Going Green Check

The Going Green Check is a digital software that allows businesses to self-assess their level of compliance with sustainability criteria and, for those interested, identify the most suitable certification to apply for, providing information on the main sustainability certifications.

The software, already developed at a prototype stage for hospitality businesses within projects carried out by the partner ECOTRANS (a European network of sustainable tourism experts, of which ACTA has been a founding member since 1993) in collaboration with the German Ministry of the Environment, consolidates ECOTRANS’s thirty years of experience with certification programs and represents an advancement by also including analyses and assessments for agri-food businesses.

The businesses in the Valdichiana area that can use it include:

• Hotel and non-hotel accommodation
• Restaurants – including all businesses operating in food & beverage and tasting experiences
• Attractions (e.g., museums)
• Tour operators and travel agencies

Going Green Check is one of the tools that Valdichiana4Green provides to local businesses and is part of a process supporting entrepreneurs in adopting sustainable systems with the help of digital software. Together – experts, technicians, and sector operators – they can share and apply the practices most suitable for their business to obtain both a Sustainability Report and a Guide for managing activities aligned with their company’s production cycle.

Participating companies commit to:

• complete 3 online training modules to acquire innovative skills;
• use the self-assessment software and complete its activities;
• attend 3 co-design meetings (2 in-person and 1 online) in one of the Valdichiana municipalities;
• fill out 2 short questionnaires (initial and final) to evaluate progress and contribute to improving the software.

Throughout the entire process, companies will be supported by experts and coaches, who will provide operational assistance and guidance in applying the system and carrying out the planned activities.

Interested businesses can send an email to info@stradavinonobile.it from October 1st to November 30th to apply. A form will be made available to collect the details of the interested company, followed by operational instructions.

How the Going Green Check works?

Companies using the software are invited to complete three main steps, designed to guide SMEs on their sustainability improvement journey. Companies are supported by coaches and experts in using the software.

1. GSTC Criteria
   The system is based on the international sustainability standards for tourism (GSTC). Through an initial questionnaire, the company can understand which sustainability criteria have already been met and which could be implemented in the future. This first step provides a clear overview of strengths and areas for improvement, creating a solid foundation for any future actions.
2. Creation of the Self-Assessment Report
   Based on the information collected, the software automatically generates a detailed report providing an immediate overview of the company’s internal situation. This document not only helps better understand the achieved level of sustainability but also serves as a useful tool for accessing grants, funding, and incentives, thus facilitating the adoption of more sustainable practices.
3. Comparison Between Certifications
   The software allows users to compare various sustainability certifications available in the Italian market (e.g., Ecolabel, Green Sign, Green Key, etc.), guiding the company in choosing the solution best suited to its profile and objectives. This step helps identify which certification path can best highlight the company’s commitment to sustainability.

And what happens after using the Going Green Check?

1. During the software testing phase, the company is supported by coaches and experts, who provide guidance on its use, including through discussion and training sessions, which can be either online or in person in one of the Valdichiana municipalities.
2. After the first testing phase, companies will receive a personalized report, automatically generated, to understand their overall level of sustainability.
3. If interested, companies can check which certification program is most suitable for them and, in any case, will receive a Guide to explore sustainability practices that can be adopted.
4. Participating companies will be included in the Travel Green Map, the European map showcasing Valdichiana as a “green” destination.
5. Together with La Strada del Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, the Union of Municipalities, ACTA, and Ecotrans, companies will have the opportunity to propose initiatives, projects, or actions beneficial to the Valdichiana territory.

In December 2025 and January 2026, companies will be able to freely use the software, complete several online training modules, and participate in a co-design meeting with coaches and experts.

In February 2026, the first phase of feedback collection from companies that tested the software is planned, to gather suggestions for its improvement.

By May 2026, the software is scheduled to be presented to the market during a public event.

In February 2027, a major European event is planned to present all European projects and to launch the European Meta Search Platform.