ABSTRACT
The opportunity to cover the risk is perceived as an important plus within the green package. The conference updated the Italian financial community on the risks and opportunities linked to environmental variables, highlighting out both the direct and the indirect liabilities of banks. Companies will start to realise that costs linked to improved environmental management will lead to an economic return that is in the long run higher than the investment. Studies of small or medium-sized business (SMEs) showed that one of the reasons why they are hesitant about environmental certification is the lack of market stimulus. The most widely held reason for this is the opinion that environmental culture should be disseminated by making SMEs understand the related advantages and opportunities—which of course takes time. The gateway, which is still work-in-progress, is intended to grow to become a standard reference source for SMEs.
