Today, the competitiveness of Italian engineering (and beyond) is measured by its ability to manage the sustainable transition—an increasingly essential factor for strengthening the trust of banks, partners, and public authorities.
A virtuous example is La Mercurio, founded in 1989 and now a benchmark in design services for public bodies and ESCo companies.
Through a multi-year path of certifications and the voluntary adoption of an ESG balance sheet, La Mercurio chose to validate its commitment through Modefinance’s ESG Assessment. We interviewed Valeria Alfano, Head of Tenders and Certifications, and Valeria Brambilla, Partner, Head of HR and Certifications, to understand how sustainability has become the driving force behind their growth.
A forward-looking vision: the evolution of the energy market
La Mercurio began as a design firm, but over time it has been able to anticipate the evolution of the energy market.
“Our approach allowed us to foresee how the market would evolve,” says Valeria Alfano. “When we started focusing on energy retrofitting, we did so because we had identified the real needs of the territory. Renewable energy and environmental protection now go hand in hand.”
From public lighting upgrades to building renovations, the company has progressively integrated technical expertise and innovative financial tools, as demonstrated by a public housing project in Milan, where the Superbonus 110% incentive and Public-Private Partnership were combined in a complex and pioneering operation.
“It was not just a technical project,” emphasizes Valeria Brambilla. “It was an intervention that concretely improved the quality of life of the families involved. This is where you truly understand how engineering can generate social impact, in addition to environmental benefits”.
Beyond compliance: the voluntary choice of the ESG balance sheet
“It was not a mandatory obligation,” explains Valeria Alfano. “It was a conscious decision. As a small company, we were not required to obtain gender equality certification or publish an ESG balance sheet. We decided to do so because it represents who we are."
”The tangible results are clear: in 2024 alone, the company reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 51%, equivalent to approximately 21 tons of CO₂. This was achieved through structural improvements to the headquarters, installation of photovoltaic systems, and the renewal of the corporate fleet with electric vehicles.
For La Mercurio, sustainability is not limited to the environmental dimension. The ESG journey has equally involved human capital, organizational models, and relations with the local community, translating into structural decisions and concrete actions.
One of the most significant steps was the shift from a traditionally vertical management structure to a horizontal and merit-based governance model.
“When I started working,” says Valeria Alfano, “there was a very strong vertical management style. The employer was a distant figure. We chose a different approach, where everyone matters and ideas are listened to.”
This approach also led to the voluntary achievement of UNI/PdR 125/2022 gender equality certification. This milestone represents not an endpoint, but the formal recognition of a corporate culture already focused on inclusion and the enhancement of skills.
At the same time, the company’s commitment extends to social responsibility. La Mercurio promotes educational projects in schools to combat gender-based violence, participates in local networks dedicated to equality, and supports biodiversity protection initiatives, such as installing company beehives to safeguard pollinating insects. These efforts are complemented by collaborations with international organizations such as UNICEF, strengthening the link between business and community.
For La Mercurio, sustainability therefore represents a coherent ecosystem of organizational, social, and ethical choices: a model that places people at the center, promotes equity, and generates positive impact far beyond company boundaries.
Why Modefinance’s ESG Assessment?
In a context where banks increasingly integrate ESG risks into their credit assessment models—also in line with European Central Bank guidelines—third-party validation takes on strategic value.
It is from this perspective that La Mercurio chose Modefinance’s ESG Assessment.
“We did it because we wanted an external analysis that could confirm we were on the right path,” explains Valeria Alfano. “Modefinance’s assessment, together with our ESG Report, strengthens our relationship with financial institutions and stakeholders.”
“When we say we have an ESG Report and an independent rating, banks are often surprised,” says Valeria Brambilla. “For them, it means we are able to measure our emissions, manage business risks, and build solid governance. This translates into a perception of medium-to-low risk in the long term.”
ESG as a competitive lever for SMEs
La Mercurio’s case shows that integrating ESG principles is not a cost, but a strategic investment. The external validation provided by Modefinance allows SMEs to:
- Improve creditworthiness and dialogue with financial institutions
- Strengthen reputation among large clients
- Attract and retain talent through an inclusive and motivating work environment.
Modefinance’s ESG Assessment helped formalize and objectify this transformation, turning an identity-driven journey into a measurable competitive advantage.
Because today, even for SMEs, sustainability is no longer an option: it is a strategic choice that determines the ability to grow over the long term.
La Mercurio
Founded in 1989, La Mercurio is now a solid engineering company committed to implementing cutting-edge technological solutions for energy efficiency and ecological transition. With strong specialization in design services for Public Administration and ESCo companies, the firm stands out for its ability to manage complex energy retrofitting and public lighting projects, ensuring high technical standards and regulatory compliance nationwide.
La Mercurio’s strength lies in its ability to integrate innovation and responsibility, reflecting ESG principles in a transparent and horizontal operating model. Through the voluntary adoption of a Sustainability Report and the achievement of excellence certifications, such as accreditation as an Inspection Body, the company has consolidated its role as a strategic partner capable of generating positive environmental impact and improving the well-being of local communities.
Thanks to a forward-looking vision and continuous investment in human capital, La Mercurio continues to evolve as a leading player in the sector, contributing concretely to the enhancement of Italy’s infrastructure heritage through ethical, sustainable, and future-oriented engineering.