Climate emergency and sustainability paths for SMEs

The course is part of the NODES project in line with the objectives aimed at promoting knowledge and innovative training of the various socio-economic actors of the territory in order to make them aware of the issues of sustainability, risks related to climate change and ecological transition where sustainable production and consumption activities play an increasingly decisive role through the use of new technologies.

The course is divided into a series of six meetings at the Department of Economics of the University of Insubria within which various topics are discussed relating to the different impacts of climate risk and the ecological transition process, with particular reference to small and medium-sized enterprises. Although the course addresses the issues in general terms, the textile sector should be mentioned among the sectors most impacted by the process.

In particular, the seminars will be dedicated to the in-depth analysis of the implications and impacts that climate change and ecological transition are causing on settlements and the production cycle, on work, on investments and on the supply chain of companies, with different levels of severity in the various production sectors. Companies are called to evolve towards more sustainable supply and production models, which are associated with benefits but also with new risks, including the costs related to reconversion activities as well as obtaining adequate certifications.

In this context, a prominent role is assumed by legislative and regulatory authorities, as well as by economic operators called to intervene to direct and facilitate the ongoing transition process. Among these, the financial system, and in particular the credit system, is attributed by regulation a crucial role in transmitting regulatory impulses and "actively" supporting the transition process of companies

Through the intervention of speakers belonging to the main regulatory authorities, economic and financial operators as well as consultants and professionals, starting from the current legislation in the process of approval and illustrating its direct and indirect impacts on SMEs. The contribution of the financial channel as a privileged actor in supporting the transition processes and development of new economic models (e.g., circular economy) will also be discussed. The topic of measuring the climate risk profiles of SMEs will be addressed and the role that environmental certifications play as a tool to communicate and demonstrate the company's commitment to environmentally sustainable products and production processes, with particular attention to sustainable certifications in the fashion and tourism sector. Finally, the role of the operational impact of the application of the Corporate Social Responsibility Directive (CSRD) on the methods of reporting environmental, social and governance policies of small and medium-sized enterprises will be discussed, also by using the analysis of virtuous cases, including some in the fashion and tourism sector.

Course duration:

21 hours (divided into 6 seminars of 3 and a half hours, from 16:00 to 19:30)

Delivery method:

The seminar series will be delivered in hybrid mode (face-to-face lessons and synchronous videoconference).

Minimum number of participants:

10

Registration fee:

Participation in the seminar series is free and open to the public and interested operators

For information and registration write to:

alberto.citterio@uninsubria.it

daniela.milani@uninsubria.it