All the research on the subject confirms it: sustainability is-and will increasingly be-to be considered as a fundamental asset both for the growth of the individual company and for the entire economic fabric of a country. This is why we believe it is appropriate to share some insights and data that can return a snapshot of our country’s progress along the path of sustainability, bringing out strengths and weaknesses.
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Sustainability in Italy, Europe and the World
Sustainability is an increasingly relevant concept in the global landscape, implying a balance between economic development, social welfare and respect for the environment. In Italy, as in many other nations, the challenge is to find a meeting point between economic growth and environmental sustainability, while promoting inclusion and social justice.
Globally, 2023 saw a rise in environmental and social awareness, with the European Union setting ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing more sustainable practices. Italy, as part of this movement, has been working to align with European and global standards, but what are the concrete results so far?
Environmental sustainability in Italy
Environmental sustainability is mainly concerned with managing natural resources and reducing the negative impact of human activities on the environment. In Italy, CO2 emissions have been decreasing in recent years, thanks in part to the increased use of renewable energy sources. According to 2023 ISTAT data, renewable energy accounts for 38 percent of the country’s total energy consumption, a significant increase from previous years.
The energy transition is high on Italy’s political agenda, with growing investment in solar, wind and biomass energy. However, waste management remains a crucial challenge. Italy has seen a reduction in waste generation per capita, but waste management and recycling still lag behind other European countries. On the circular economy, Italy is one of the most virtuous countries in Europe(Circular Economy in Italy Report 2024). Initiatives to promote the circular economy are gaining ground, with policies aimed at reducing waste and promoting the reuse of materials.
In 2024, Italy continued to invest in clean energy sources, with an increase in photovoltaic and wind power installations. However, it remains a challenge to improve energy efficiency and further reduce the environmental impact of industrial activities.
Social sustainability in Italy
Social sustainability focuses on the well-being of individuals and communities. In Italy, issues of inclusion and equality are central, but despite progress, significant disparities persist in terms of income, access to education and health services. The Censis 2023 Report shows that 20 percent of the Italian population lives in relative poverty, a percentage that is still too high for a developed country.
Italian companies, however, are increasingly adopting social responsibility practices (we discussed this here), with an increase in initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of workers and local communities. Corporate welfare programs, minority inclusion, and gender equality are among the main issues being worked on. The index of equitable and sustainable well-being (BES) has shown improvements: access to essential services such as health and education has improved, but the disparity between northern and southern regions remains an unresolved problem(Istat).
The Sustainability Report, which will become mandatory for many companies starting in 2024, is a step toward greater transparency and social responsibility. This tool will allow companies’ social and environmental practices to be better monitored, facilitating the creation of a more equitable and sustainable environment.
Economic sustainability in Italy
Economic sustainability implies growth that is both durable and inclusive. In Italy, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the economy, but 2023 saw signs of recovery (+1.5 percent GDP).
In 2023 in Italy, the youth employment rate (15-34 years old) reached 45% (20.4% in the “15-24 years old” bracket and 68.1% in the “25-34 years old” bracket), a growth of 1.3 percentage points compared to 2022, although it still remains distant from the index referring to the whole population (61.5%). The youth unemployment rate of 13.4 percent in 2023 (22.7 percent in the 15-24 age group and 10.3 percent in the 25-34 age group) also indicates a positive dynamic, registering a decline of 1 percentage point from 14.4 percent in 2022.The goal is to create sustainable, quality jobs in emerging sectors such as green technologies and the digital economy(Italian Youth Agency).
The year 2024 saw Italy focus on digital and green transition for sustainable economic growth. In particular, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP) allocated substantial resources to business digitization and green transition.
Critical issues and challenges for a more sustainable Italy
Despite progress, Italy faces several challenges in its transition to sustainability. Key critical issues include slow bureaucracy, lack of adequate infrastructure, and unequal distribution of resources. In addition, citizen participation is critical to the success of sustainability policies, but widespread awareness of the importance of these issues is often lacking.
Among the proposed strategies is the need for greater investment in education and training to prepare new generations for future challenges. It is also essential to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors to develop innovative and sustainable solutions.
The path to a sustainable Italy is complex and requires the commitment of all sectors of society. An integrated approach that considers environmental, social and economic dimensions is essential to building a more equitable and prosperous future. While some progress has been made, there is still much to be done to overcome the critical issues that exist. Sustainability is not only a necessity, but an opportunity to transform Italy into a more resilient and inclusive country.
Do you want to improve your company’s sustainability? Contact us!
Regusto: the ideal partner for a sustainable future
Regusto is the largest technology ecosystem dedicated to the circular economy with more than 650 partner companies and is a strategic ally for companies wishing to integrate sustainable practices by engaging both stakeholders and their employees.
The use of a digital platform based on blockchain technology, facilitates the management of surpluses, food and non-food, connecting companies and nonprofits with the aim of reducing waste and optimizing resources while making a significant contribution to the community and ensuring maximum transparency and traceability of transactions.
Regusto enables companies to achieve their ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals by improvingoperational efficiency and corporate reputation, contributing not only to environmental and social sustainability, but also to significant economic benefits, demonstrating a concrete commitment to a more sustainable future.
Want to learn more about how to improve your company’s sustainability? Contact us now!