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10 March 2022   |   News

EOC, MORE THAN SUSTAINABLE

EOC, MORE THAN SUSTAINABLE

by Mauro Ventura
Source: https://finanzaresponsabile.it/2021/09/edc-piu-che-sostenibile/

Today I will tell you something about me. Something personal, something intimate. Not because, with the years, I am becoming sentimental and in the mood for particular confidences. Rather, I want to give you the why, the reason from which my choice for ethical, sustainable, responsible finance was born.

It was May 1991 and I was attending the first year of the Faculty of Economics. Like so many young people, the choice had been more of a head than a heart, and, among the difficulties of a demanding university, I was looking for a higher meaning to the efforts of my study. In that same month, a project was born, that of the Economy of Communion, which I have already had the opportunity to mention in other articles on this blog. And that gradually gave a different meaning to my studies. And now to my work.

A fresh look at the economy of the future

What does the Economy of Communion consist of (abbreviated to EoC)?

The proposal is to create or transform profit-making enterprises in which profit is seen as a means, a tool for social and environmental improvement. With a look at the situations of poverty that we want to help alleviate, helping the indigent people to free themselves from their condition. Companies in close relationship with each other and with the territory in which they are located. And which in some countries are grouped into entrepreneurial poles, evidence of a different economic and corporate culture.

In Italy, the EoC companies find their point of reference in the Polo Lionello Bonfanti, in the locality of Burchio, in the municipality of Figline and Incisa Valdarno (FI), 20 km south of Florence. 9600 m2 spread over three floors with offices, temporary offices, studios, exhibition spaces, conference rooms and warehouses with laboratories and multipurpose spaces. And that welcome 41 companies, associations and foundations. From companies operating in the energy field, food, fashion and training fields to associations such as AIPEC, which networks over 200 companies throughout the country that refer to the principles of the Economy of Communion.

The structure is managed by E. di C. S.p.A. Benefit Company, established in 2001 thanks to the contribution of over 5,700 shareholders. I want you to better discover this reality, which I am pleased to support as a member of the Board of Directors since May 2021. I asked three simple questions to the CEO, the lawyer Rebeca Gomez.

Good morning Rebeca and thank you for your availability. When and why was E.di C. Spa born? What does it do?

Good morning to you, Mauro, and thank you for the opportunity you give me to talk about us.

E. di C. S.p.A. was established in 2001 with the aim of creating and managing the first entrepreneurial pole of Italian companies that adhere to the “revolutionary” Economy of Communion project. Space also open to other subjects who are, in any case, united by the vision of the world and the economy oriented towards inclusion, to the integral development of the person and society.

Today, Polo Lionello Bonfanti is increasingly strengthening its identity through an open and dynamic development plan relating to 3 highly interconnected macro areas: real estate and conference management, interdisciplinary training and sustainable development.

It has become a benefit company: why and what does this choice entail?

Yes, in 2017 it became a Benefit Company. As has been known since 2016, the birth of benefit companies in Italy has led to a change of paradigm that requires a balance between the interest of the shareholders and the interest of the community. With the commitment to report, in a transparently and completely way, its activities through an annual impact report, which describes both the actions carried out and the plans and commitments for the future.

In January 2020, therefore, E.di C. S.p.A. obtains the B-Corp certification: the Benefit / B Corporation companies are companies that are rewriting the way of doing business: their economic activity aims to create a positive impact on people and the environment. All this while generating profit. By working responsibly, sustainably and transparently and pursuing a higher purpose than just making money.

The pursuit of these objectives is periodically assessed by a certifying body, which assigns a score on the impact generated in the context of corporate governance, workers, the environment and the territory. This entails, in order to maintain consistency between mission and governance, the duty and responsibility to explain and justify, to those who have the right, what is being done to respect the commitments made with the interlocutors.

We can say that today it is an efficient contemporary business model, aimed at understanding the economy as a starting point for a new society, particularly current in the context of the challenge we are going through.

What are the challenges you face in this (almost) post-pandemic time?

There are many challenges facing us. First, strengthen our economic sustainability to increase our credibility. This by strengthening the real estate and conference core business.

Then we care about young people. We therefore aim to support the new generations through initiatives and processes aimed at developing models for a more inclusive and sustainable economy, such as The Economy of Francesco. And to become a digital and social innovation hub for young people.

We then plan to resume organizing events to promote the Economy of Communion, the proposal, which has now become a reality, from which we were born and which constitutes our DNA.

Our efforts will also go in the direction of raising awareness of the effects of climate change.

And finally, we want to strengthen networks with public bodies and private entities with which to share the construction of a true society in the fight against inequalities.

I think you enjoyed learning about this story, which embodies the perspective that drives me every day to try to experience the world of finance with a different spirit. I recommend that you visit Polo Lionello Bonfanti the next time you plan a trip to Florence or to the Tuscan hills. To find a look towards the future full of hope and real sustainability.

And if you are an entrepreneur or a manager committed to promoting and guaranteeing the sustainability of your company, let me know your story by writing to info@finanzaresponsabile.it, so that it can be shared and become an example for other socially responsible companies.