Andrea Casartelli of Edison Energy presented What it Means to Be Green.  The presentation began with an overview of the pros and cons of different types of energy sources, including, “green sources”.  Andrea defined  green energy sources and explained how energy producers can earn certifications to validate their efforts. Theses certificates are a commodity which can be sold by energy efficient businesses to those with less efficiency and are becoming more valuable as stricter regulations are being put into place.

 While awareness is growing on the importance of going green, cost can be a stumbling block. A survey of European nations indicated a resistance in a willingness to pay additional costs for use of renewable resources, though a fair amount of respondents would be willing to pay up to 10% more for using these sources for their energy needs.

 Andrea brought forth additional benefits in going green. Not only is it politically correct, it can be good business. He cited examples on companies marketing their green efforts to increase business and mentioned how renewable energy is the only sector during the economic crisis with growing investment. Also mentioned were creative ways to offset carbon footprints; everything from concerts powered by sustainable energy to airlines charging a few extra euros per ticket to passengers to go towards planting trees.

 A good portion of the evening was spent discussing how we can offset increased costs while contributing to the green movement. Individuals and businesses can invest in more efficient appliances, light bulbs, and insulation. Measures such as these easily bring the costs of electrical bills down, eventually overcoming the initial expense.

 Comments from those in attendance included the challenges in costs and efforts in making these changes. Andrea acknowledged that many questions remained unanswered, and that many kinks still need to be worked out, but as we become more used to thinking in this manner, improved options and pricing will be available for all of us in our efforts to go green.

Speaker Meeting
All professional women welcome whether members or guests

Wednesday, 18 March, 2009, 7-9.30 p.m.
Andrea Casartelli, Director of Power Origination Activities for Italian Energy Markets at Edison Trading presents
“What it Means to go Green: Benefits and Savings for Your Work and Home.”
What does it really mean to be green? We understand that making the right choices can help our planet for future generations, but what are the benefits that we can receive on a more personal level and in the short term?

Rather than vague references to the Kyoto Agreement or reminders to separate your recyclables, Andrea Casartelli applies his expertise in the world energy markets to bring the broad topics of renewable energy, carbon footprints and energy efficiency into a more personal context.

• What incentives are there for businesses and individuals to make green choices and how can we best take advantage of them?
• What new opportunities do the changing environment and economic crisis provide those who choose to “go green” as an alternative way to market and grow businesses?
• What options are there for those in the corporate environments to affect their companies positively?

Andrea’s presentation will provide examples and new options on how going green can benefit our daily lives at home and at work.

About Andrea Casartelli
Originally from Varese, Andrea earned a degree in Social and Economic Disciplines at Bocconi University in Milan and began his career at Edison S.p.A. in 2001 in Production Planning.

At Edison Trading, he was responsible for relationships with the Italian Power Exchange for the Short-Term Optimization unit, before becoming head of Business Support and Market Analysis, where he managed portfolio analysis of energy and environmental rights and new activities for the Italian market.

In his current position as director of Italian Power Origination Activities for the energy trading division, he oversees the development of non-standard products for the Italian wholesale market with a main focus on long-term contracts, power purchases from independent producers and the development of virtual power plant offers of energy and energy related products (green certified and emission free energy).

Cocktails 7-8 p.m. / Presentation 8-9.30 p.m.
Jolly Hotel Macchiavelli Via Lazzaretto 5, Milano (MM Porta Venezia, Repubblica, various trams)
Free for members, €20 for guests, payable by cash at the event

Members, please register your attendance at www.europeanpwn.net
For guest reservations, or additional information, please contact speakers@pwa-milan.org