Intesa Sanpaolo is making 500 million euros available for the sustainability of new investments in Venice, Treviso, Belluno and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Intesa Sanpaolo has decided to put part of its credit limit “Motore Italia” program available to a territory engaged in the circular economy. According to ISTAT, in 2018 about 7 out of 10 tourist accommodation and catering businesses here undertook to reduce the environmental impact. They have been particularly virtuous in separate waste collection and in the digitization of activities. A little less in the containment of atmospheric emissions.
Intesa Sanpaolo and the Erg Laboratory: how it was born
Before moving on to other initiatives, the Bank's Studies and Research Department carried out its own analysis of green opportunities in the North East. Can a Laboratory area be a mirror for Italy? Intuitive and easy, at this point, for the Bank (among the most sustainable in Europe) to create the "ESG Laboratory - Environmental Social Governance”.
Companies will be able to access the financial limit to improve their sustainability profile, this is the main mission. At the basis of the Laboratory there is an agreement with the Venice Foundation, the Friuli Foundation, the Cassa di Risparmio di Gorizia Foundation, the Giorgio Cini Foundation and the Port System Authority of the Northern Adriatic Sea. The Foundations will engage in innovation and social impact projects favoring cultural heritage and valorisation of the port area. Other ideas will come from Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations, Universities, Specialization Schools, Research Centers and ITS.
Intesa Sanpaolo and the Esg Laboratory: the resources
The 500 million are part of an allocation of 10 billion euros in favor of the productive realities which in turn will try to enter the local projects of the PNRR. Italy thus shows an ability to mobilize resources for medium-term objectives under the climate and transition plans to 2030. Among other things, Intesa San Paolo has chosen to reduce funding in the coal, oil and gas sectors conventional. The Laboratory, based in Venice, thus aspires to become an accelerator of new initiatives with the support of Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center. The Group also has E-Ambiente, an environmental engineering company that assists SMEs in reducing CO2, waste and water. The position of the Veneto and its port of Venice represent an important development asset also for future traffic which should intensify in the Adriatic Sea, explains the Bank. The transport of goods by sea – which is discussed in Europe for the reduction of the polluting effects – of Veneto companies covers 30% of the total goods and is second only to road transport (55%).
By 2026 Intesa Sanpaolo is planning medium-long term disbursements for over € 410 billion, including 120 for SMEs. But it is the entire Italian banking system that, since 2020, has begun a process of support for businesses and households to strengthen the sustainability criteria in production, purchases and consumption. To grow, we need not only public money and the banks cannot stay out of such a complex transition.
