The COP26 [1] highlighted the urgency of implementing energy choices based on a sustainability approach. On the other hand, the still strong dependence on fossil fuel energy sources has led to the integration, in the European taxonomy, of natural gas and nuclear power, considered useful elements for the transition. Since we cannot yet completely abandon combustion technologies, it is important to monitor and control the emissions they generate.
The role of the regulatory and legislative process is very relevant for decarbonisation and, if not adequately monitored, can lead to forcing the management costs of certain supply chains. In this sector there are numerous interventions at European level such as the revision of the IED directive [2] and E-PRTR [3] [4]2. The lack of adequate monitoring of this evolution at a national level can significantly influence the development of entire industrial chains, also modifying competitive relations at an international level.
Furthermore, rules designed to ‘protect the state of public health’ (e.g. the rules on the determination and limitation of polluting emissions of industrial plants) are sometimes essentially protectionist in nature. An example is the sudden introduction of limitations on formaldehyde, which has effectively put companies that produce recycled wood panels in extreme difficulty (and Italy is a big producer) compared to those companies that operate outside the community territory or use new wood.
It is therefore essential and strategic to monitor the regulatory and legislative panels in order to ensure the circulation of critical information in time and the harmonization of national needs with the various transnational partners.
The pre-normative activities carried out as part of System Research allow us to:
• know the European and non-European guidelines in the field of atmospheric emission regulation.
• represent national interests in ISO and CEN panels to allow for a non-punitive harmonization of the national system.
• introduce into the country the topics considered strategic in the international field in time, before they become mandatory, and thus avoid having to suffer them with resulting potential great damage at an economic and industrial level.
• bring national needs in terms of standardization with high industrial and economic impact to the European and international level.
• validate and give greater scope to the decarbonisation and energy efficiency process.