Environmental protection as growth opportunity for producers of renewable energy in Italy

In the current economic system characterized by international competition, the aims of development and business growth, and the strategies adopted for the realization of significant economic results, need to be combined with socially responsible behaviour and actions that can also ensure development from a social and environmental perspective, now considered and treated as an essential factor in modern business culture. Therefore, in order to ensure sustainable development, the aims today pursued by companies go well beyond mere economic growth; they also concern environmental protection, natural resources, safeguarding cultural biodiversity, respect for human rights and the fight against poverty. In other words, the concept is constantly evolving and is subject to different interpretations. In particular, it is noted that the growing awareness of environmental issues – which, to various degrees and extent involves business stakeholders - today requires companies to consider the effects generated by their production process on the natural environment, and adopt good behaviours that go beyond mere compliance with laws designed to protect the environment. This process, from the declaration of principles to the definition of policy that allows practical implementation, however, often comes up against the economic, social and cultural life of the place where the principle itself has evolved, namely with the hic et nunc (here and now)? and against rulers’ political and legal skills to outline future scenarios, suitable for new needs. The issue, therefore, takes on a considerable pragmatic dimension, especially in relation to companies’ perspective regarding a series of norms and official documents that, both at European and Italian level, require and promote virtuous behaviour aimed at preserving the environment. Such a situation has produced significant consequences by changing the various implications of respect and protection of the environment, from "obligations" for economic action, into "opportunities" as a key factor for growth and competitiveness of enterprises. Starting from this premises, the present work intends to carry out some brief considerations on the strategic approach of companies towards environmental sustainability, with specific reference to the field of renewable energies. After an introductory section on the strategic orientation to sustainability and its corporate reflexes, the study will focus on business organization and management of the environmental market in Italy, with respect to the issues that concern the scope of incentives aimed at companies that produce electricity from renewable sources.