G7 Canada: The Return of Certified Sustainable Events
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After years of inertia, the 2024 G7 in Canada marks a turning point in the sustainability of international events. It is the first summit in recent years to adopt stringent carbon neutrality criteria, guided by globally recognized standards. A model that offers valuable insights not only for Europe but especially for Italy, where truly zero-emission eventsremain rare—or merely cosmetic.
A Zero-Emission G7: What Canada Did Right
The event was organized around three key pillars:
ISO 20121:2024 – The international standard for sustainable event management, applied through a two-phase audit by BSI Canada.
University of Calgary Sustainable Events – An academic partner providing scientific integrity and transparent results.
TRUE for Events – A specialized zero-waste certification and evaluation framework.
All activities were subject to independent third-party verification to ensure transparency and continuous improvement.
Concrete Actions Taken
Canada’s G7 implemented a series of measurable and replicable initiatives, including:
Emissions calculation and reduction using RETScreen, Canada’s own tool for clean energy planning and reporting.
CO₂ offsetting strategy, developed in collaboration with the University of Calgary.
AI-powered recycling assistants, helping participants sort waste correctly in real-time.
Distribution of recycled aluminum water bottles to avoid single-use plastics.
Food waste composting using professional-grade dehydrators.
Creative recycling: plastic waste was turned into furniture, and wood scraps into biochar, in partnership with an Indigenous-owned SME.
Enhanced waste management through the GoZero program and collaboration with local communities.
The event also included a climate risk and vulnerability assessment for both the summit venue and key transportation routes, helping anticipate and mitigate disruptions like wildfires or logistical failures.
And in Italy? Many Words, Few Verified Results
Sustainability-themed events—conferences, expos, festivals—are multiplying across Italy. But how many are genuinely zero-emission?
In most cases, the sustainability claim is superficial: no certified methodologies, no transparent reporting, and often not even a proper carbon footprint calculation. Worse yet, some events declare themselves “green” while ignoring even the basic principles—such as using unverified offsets or forgoing independent audits.
The Solution: Certifiable Events with eCO₂
To bridge this gap, ecosostenibile.eu® benefit company has developed the proprietary Eco_Event methodology, certified by RINA, which integrates ISO 20121 (sustainable events), ISO 14064 (carbon footprint) and ISO 59004 (circular economy).
This approach ensures precise measurements and a comprehensive assessment of any type of event, improving environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.
Yes, Truly Sustainable Events Are Possible
The Canadian G7 proves that verified, zero-emission, transparent events are absolutely feasible—provided the right tools, standards, and strategic commitment are in place.
What Italy needs now is a quality leap: from storytelling to measurable impact. Thanks to tools like eCO₂, this transition is finally within reach for companies, public institutions, foundations, and event organizers.
Christian Sansoni
