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Sustainability: A Must-Have. Regulatory Framework and Key Elements of Sustainability

Ada Rosa Balzan

The first step is to delve into the concept of sustainability and understand that it is not solely associated with environmental or “green” aspects. Rather, it must be viewed holistically through the lens of ESG criteria: environmental, social, and governance factors.

Sustainability is an indispensable tool for doing business. It plays a key role in comprehensive risk management analysis and holds increasing significance in the financial context. A sustainable company not only has greater value and enhanced brand reputation but also benefits from better access to the banking system, with more favorable rates and conditions.

The discussion will focus on the current sustainability landscape, examining both regulatory obligations and the market opportunities that have emerged.

From a regulatory standpoint, the presentation will address the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), and the specific requirements already included in sustainability reporting. It will conclude with insights into the third directive concerning the accurate communication of sustainability.

In this particular historical context, sustainability is in high demand across both B2B and B2C markets. Today’s consumers are increasingly aware and demanding, which means that communication must be precise and grounded in concrete facts and initiatives that the company has already implemented in this area.

Understanding the evolution of the regulatory context and its associated obligations—especially directives such as the CSRD and CSDDD—is essential not only for companies directly involved but also for those indirectly affected as part of the supply chain for larger groups, which are often less prepared.

It is equally important to highlight the approach companies should take and the advantages of adopting these principles.

The jewelry and fashion industries are not exempt from this movement. On the contrary, there is a strong push for an ethical, fair, and sustainable supply chain, both environmentally and socially, with respect for people at its core.

Bio

Ada Rosa Balzan

Founder, President, and CEO of ARB S.B.p.A., with over 20 years of experience in sustainability topics and projects. Scientific coordinator and adjunct professor of sustainability strategies at several Italian universities and business schools, including Cattolica, Sapienza of Rome, 24 Ore Business School, Fondazione Cuoa, Accademia Symposium, and RCS Academy. National Head of Sustainability at Federturismo Confindustria since 2015. Director of the bi-monthly national sustainability magazine *I, WE* since 2023. Board Member of Banco Alimentare Veneto and PFE S.p.A. Member of the Scientific Committee of CINEAS, the first consortium established by the Politecnico di Milano in 1987, focused on risk culture. Member of the Scientific Committees for BTO on Digital Tourism, Innovation and Training, and the National Tourism Consortium for EVO Oil (DOP, IGP, and organic). Active in the National Working Group on Environmental Issues for Confindustria. Member of the Scientific Committee for Inspiring PR – Festival of Public Relations. Project leader for the Autonomous Province of Trento, responsible for the development of the 134:2022 UNI Reference Practice on sustainability ratings for small businesses. Member of the Scientific Committee for the Veneto Region’s Circular Economy initiative, *Reduce & Reuse in the Fashion Supply Chains*, as an expert in sustainability, circular economy, and SDG reporting. Contributor to various national and international working groups, including the Strategic Plan for Italian Tourism, supervisor of the G20 Beach Sustainability Working Tables, creation of new ISO standards, the London Climate Change Initiative, and the Paris Sustainable Investment Forum. Speaker at the 2024 Trento Festival of Economics. Recognized as one of Italy’s leading sustainability experts, she frequently participates as a speaker at conferences, webinars, and roundtables, and is often invited by media outlets to provide insights on sustainability issues.