ABOUT US
Kickster Group defines and implements strategies
to combat climate change, helping national and international organisations reconcile environmental and social
responsibility with economic performance
Years of experience in climate policies
Courses
Platforms
WHO WE ARE
As consultants we think strategically and comprehensively, and we are pragmatic and practical to offer our clients measurable results, lasting strategies and satisfaction.
We collaborate with national and international companies and institutions to integrate climate and sustainability strategies into their strategic and operational plans.
Built on ESG principles, it identifies areas of excellence and challenges and defines commitments for sustainable growth
Innovative projects across industries, and a commitment to spreading culture and knowledge of the sector
MISSION & VISION
We take part in numerous development projects for both companies and bodies and institutions which are based on innovation, sustainability and cooperation between the parties.
Sustainable development must be interpreted as an opportunity for the various economic operators: the creation of a medium-long term vision and the economic challenges are analyzed for an active process of transformation and adaptation in order to generate value and resilience
We offer an integrated approach to managing current and future compliance related to obligations under European energy and climate policies. We are involved in a number of strategic projects for decarbonization and energy transition, as well as for the development of programs in line with the EU Green Deal and the NRP
REFERENCES AND PROJECTS
OUR TEAM
Specialists in EU ETS, CBAM, carbon markets, sustainable finance and ESG reporting, operating globally from Milan and Piraeus
Management
Italian, English, Spanish
CEO&FOUNDER
SENIOR CLIMATE ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE FINANCE EXPERT
CEO of Kickster, a boutique consultancy company highly specialized in EU Climate Policies, and senior consultant focusing in European and international climate and energy policy, carbon markets, energy transition and sustainable finance. Since 2007, Pietro has advised utilities, industrial companies, shipping companies and financial institutions and public-sector stakeholders on regulatory strategy, financial structuring, climate risk and investment decisions. He combines policy expertise with practical project development, techno-economic assessment and team leadership across complex international assignments
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
EU climate and energy policy including:
- EU-ETS,
- FuelEU,
- ETS2,
- CBAM and
- EU Taxonomy
International Carbon markets, Article 6, Voluntary Carbon Markets, Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming
Sustainable finance green bonds green loans and financial structuring
Climate risk TCFD CSRD ESRS E1 PCAF and sustainability disclosure
Energy efficiency renewable energy and techno-economic assessment
Project leadership government advisory trainingand capacity development
GEOGRAPHIC PREFERENCES
Italy and Europe, with international assignmentsacross Africa, Asia and other markets. Remote,hybrid and on-site arrangements, including travel,subject to assignment requirements.
AVAILABILITY
Start date, workload and assignment duration to beagreed.
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS
Built and leads Kickster
A specialist advisory firm serving more than 250industrial, maritime and financial-sector clients on climatepolicy, carbon management, ESG and green finance. Kickster also own the FuelEU Marketplace.
Advised a portfolio of more than 500industrial/maritime and institutional clients
Delivered feasibility studies, financial models, carbonbudgets and decarbonization support across energy-intensive industries and SMEs in his 19+ years ofexperience.
Developed international carbon-market projects
Led or supported Nature-Based Solutions, afforestation and reforestation assignments in Kenya, Ethiopia andEurope, covering eligibility, methodologies, additionality, CO2 calculations, PDDs, MRV and carbon finance.
Translated EU regulation into business action Guided utilities, manufacturers, banks and shipping-sector clients on EU ETS, ETS2, CBAM, CSRD, ESRSand carbon-lock-in risks across Europe, China and Africa.
Created practical climate-finance solutions
Developed the efficiency cloud and carbon4efficiency concepts and advised on green bonds, green loans, hedging strategies, sustainable infrastructure and project bankability.
EU Climate policy
Sustainability finance
ESG & climate risk
Carbon removals
Italian, English, Spanish
CEO&FOUNDER
SENIOR CLIMATE ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE FINANCE EXPERT
Expert in European climate and sustainable finance policies, involved in the design and implementation of EU ETS, CBAM and CRCF
Since 2013 Ramona Caria has gained experience in climate and sustainability policies, specialising in ESG metrics and criteria, carbon markets, energy efficiency and renewable energy. She is involved in the design and implementation of EU climate policies, including the EU Sustainable Finance Framework, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the Carbon Removals Certification Framework (CRCF) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Her portfolio consists of energy-intensive companies in sectors covered by the EU ETS (steel, cement, paper, glass, ceramics, aviation), utilities, consulting firms and SMEs. Main interests: carbon removal technologies, CCS and carbon neutrality strategies for energy-intensive industries
CBAM
CRCF
EU ETS
Volountary Carbon Markets
Team
Italian, English
SENIOR TECHNICAL LEADER
Chemical engineer and certified Energy Management Expert (EGE), specialised in EU ETS for energy-intensive industries.
Filippo Banfichi, a graduate in Chemical Engineering, is an expert on the EU-ETS mechanism, climate policies and CO2 emission reduction strategies, with over 25 years of experience in environmental consulting for energy intensive industries. He is an “Expert in Energy Management” (EGE) and has developed specific know-how in the field of energy efficiency, energy management systems, decarbonization strategies (GHG Protocol), Carbon Footprint and LCA; in particular, on issues related to EU-ETS and VCMs, he keeps himself constantly updated through consulting activities provided for the corporate world that IFI.
EU ETS
Energy Management
GHG Protocol
LCA
Greek, English
CLIMATE CHANGE CONSULTANT
Business development and client relations across Greece, Europe and MENA, with a focus on ESG and Greek and EU climate policy
Anastasio Chimarios is an expert sales manager with experience in Greece, Europe and MENA. He has worked as a business runner, personnel manager and business organization manager. He has attended several seminars on labor law and proper manager and personnel health; he keeps himself constantly updated on the latest trends in sustainability, ESG principles, Greek and European climate policies and renewable energy sources. His natural inclination in communication and PR have enabled him to deal with private companies, financial institutions and SMEs, build relationships and connections. His experience includes selling co-branded and scalable products and services in different sectors (hospitality, fashion, finance, industry, etc.), implementing direct marketing, brand development and reputation strategies.
Business development
ESG
Climate policy
Italian, English
JUNIOR CLIMATE ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE FINANCE EXPERT
Giacomo Bucci is a consultant specializing in climate and sustainability, with experience in EU climate policies, carbon markets, sustainable finance, energy transition, shipping, maritime and fuel markets.
Giacomo Bucci is a consultant specializing in climate and sustainability, with experience in EU climate policies, carbon markets, sustainable finance, energy transition, shipping, maritime and fuel markets. He supports companies and stakeholders on regulatory and strategic aspects related to decarbonisation, carbon pricing, sustainable fuels and environmental markets, combining policy expertise with techno-economic and financial assessment. His experience includes carbon markets, VCM and Article 6, CBAM, green finance, sustainability accounting and maritime decarbonisation.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
EU climate and energy policy including:
- EU-ETS,
- FuelEU,
- ETS2,
- CBAM and EU Taxonomy
- International Carbon markets, Article 6, Voluntary CarbonMarkets, Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming
- Sustainable finance green bonds green loans and financialstructuring
- Climate risk TCFD CSRD ESRS E1 PCAF and sustainability disclosure
- Energy efficiency renewable energy and techno-economic assessment
- Project leadership government advisory training and capacity development
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS
- Supported international carbon-market projectsAdvised on afforestation and carbon-removal projects inEthiopia and Europe, covering project eligibility, methodologies, additionality, CO₂ removals, PDD development and MRV requirements in line with high-integrity carbon-market standards
- Advised on Article 6 and Voluntary Carbon MarketsSupported clients in assessing Ethiopia’s evolving carbon-market framework, including Paris Agreement Article 6 andVCM requirements, and in defining suitable models for carbon-removal projects
- Translated sustainability regulation into business actionSupported major industrial and energy-sector clients onCSRD and ESRS E1 requirements, including carbon lock-inand internal carbon pricing, assessing financial and non-financial assets as well as P&L, CapEx and OpEx impacts
- Developed sustainable finance solutionsSupported the alignment of an integrated steel project withGreen Bond and Green Loan Principles, assessing use of proceeds, emissions and energy-intensity KPIs, environmental objectives and SDG alignment
- Managed FuelEU and maritime-market activitiesContributed to the management of the Kickster FuelEU Marketplace, engaging with shipping and maritime operators and supporting market development aroundFuelEU Maritime compliance, regulatory requirements and decarbonisation opportunities.
GEOGRAPHIC PREFERENCES
Italy and Europe, with international assignments across Africa and other markets. Remote, hybrid and on-site arrangements, including travel, subject to assignment requirements
Energy
Maritime
Industry
Finance
Public sector
Environment
English
INTERNATIONAL CARBON MARKET EXPERT
Climate finance and ESG professional mobilising public and private capital for green projects, focused on Uganda's just transition
Rebecca is a results-driven sustainability and Finance professional with over 9 years of progressive experience in climate finance, ESG integration and sustainable development.
She has a proven track record in mobilizing public and private capital for green projects and fostering institutional readiness for climate financing.
Experienced in donor coordination, multi-stakeholder engagement and designing innovative financing mechanisms aligned with SDGs, Uganda’s Green Growth and Development Strategy and NDCs. Committed to accelerating Uganda’s just transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy.
Greek, English
TECHNICAL EXPERT
Leonidas Rachavelias holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Patras and a master’s degree in Sustainable Management of Environmental Change and Circular Economy from the University of Thessaly.
He has developed expertise in sustainability and ESG, specializing in ESG criteria and risk assessment. In his assignments, Leonidas pays close attention to detail due to his experience in assessing ESG business operations and supply chains. He helps organizations comply with environmental policies and best practices through comprehensive reviews and strategic guidance, ensuring compliance with regulations while advocating for environmental protection. By continually keeping abreast of the latest developments in sustainability, ESG principles, Greek and European climate policies, and renewable energy sources, Leonidas provides clients with the information and strategies to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable business practices. His dedication toward GHG emissions accounting and MRV activities in the context of carbon removals and the voluntary market has allowed him to relate to entities such as Gold Standard, Verra or IPCC. His expertise covers disclosure activities (GRI, SASB, TCFD), EU climate policies and techno-economic evaluation of climate-related projects for the corporate and finance world.
ESG
Environment
Italian, English
JUNIOR EXPERT
Marco Tanese is a young consultant, with a Master’s degree in Sustainable Management, with a solid knowledge of sustainability policies, sustainable finance and reporting standards (ESRS, TCFD).
He has participated in several assignments as Junior Expert, gaining experience in EU Taxonomy, MRV and CBAM.
EU Taxonomy
MRV
CBAM
Technical team associate
Italian, English
SENIOR TECHNICAL LEADER
Chemist and EU ETS expert, auditor for certification bodies and accredited lecturer for lead auditors
Stefano Candio, a graduate in Chemistry, is an expert in EU-ETS, climate policy and carbon reduction strategies, with over 20 years of experience in environmental consulting within the scope of the EU-ETS mechanism. He has developed specific know-how in energy efficiency, energy management systems, decarbonization strategies (GHG Protocol), reporting of Carbon Footprint, in particular, on issues related to EU-ETS, he has kept his knowledge constantly up-to-date, thanks to consulting activities performed for both companies included in the Directive and Certification Bodies for which he has also acted as auditor for annual audits. Stephen is also an accredited lecturer for lead auditors of management systems.
EU ETS
Carbon footprint
energy efficiency
Auditing
Italian, English
SENIOR TECHNICAL LEADER
Environmental scientist and EU ETS MRV expert, also acting as auditor for certification bodies
Alessia Agostini, a graduate in Environmental Sciences, is an expert in EU-ETS MRV, climate policies and CO2 emission reduction strategies, with more than 20 years of experience in environmental consulting and application of the EU-ETS mechanism. In the course of her professional experience, she has attended several refresher courses on Emission Trading issues, keeping her knowledge constantly updated with application both to companies included in the Directive and to Certification Bodies for which she has also acted as auditor for annual audits.
EU ETS MRV
Verification audits
CO2 reduction
Italian, English
TECHNICAL EXPERT
Environmental consultant on EU ETS, ETS2 and CBAM, emissions reporting and Life Cycle Assessment
Andrea Pasa is an environmental consultant with a focus on sustainability and regulatory compliance. He is a junior consultant on EU climate policies, specializing in EU ETS, ETS2 and CBAM. His role includes assisting companies with emissions reporting activities, optimizing energy efficiency projects, and implementing environmental management systems in line with ISO standards. In addition, Andrea is an expert in conducting Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to assess the ecological footprint of products and processes.
PUBLICATIONS
Practical guides and podcast interviews from our consultants, available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.
Pietro Valaguzza, Giacomo Bucci, Leonidas Rachavelias
his scope of this book is to clarify the main features of different carbon markets (ETS, VCM, Article 6, etc.), creating a common framework to evaluate the tools that policy makers and investors can use to tackle the climate change
IT
2024
Pietro Valaguzza, Ramona Caria
The CBAM is an EU climate policy measure that addresses the risk of carbon leakage in a way that differs from the approaches adopted up until 2023.
64 pages · Paperback · Kindle
IT
2025
Giacomo Bucci, Leonidas Rachavelias
This book delves into one of the pivotal instruments designed to achieve the ambitious goal of European Union, Climate Neutrality by 2050—the Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming Regulation (CRCF Regulation)
92 pages · Paperback · Kindle
EN
2022
Pietro Valaguzza, Ramona Caria
Understanding the fundamentals of the VCM is necessary to tackle the climate change and have a positive impact in case of compensating residual emissions.
9224 pages · Paperback
IT
2021
Pietro Valaguzza, Ramona Caria
Raccoglie le interviste dei protagonisti della green&blue economy made in Italy ospiti dell’omonimo Podcast di Kickster
174 pages · Paperback · Kindle
IT
2020
Pietro Valaguzza, Ramona Caria
Storie di sostenibilità e resilienza della nuova economia green Made in Italy, dalla prima stagione del Podcast di Kickster.
157 pages · Paperback · Kindle
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