Carbon footprint and solidarity: the Water is Life project at the Var Group 2024 Convention
Once again this year, thanks to the contribution of all participants, we will calculate our carbon footprint, the emissions produced directly and indirectly by the Convention. We are committed to offsetting the emissions produced and counterbalancing the climate impact of the event by supporting the Water is Life project by Aid4Mada Onlus. Since 2018, this project has built 10 hand pump wells and 19 solar-powered water systems, providing free and unlimited access to clean drinking water for over 80,000 people living in the most disadvantaged areas of Toliara, Madagascar.
Il progetto per Aid4Mada
The main benefits generated for local communities are:
The project has led to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and has helped combat illegal deforestation by reducing the need for wood and charcoal for water purification through boiling.
This environmental impact has been measured since 2018 through the project's certification on the Gold Standard registry, which allows the avoided emissions of greenhouse gases to be converted into high-quality carbon credits.
Since 2018, approximately 250,000 carbon credits generated by the project have been released (corresponding to 250,000 tons of reduced CO2e emissions). These credits have been purchased by numerous companies that are using them to offset their residual emissions as part of sustainability strategies.
Var Group's commitment to sustainable events
Our responsibility in the ESG field extends not only to the organisation of our annual Convention, which we want to make increasingly sustainable, but also to all the events that involve us. Every year we find new solutions that allow us to reduce the environmental and social impact of this important occasion. By calculating the carbon footprint through a participant survey via an app, using internal solutions, and with the involvement of the certifying body Valoritalia, we can this year again undertake a transparent and effective process to offset the residual impact of the Convention. This will provide valuable continuity to the Water is Life project, which was supported last year.
A constant and certified commitment
Certifications are a fundamental element of our management system. The favourable opinions of the certifying bodies attest to the value of an integrated and synergistic system that embraces Quality, Environment, Health, Occupational Safety and Social Responsibility.
In support of this, we are continually and diligently committed to respecting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues. Our commitment is confirmed by evaluations from leading rating agencies and the recognition received from institutions that analyse sustainability reports and publish key financial data online.