### Projects for Environmental Footprint Assessment: Increasing Transparency and Supporting Sustainability

In recent years, the topic of sustainability has gained increasing importance in the economic and industrial world. Companies, increasingly aware of their responsibility towards the environment, are looking for ways to minimize their environmental impact and to communicate their commitment to sustainability through certifications and sustainability schemes. In this context, a fundamental initiative has been launched to facilitate the participation of Italian businesses in the “Made Green in Italy” program.

### What is the “Made Green in Italy” Program?

The “Made Green in Italy” program is a national initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability through the assessment of the ecological footprint of products. This voluntary scheme provides companies with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability by certifying that their products meet specific environmental standards. Adopting the scheme involves a responsibility towards eco-friendly practices, with the ultimate goal of fostering a circular economy and reducing the consumption of natural resources.

### The Call for Contributions to Environmental Assessment Projects

To facilitate the participation of Italian businesses in this scheme, a call has been launched that provides for the granting of a non-repayable contribution for the realization of projects aimed at assessing the environmental footprint of products. The total financial endowment is 114,000 euros, with a maximum contribution of 10,000 euros per project. The objective of this call is twofold: to support the adoption of more sustainable practices by companies and to promote greater transparency towards consumers.

### Eligible Expense Types

For companies wishing to participate, various categories of expenses that can be financed are specified. It is essential that these expenses are incurred after the project start and are directly related to the planned activities. Eligible expenses include:

1. **Consultancy Costs**: These costs refer to professional services provided by sustainability and environmental assessment experts that may assist companies in navigating the analysis and certification process.

2. **Independent Audits**: Companies can incur costs related to audit activities performed by accredited third-party entities. These audits are crucial to ensure compliance with the standards required by the “Made Green in Italy” scheme, thereby conferring credibility to the products and business practices.

3. **Equipment and Services**: Costs related to the purchase of equipment, software, and services useful for evaluating the environmental footprint can also be considered. This may also include licenses for software tools and access to databases needed to gather necessary information for analysis.

### Assessment and Adherence Processes

Interested companies must follow a rigorous process to join the “Made Green in Italy” scheme. After identifying the eligible expenses and defining the project, they need to complete the necessary documentation and submit their proposal by the established deadlines. Once the project is accepted, the environmental footprint assessment process will begin, which includes a series of stages from data collection to final reporting.

### Benefits of Joining the Scheme

Adopting sustainability practices is not only an ethical obligation but also presents numerous competitive advantages. Companies that choose to join the “Made Green in Italy” scheme can achieve:

– **Increased Visibility**: Certified products are more appealing to consumers who are increasingly attentive to the origin and sustainability of the goods they purchase.

– **Access to New Markets**: Certification can open doors to international markets where sustainable practices are a growing requirement.