used in utility scale solar power plants in locations with a year-round sun irradiation...
🏭 However, Absolicon Solar Collector AB was able to adapt such technology to the industrial context, thanks to reduced solar collector dimensions which allow for a more standardised and local production process, eventually enabling an economically viable reduction of Scope 1 CO2 emissions.
🍺 In November 2023, Bluefoundation's team was visiting the first italian installation at Birra Peroni's plant in Bari, where Absolicon's solar thermal plant is currently producing pressurised hot water or steam, depending on the requirements (the collectors, which run on pressurised hot water, can handle up to 160°C).
💡 A bright example of how the technology out there exists and the actual implementation is a matter of defining what's best where. Technically, economically and environmentally.
Bluefoundation at Pollutec Lyon 2023
🌍 We're back, and we come bearing exciting news already!
We are thrilled to announ... | We'll keep it brief: 🗓️ Mark your calendars for 10-13 October, booth H6-C030a - Startup and Innovative SMEs area - ITA - Italian Trade Agency, at Pollutec Lyon.
We'll share our vision on supporting the energy transition - on the basis of technology and innovation - through a dedicated set of transformative services 🍃⚙️
A valuable time to meet in person, share ideas, perspective and create opportunities.
See you there!
Carbon Tax vs Emission Trading Scheme (ETS)
Carbon tax and Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) are two mechanisms related to carbon pricing that could be confused, let’s explore what they are and their...
implications in short:
🧾 Carbon tax: a policy measure imposes a tax proportional to the tonnes of GHG emitted by a company, aiming to create a financial incentive for businesses to reduce their emissions. This kind of carbon pricing is more easily predictable for companies’ business plans, however it’s harder for policymakers to predict its impact on emissions reduction.
🧾 ETS: as the one deployed across EU, this kind of mechanism provides a “cap-and-trade” system, so that a carbon market is created. Companies emitting more than their allowance must purchase allowances to compensate for their emissions, while companies that emit less can sell their remaining allowances. The impact of cap-and-trade systems is more easily controllable by policymakers as the total emissions cap is decreased over time, however the allowances price can fluctuate and is harder for businesses to predict its impact on the economics.
👌 What’s most important: both of the instruments are aimed at internalising the costs of greenhouse gas emissions and drive a shift towards a low-carbon economy.
💡 The consequence? Businesses subjected to carbon pricing schemes should view emission reduction interventions not as a burden, but rather as a significant investment opportunity.
Embrace the Future: Climate Change as an Investment Opportunity for Industries
🌍📈
"Climate change is the greatest investment opportunity in history." - Al Gore
As the world grapples with the urgency of addressing climate change, businesses...
in every sector now have a unique opportunity to not only contribute to the solution, but also benefit from the transition process. The key: view climate change as an investment opportunity, rather than a burden or challenge. Let's explore why below:
1️⃣ Security from Transition Risks and Possibility of Savings:
Investing in sustainable practices and technologies allows companies to mitigate the transition risks associated with climate change. By proactively adapting to a low-carbon economy, industries can ensure the sustainability of their operations, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and save money through energy efficiency and resource optimization.
2️⃣ Changes in Consumer Requests:
Consumers increasingly demand environmentally friendly products and services. Businesses that align with sustainability goals can attract a growing market of environmentally conscious customers, improve brand reputation and gain a competitive advantage.
3️⃣ Regulatory Framework:
In Europe and around the world, governments are gradually introducing stricter regulations to combat climate change. By embracing sustainable practices in advance of regulatory requirements, industries can position themselves as leaders in sustainability, avoid penalties and ensure long-term success.
4️⃣ Access to Capital:
Investors are increasingly considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions. Companies that integrate sustainability into their business strategies can attract capital from ESG-focused investors and access a broader range of financing options.
5️⃣ ESG Assessments of Supply Chain Leaders:
Large companies are starting to require their suppliers to meet minimum ESG scores. By proactively adopting sustainable practices, companies can meet customer and partner expectations, strengthen business relationships, and unlock new supply chain opportunities.
➡️Climate change is probably the problem of the century, but every problem also offers opportunities when obstacles are transformed into innovation. By embracing sustainability as a business strategy, industries can contribute to a healthier planet, while unlocking unique opportunities for growth and success.
Ever heard about 24/7 carbon-free electricity?
You’ve more probably read about 100% renewable electricity.
So what’s the difference between these two apparently similar terms?
➡️ While the second one has become common practice in businesses approaching the energy transition, the first one is actually the next frontier in clean electricity use. The key difference lies in the intrinsic nature of most common renewable power production plants: their output is not constant and not schedulable.
⏳ Long story short, 24/7 carbon-free electricity means that the user is actually powered by green energy at any time, while 100% renewable electricity is only guaranteeing that the overall yearly amount of electricity used has been produced by some renewable power production plant, not necessarily at the same time of the power request.
🛠️ Businesses that want to excel in sustainable energy use are now setting their 24/7 CFE targets. Getting there won’t be an easy task to achieve, as it might involve energy procurement through PPAs, locating operations in areas with “cleaner” grids, shifting loads implementing demand flexibility and energy storages, looking for alternative ways to self-produce the energy needed.
🎯 🍃 Who’ll be the first ones to achieve such a goal?
Bluefoundation is now part of the Renewable Energy Community Ecosystem
⚡ Ready to take advantage of the opportunities of Renewable Energy Communities?
🍃💪 Savings and decarbonization can go hand in hand when the system is well designed. Bluefoundation will make its skills available to the newly created ecosystem and supply chain, with the aim of enabling the creation of Renewable Energy Communities (CER). In collaboration with Lombardy Energy Cleantech Cluster (LE2C)
Read MoreCo-innovation with BPER Banca to develop a Tool to foster the Energy Transition of SMEs
"For the first time this year, Bluefoundation, an innovative Italian SME, participates in the co-innovation phase of the sixth edition of OPEN ITALY, the collaborative innovation program of the ELIS Consortium which encourages the development of real projects between Italian Corporates and Startups.
Together with BPER Banca...
an important banking company, we have launched the "Target Net Zero" co-innovation project in the #sustainability perimeter.
Thanks to our consultancy services for the energy transition, with "Target Net Zero" we have experimented with a service to provide concrete and effective support to Italian SMEs so as to accompany them in the decarbonisation process, outlining an energy transition roadmap that takes into account the characteristics peculiar to individual realities.
Bluefoundation and BPER Banca share the vision of a greener future away from fossil fuels.
Measure, Reduce and Eventually Offset the unabatable Emissions. The way to avoid Greenwashing.
Emissions offsetting, often seen as the easy way out, has more risk than meets the eye.
We are talking about potential...
reputational risks, linked to the increasingly frequent phenomenon called #greenwashing. The article published in January 2023 by Italy for Climate talks about it on the basis of research conducted by The Guardian, Die Zeit and the non-profit SourceMaterial.
We want to summarize it here in points:
➡️ 94% of the carbon credits analyzed would not actually result in any benefit for the climate: in other words, by not guaranteeing any real absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere, it would not be able to offset any emissions;
➡️ the vast majority of credits have (theoretically, given the above) effect for their value in tons of CO2 only over tens of years, while the purchasing company emits emissions in a specific year. From the point of view of the climate, therefore, in the immediate future that company will actually have increased the amount of CO2 present in the atmosphere, a scenario that is hardly compatible with the urgency of halting the increase in greenhouse gases;
➡️ it is often difficult to distinguish between "avoidance" credits and "removal" credits, the former of which only prevent further CO2 from being emitted, but do not remove it from the atmosphere. Furthermore, there is often no guarantee that the CO2 emission would not have been avoided anyway, even without the project associated with the credit.
➡️ there have been reforestation projects, which can therefore be associated with "removal" credits, which, for example, have led to the deportation of entire indigenous communities.
❓ So what?
✔️ As the international standards GHG Protocol and Science Based Target Initiative now suggest, the approach that has a real and immediate impact on the environment is the one summarized in the image accompanying this post: measure, reduce your emissions, offset the remaining part which cannot be eliminated due to time and technology issues.