CONSORZIO GAMMA SERVIZI

COMPETENT COMMUNITIES, SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: SUCCESSFUL CASES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF URBAN WASTE


Workshop - 2nd April

The growing complexity of environmental management in urban systems requires solutions with a multidisciplinary approach, with the development of integrated models for sustainable planning; these models enable working processes and methods to have a real dialogue with the complex reality of the social, environmental and economic system.

In particular, the management of urban waste can be seen as exemplifying this complexity, involving the need to guide public policy towards the objectives of reduction, recovery and recycling. This issue is more important than ever, given doubts about being able to alter the wrong habits of the public, consolidated over time, and the problem of the growing social conflicts related to the management of collection and facilities.

Public decision makers are therefore highly concerned about facing the challenge of governing complex processes such as the start-up of door-to-door waste collection, the only solution currently acknowledged as leading to major results in terms of waste recycling.

The conference aims to illustrate some successful experiences started up or being started up in urban areas in northern and southern Italy (Turin, Foggia, etc.). The focus will be on the positive results in environmental, economic and social terms, the critical issues encountered and the correct types of response. The working method will prove decisive for achieving concrete, highly significant results.

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AT ECOPOLIS, BUREAU VERITAS WILL PRESENT THE GREEN RATING©, A NEW SCHEME FOR ASSESSING THE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

AEW Europe, AXA Real Estate, ING Real Estate and GE Real Estate promoters of the initiative

Workshop – 2nd April

Milan, 2nd April 2009 – At Ecopolis (2nd April 2009 – Nuova Fiera di Roma, Pavilion 10 Centro Congressi, Room O, from 14.30), Bureau Veritas will present Green Rating©, a method strongly supported by 4 major protagonists of the real estate sector for assessing the environmental performance of existing buildings.

This new indicator measures the level of efficiency of the buildings in relation to 6 parameters: energy, water, transport, waste, emissions, and health.

This is not an alternative standard to the existing ones (such as BREEM or LEED), and it is not in contrast with European regulations (Directive EC 32/06).

The aim of Green Rating© is to create a common model throughout Europe, with agreed parameters and measurements, overcoming the different “translations” of the European directive in the various countries. With respect to existing labels, this one is simpler and less expensive, but also more complete, since it provides a single system for the objective and scientific measurement of the respect for the environment.

In this evaluation, each parameter has a different weight: the energy efficiency of the building is worth 30%, transport and accessibility to the location 20%, carbon dioxide emissions, water management, the environmental health and living comfort 15%, and waste management 5%. Some of these indicators are quantitative (energy consumption; CO2 emissions, water consumption); others are qualitative (maintenance of drinking water filters and air conditioners; waste storage and recycling).

But what exactly is Green Rating©?

The model involves 3 different levels:

1. An intrinsic level, or type of measurement, regarding the performance standards that should be present according to the design of the buildings;
2. A potential level, or performance standards estimated by ordinary maintenance and considered in relation with the intrinsic level;
3. An effective level, or the real performance standards on a scale from 1 (excellent - low environmental impact) to 9 (insufficient – high environmental
impact).

The benefits for the enterprises are obvious: greater efficiency and a control of environmental performance, potentially valid throughout Europe. For the public, Green Rating© means the greater protection of health and wellbeing. Bureau Veritas is a leading company in support to the management of risks related to quality, health, safety, environment and social accountability (QHSE-SA). Founded in 1828, the Group operates in 140 countries, with 40,000 employees and a business volume of over 2.5 billion Euro (2008 data). Bureau Veritas Certification, a Group division, is a world leader in the certification sector. The Group, recognised and accredited by the most important international bodies and organisations, has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since October 2007. In Italy, Bureau Veritas has over 300 employees and 20 offices located throughout the country, and works with over 15,000 customers on the national and international level. For further information: Bureau Veritas Italia, Communication office Tel. 02/27091227.

E-mail: laura.bettinelli@it.bureauveritas.com