The sustainable economy must make progress in the Italian Public Administration. A challenge that we are unable to win despite the production of laws and regulations. The theme is becoming topical again with respect to the 2030 climate objectives. Industry is organizing itself and discussing medium-long term strategies, the Public Administration is in trouble.
A recent survey at the PA Forum found that public employees recognize just 5% of the green factors in their structures. Regions, Municipalities and Territorial Bodies, on a scale from 1 to 10, do not reach the sufficiency. Those who live in the offices and often direct them say it. It's not the norms, the rules that are missing. The weak point is the behaviors and decisions to be taken for the benefit of real sustainability. In decision-making and planning processes, there are huge spaces to cover. Executives can make a profound impact by fine-tuning efficiencies, expanded collaboration, and green spending. Everything can be overcome, increasing the trust of those who govern the institutions and consequently of the citizens who use the services.
A first element certainly to be relaunched is the application of law 221 of 28 December 2015 which promotes green economy measures in public procurement. The obligation to integrate the minimum environmental criteria in each tender - the so-called CAM - taken from the "Plan for the environmental sustainability of consumption in the Public Administration" should by now be acquired. In tenders, at least 50 percent of the value of the supplies must include technical specifications and eco-sustainable standards. From the management of public parks, to office furnishings, to the assignment of design and work for new constructions, renovations, building maintenance, everything must take into account low environmental impact requirements. An effective regulatory architecture which, unfortunately, contrasts with the decision-making mechanisms. According to the PA Forum, the structures that apply environmental parameters in tenders are just 14%. Many organizations lack the adequate preparation to manage these activities.
The Municipalities, then, if they are really virtuous, can compete. And here is the second element of these days that we can insist on. The will - the need - to propose solutions, innovative projects open to discussion. Let's take the appointment of Climathon, the challenge between cities that this year will take place on 27 October. The deadline for submitting applications expires on 1 August. Municipalities can register through the site managed by Climate-KIC and thinking first of what to propose. Cities from 40 countries will compete in a very incisive competition. The site also welcomes applications from universities, companies and research centres. A dynamic and transparent way to respond to the problems of everyday life, pollution, mobility, management of public goods.
In 2016 Climathon involved Milan, Venice, Bologna, Latina. Abroad, New York, London, Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris were in the field. Our Italians, despite everything, have received awards. The floating green platforms against the heat island effect in Venice; the water networks for collecting rainwater in Bologna; condominium projects in Milan to save water. Appreciated ideas that have somewhat affected the consideration of low aggressiveness of our PA towards the green economy. The challenge to climate change is becoming increasingly structural with transversal interests that cannot stop at the necessary issue of provisions and codes. The system is circular and the "public thing" is at its core. Slowness can be recovered. On the other hand, Prime Minister Gentiloni took charge of it directly at the Sustainable Development Festival by announcing a directive that will specify the objectives of each Ministry in favor of sustainable development. From the center to the periphery, to have a final balance in February of each year, at least on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It will come
