5 questions to...
Laura Polenghi
Interview with the Head of Sustainability di Engineering.
Laura Polenghi has been at Engineering since 2023, where she is responsible for coordinating the development of strategies and processes that have environmental, social, and governance impacts in line with the Group's values and mission, as well as fostering the evolution of corporate culture so that the principles of sustainable management are widely disseminated and concretely shared across the company.
Previously, she served as Head of Sustainability at an Italian listed bank and as Sustainability Supervisor at an international consulting firm.
She holds a degree in Management Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in Cremona and has completed a postgraduate Master's in Clean Technology at Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne (UK).
1. TECHNOLOGY IS A CRUCIAL LEVER FOR TACKLING THE MAJOR GLOBAL CHALLENGES WE FACE AND CREATING A MORE RESPONSIBLE FUTURE. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ENG, WHICH INTEGRATES THESE PRINCIPLES INTO ITS BUSINESS ON A DAILY BASIS, TO BRING SUSTAINABLE DIGITAL SOLUTIONS TO LIFE, SERVING PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT?
This concept is fully integrated into our Purpose: “Together, we elevate technology to make it closer and more relevant, every day". The idea of togetherness is the foundation of our operations; it is essential to pool all internal and external skills to co-design the most suitable solutions with our clients. We use technology as an enabling tool to manage the most relevant local and global issues today, in the areas of social and environmental protection. We do this every day.
For us at Engineering, technology is not just a driver of efficiency but an accelerator of environmental and social sustainability, enabling us to create digital solutions that can improve people's lives and protect the planet.
This commitment is reflected in our approach to projects, such as those aimed at optimizing energy and water resources, promoting the use of renewable energy, and creating smart infrastructures that reduce waste and improve operational efficiency. A concrete example is that Engineering has developed an advanced dynamic simulation model aimed at optimizing production processes, generating a Digital Twin of operations, integrating real-time simulation with production processes. This tool has proven essential for identifying the optimal layout of structures and equipment, becoming a key element in decision-making.
This and many other initiatives we carry out in various sectors demonstrate how Engineering integrates sustainability into its operations and digitalization projects daily, putting technology at the service of a more responsible future.
2. CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES, SUCH AS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, REPRESENT AN ADDED VALUE IN SUSTAINABILITY AND ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO MONITORING AND REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, WHAT TECHNOLOGIES DO YOU THINK WILL HAVE THE GREATEST IMPACT IN THIS REGARD AND WHY?
Several cutting-edge technologies will have a significant impact. Artificial Intelligence will continue to be crucial for monitoring and optimizing the consumption of natural resources. Through predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms, it can identify patterns of inefficient consumption and propose real-time solutions. AI can also contribute to accelerating scientific research on new sustainable materials and reducing industrial emissions by optimizing production processes.
Then I would certainly mention IoT devices, which connect millions of smart sensors to infrastructures and industries, improving the monitoring of resources such as water, energy, and natural gas. For example, in smart cities, IoT sensors optimize public lighting and traffic, reducing energy waste and emissions. This is essential for energy management systems and precision agriculture.
Blockchain provides transparency and traceability in supply chains, supporting more sustainable practices and a circular economy. The Digital Twin enables real-time simulations to improve operational efficiency, reducing waste and optimizing the use of natural resources.
Finally, the growth of technologies such as advanced solar, next-generation batteries, and large-scale energy storage systems makes renewable energy more efficient and accessible. The integration of AI and IoT in these systems allows for smart management of energy networks, reducing environmental impact and promoting the use of clean energy.
3. HOW IS COOPERATION BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONS, THE PUBLIC SECTOR, AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR FUNDAMENTAL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS?
It is essential because it allows for the combination of resources, skills, and diverse visions to tackle global environmental challenges more effectively and innovatively.
If the public sector creates the regulatory framework that promotes sustainable practices, encouraging the adoption of green technologies and providing funding for research and development projects, it is the private organizations that transform these objectives into concrete solutions through technological innovation and their specialized expertise.
An example of effective cooperation, which we experience firsthand in the Group thanks to Municipia, is working with municipal administrations for smart cities: the integration of technologies such as IoT, AI, and renewable energy allows us to optimize resource use and reduce environmental impact.
4. FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT ARE THE MAIN SECTORS (SUCH AS ENERGY, SMART CITIES, MOBILITY, ETC.) FROM WHICH THE NECESSARY AND OVERDUE CHANGE CAN BEGIN?
All of those you mentioned. Energy is crucial, with the transition to renewables and smart grids to reduce fossil fuel use. Smart cities also offer solutions to optimize resources like water and energy and improve urban quality of life, as does sustainable mobility, thanks to electric vehicles and greener public transport.
The role of industry is also critical, as the adoption of advanced technologies and digitalization helps reduce waste and environmental impacts.
Of course, we are talking about interconnected sectors, all crucial for systemic change.
5. ARE THERE ALREADY INNOVATIVE ENG PROJECTS THAT SUCCESSFULLY COMBINE TECHNOLOGY AND SUSTAINABILITY?
Engineering plays a fundamental role in modernizing the country and promoting sustainability.
There are several areas that particularly represent our commitment in this regard: one is certainly Healthcare, where for over 20 years we have been redesigning the healthcare system through the digitization of processes and the use of innovative technologies to improve patient care, the quality of professionals' work, and the overall sustainability of the sector.
We also make a significant contribution to the green transition through the Energy Community of the Neta Open Suite, a solution that supports the entire lifecycle of Energy Communities, from the initial establishment and configuration phase to design and the management of commercial and technical operations.
For us at Engineering, technology is not just a driver of efficiency, but an accelerator of environmental and social sustainability.
Paura Polenghi
Head of Sustainability, Engineering
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