Assessing environmental risks in the production chain

Environmental risk management is regulated by a complex regulatory system, starting with the Legislative Decree 152/2006, known as the Consolidated Environmental Act (TUA). This decree regulates the main risk areas: waste management, water protection, air emissions and the remediation of contaminated sites. At EU level, the Seveso III Directive (2012/18/EU) imposes preventive and control measures for facilities using hazardous substances, with the aim of minimising the risk of major accidents. Companies must ensure regulatory compliance and demonstrate transparency in the management of environmental risks along the entire production chain. The regulations also require the adoption of emergency plans, traceability systems for hazardous substances and effective communication to the competent authorities and the public. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in serious administrative, civil and criminal liability.

The environmental risk assessment is a technical, continuous and strategic process to identify, analyse and mitigate hazards related to industrial activity. It involves the mapping of production steps, the analysis of impact sources and the quantification of environmental probabilities and consequences. It is essential that this activity is updated periodically, especially in the event of process changes, the introduction of new technologies or the use of new raw materials. The assessment is based on measurable and documentable indicators, and integrates risk management practices based on ESG criteria, which are increasingly relevant in the context of corporate sustainability reporting. Tools such as environmental SWOT analysis, simulation models and supplier cross-checks can help build a robust and forward-looking prevention strategy.

To be able to operate in compliance with environmental regulations, many companies need to obtain specific authorisations, including the Integrated Environmental Authorisation (AIA), which is required for high-impact industrial activities. This authorisation imposes precise limits on emissions, use of resources, waste management and constant monitoring of processes. Companies subject to the Seveso Directive must also prepare an Internal Emergency Plan (IEP), inform the public about the risks present, and collaborate with the authorities in planning safety measures. Failure to do so not only exposes the company to administrative and criminal sanctions, but can also compromise the company's reputation and access to international markets. Environmental liability, provided for in the TUA, also implies the obligation to intervene in the event of environmental damage, under penalty of compulsory execution by the authority with costs charged to the company.

Companies can adopt advanced tools to assess and reduce the environmental impact of their supply chain. Among the main ones are the LCA, which analyses the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle, and the MFA, useful for monitoring material flows and identifying inefficiencies in processes. These are complemented by environmental KPIs such as the carbon footprint, the water footprint, and the Mean Species Abundance (MSA) which is a key indicator to assess the quality of biodiversity in an ecosystem. This indicator expresses species richness and distribution compared to a natural state, unaffected by human activities. The use of these tools makes sustainability tangible, demonstrating the effectiveness of the measures taken and supporting reporting according to international standards such as ESRS and GRI. It is essential to constantly monitor environmental parameters, including through remote control systems and PMAs.

In the context of sustainability reporting and risk management, the principle of dual materiality represents a fundamental conceptual pillar introduced by the European ESRS standards. Companies are called upon to assess ESG risks according to a dual perspective: on the one hand, the financial materiality, i.e. the impact that environmental, social and governance factors can have on the organisation's economic performance; on the other hand, the impact materiality, which concerns the significant effects, positive or negative, that the company's activity generates on the environment and society. This approach requires integrated risk management, which takes into account systemic scenarios such as climate change, biodiversity loss, resource scarcity, but also social and governance risks, such as respect for human rights, occupational safety, remuneration practices and transparent decision-making.

Effective environmental risk management cannot be achieved without an organisational culture. Corporate governance plays a key role in defining clear procedures, internal responsibilities and long-term strategies for sustainability. ESG principles, now at the heart of European regulations such as the CSRD directive, require an integrated vision involving all levels of the company: from leadership to operational staff. Continuous training is essential to update technical skills, understand regulatory implications and prevent phenomena such as greenwashing, the risks of which are increasingly sanctionable also thanks to the new Directive 825/2024. Through case studies and practical approaches, analysis, prevention and internal communication capabilities can be strengthened, promoting a risk culture geared towards continuous improvement.

This article has been realised within the project "Biodiversity services EU expansion" (CUP: E43D22000480009) in the framework of the Lombardy Region's call for tenders "PR FESR 2021-2027 - LINEA INTERNAZIONALIZZAZIONE 21-27", aimed at supporting the internationalisation of Italian companies. 3Bee is the naturetech company that develops innovative technologies for monitoring, protecting and regenerating biodiversity, supporting companies in defining customised climate strategies based on the analysis of their impacts and dependencies on nature. With an established portfolio in Italy, Germany and France and prominent partnerships, 3Bee continues its expansion into international markets to create real impact through technology.