APRIL 27

Biography

An environmentalist, Ermete Realacci was among the promoters of Symbola, the Foundation for Italian Quality, which he also chairs. Moreover, he is one of the founders of the non-profit organization Kyoto Club. He is a former member of the Italian Parliament and served as President of the Environment, Territory and Public Works Commission of the Chamber of Deputies. He has led the environmentalist association Legambiente since its early years. He has always been committed to the protection of the environment and has been actively involved in initiatives concerning energy savings, renewable sources, fair trade, corporate social responsibility, the safeguarding of territories, the defense of community cohesion, the fight against illegal building and eco-mafias and the promotion of local quality food products. Among the bills submitted to Parliament, four laws that are currently in force carry his signature: they include the establishment of a commission of inquiry against eco-mafias, the enhancement of the national network of environmental protection agencies, the fight against eco-crimes and the protection and promotion of small municipalities. He also introduced many other important measures, such as those aimed at ensuring the quality of the building industry: eco-bonuses, earthquake-bonuses, green-bonuses.