On Monday, 29 September, the kick-off meeting of Valdichiana4Green took place — a project conceived by ACTA – Sensi Contemporanei, in partnership with ECOTRANS, Unione dei Comuni della Valdichiana Senese, and Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano e dei Sapori della Valdichiana Senese, funded by the EU Horizon Programme under the Futural initiative.
The meeting marked the start of a process centred on the tourism, cultural, and agri-food businesses of Unione dei Comuni della Valdichiana Senese. The goal is to support them in strengthening their competitiveness through the adoption of sustainable practices — in line with the priorities of EU policies focused on ecological transition and digital transformation.
At the heart of the pilot phase lies the Going Green Check, a software tool developed by ECOTRANS and already tested at the European level. Provided free of charge within Valdichiana4Green, the tool allows businesses to self-assess their level of sustainability, compare it with major international certification standards, and receive personalised reports offering recommendations for improvement — all with the support of coaches and experts.
In the afternoon, the participating businesses had the opportunity to test the digital tool directly during an illustrative workshop. The activity attracted great interest, as participants were able to explore an innovative instrument that supports learning processes and promotes management practices consistent with sustainability principles.
This result builds on the work already initiated by Strada del Vino Nobile e dei Sapori della Valdichiana Senese, which earlier in 2025 promoted ten living labs across the territory, engaging tourism operators, business associations, and the local community. The participatory process clearly revealed that sustainability is a shared priority. Through this partnership, the project now enhances those results and translates them into concrete tools and actions.
The call for Expression of Interest is now open to businesses. Until 15 November 2025, SMEs with their registered office and/or operational base in one of the ten municipalities of the Valdichiana Senese (Cetona, Chianciano Terme, Chiusi, Montepulciano, Pienza, San Casciano dei Bagni, Sarteano, Sinalunga, Torrita di Siena, Trequanda) and operating in one of the following sectors can apply:
- Accommodation facilities (hotels and non-hotel structures);
- Food and beverage services (including tasting experiences);
- Cultural and tourist attractions (e.g. museums, parks, thermal baths, natural sites, spas, etc.);
- Tour operators and travel agencies.
Businesses interested in joining the pilot phase of Valdichiana4Green must submit their application no later than 15 November 2025, via email or certified email (PEC) to unionecomuni.valdichiana@pec.consorzioterrecablate.it
The application must include:
- Application form (Annex 1 to this Notice);
- Updated company registration certificate.
At the following links you can:
Download the application form
Download the Annex 1 template to be filled in and sent
Access the project brochure, which presents the timeline, objectives, and activities in detail
