"The market is saturated with promises; sustainability needs proof."
Sustainability is on everyone's lips. Why is it now an absolute necessity, and not just a "good intention," to have a verifiable seal of approval at a corporate event?
Víctor Manuel Fuertes: Today, reputation is gold; consumers and employees deeply value responsible brands. The problem is that the market is saturated with promises. Sustainability requires verifiable actions, not just intentions: you have to demonstrate, not just say. Having our seal is much more than a simple certificate; it is a real opportunity to generate a positive impact on the environment.
You have launched the Triple O certification mark. What does your methodology bring to the events sector that did not already exist in the market?
Mario Caira: What sets us apart is our unified methodology, based on three pillars applied to each seal: Origin, Opportunities, and Optimization. In the case of corporate events, we evaluate the "Origin," that is, how the event is created and managed, integrating ESG policies from the outset. We analyze the "Opportunities," measuring the positive impact on local employment, suppliers, and the community. And finally, "Optimization," seeking efficient management of energy, water, waste, and carbon footprint. We take a comprehensive approach to the event.
In such a demanding corporate sector, how do you ensure that the Triple O seal has real weight and institutional credibility?
Víctor Manuel Fuertes: That is the cornerstone of our project. As we often point out, "Triple O turns sustainability into a verified competitive advantage: real actions independently audited." While Objetivo 17 Alliance is the promoter and leader of the strategy, remote auditing and independent verification are carried out by OCA Global. We are not both judge and jury, which guarantees the total impartiality and objectivity of the process. Corporate events can range from small management meetings to large international conferences. Is certification accessible for any size of event? Our certification process is 100% remote and based on the review of documentary evidence, making it agile and accessible for any type of event. In addition, we offer a progressive and measurable ESG roadmap divided into three levels: Bronze, with 60% compliance to demonstrate a solid basic commitment; Silver, with 75% compliance and additional requirements, such as carbon footprint or social action; and Gold, which requires 90% compliance, adding excellence in measurement, compensation, and impact.
Although our readers' focus is on events, your ecosystem is broader. How does the Events seal complement the other areas you have launched?
Víctor Manuel Fuertes: We have created a complete family of five ESG certifications. Apart from Sustainable Events, we certify Sustainable Sports, Sustainable Tourism (for both Accommodations and Companies and Destinations), and Sustainable Franchises. All of this complements each other to transform these sectors towards regenerative models, allowing brands to create sustainable synergies throughout their value chain.
Mario Caira: Exactly, everything is connected. And here I would like to send a direct message to executives and professionals in the MICE sector: managing events that are conscious of their origin, that generate positive opportunities and optimize resources, is no longer the future, it is the present that customers demand. I invite you to step up and stand out from the competition by offering transparent and verifiable added value.