Santiago, Chile- The OLORES25 Congress, held in Santiago, Chile, brought together leading professionals, researchers, and industry representatives from around the world to address the growing challenges of odour management. Organized by the AMIGO Association with the support of Olores.org and other collaborators, this event has become a key meeting point for sharing experiences, technological advances, and regulatory perspectives in the field of environmental odours.
One of the highlights of the congress was the presentation of the E&T&C certification (Engagement, Transparency & Communication), a pioneering initiative designed to raise professional standards and foster a culture of excellence in odour management. Unlike traditional certifications focused solely on technical knowledge, E&T&C emphasizes the importance of community engagement, transparent data management, and effective communication with all stakeholders involved in odour issues.
Many attendees expressed their enthusiasm about how E&T&C can help improve odour management practices, especially in urban areas with high population density, where technological solutions must be complemented by active dialogue with communities. Several academic institutions also showed interest in integrating E&T&C principles into their curricula, recognizing the value of a holistic approach that combines technical expertise with social responsibility.
The introduction of the E&T&C certification at OLORES25 marks a significant step forward for the sector. By building bridges between international experience and local realities, this initiative paves the way for a new era of sustainable, transparent, and inclusive odour management.
Medellin, Colombia- Within the framework of the 1st International Congress on Odour Environmental Management, held from April 3 to 5, 2025 at the Joaquín Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden in Medellín, the E&T&C certification played a leading role as a benchmark for progress in the field of odour management. The event, organized by ACODAL Seccional Noroccidente with the support of Olores.org and the AMIGO Association, brought together experts and key stakeholders from around the world to discuss the challenges and advances in odour management.
During one of the most anticipated sessions, the E&T&C certification (Engagement, Transparency & Communication) was presented in detail—a novel and unique methodology that responds to the growing demand for pathways to recognize commitment in odour management. Unlike other recognitions, the E&T&C certification not only validates theoretical knowledge but also requires practical experience in active community engagement, transparency in data and process management, and effective communication with all stakeholders. These aspects are fundamental for designing odour management and mitigation strategies that are both acceptable and sustainable in the long term.
The presentation delved into how the certification process includes the assessment of competencies in areas such as the identification of odour sources, the application of international regulations, the management of citizen complaints, the design of control systems, and the use of analytical and sensory tools for environmental monitoring. This comprehensive approach was especially valued by attendees, who highlighted the usefulness of having an international standard that raises the quality of projects.
The congress, which included practical workshops, round tables, and a technology exhibition, served as a platform for engineers, consultants, environmental authorities, and industry representatives to explore the advantages of the E&T&C certification as a driver of innovation and a guarantee of best practices. The presentation sparked a lively debate on the need to strengthen ongoing training and international collaboration to address current challenges in odour environmental management.
The introduction of the E&T&C certification in Colombia marks a milestone for the sector in Latin America, opening new opportunities for professional excellence and sustainable development in odour management.
The first training sessions for the accreditation of auditors in the E&T&C (Engagement, Transparency & Communication) certification have concluded successfully, marking a milestone in the professionalization of environmental management and the relationship between industry and society.
A new standard in commitment and transparency
The E&T&C certification, promoted by the consultancy Ambiente et Odora S.L. and the portal olores.org, was created in response to the growing need to evaluate and recognize organizations’ commitment to transparency and communication with their environment, especially in the field of odor management and environmental impact. This new standard focuses on three fundamental pillars: the real commitment of companies, transparency in their processes, and the quality of communication with the community.
Auditor training: a commitment to excellence
During the sessions, participants from all over the world received specialized training on the requirements, methodologies, and best practices necessary to audit under the E&T&C scheme. The program was delivered in an online theoretical session that enabled future auditors to acquire the necessary competencies to evaluate the performance of organizations in the three critical domains of the certification.
The training, which was free of charge in its first edition, included the participation of professionals from different sectors interested in expanding their profiles and accessing new business opportunities. Upon completion of the process, attendees obtained official accreditation as E&T&C auditors, enabling them to offer this service to companies seeking to differentiate themselves and improve their relationship with society.
Impact and opportunities
The role of the E&T&C auditor is emerging as key to driving continuous improvement in environmental management and strengthening trust between industry and citizens. In addition, the certification opens new avenues for collaboration and business for auditors, who will be able to integrate this service into their portfolio and position themselves as leaders in innovative social and environmental responsibility solutions.
For more information about future editions of the training or about the E&T&C certification, those interested can visit the olores.org portal or contact directly via
Bilbao, Spain – The E&T&C Certification was officially introduced at the Odora’24 Conference on Environmental Odour Management, held at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) in Barakaldo on November 5 and 6, 2024. Organized by Olores.org with the collaboration of the AMIGO Association, and sponsored by the Basque Government’s Department of Industry, Energy Transition and Sustainability, Consorcio de Aguas Bilbao Bizkaia, Suez, and Nasapp, the event gathered a wide spectrum of professionals dedicated to odour management.
The conference attracted consultants, authorities, university researchers, engineers, technicians, experts in various odour-related fields, and operators from facilities with integrated odour control systems, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the sector.
Ainhoa Antón, environmental consultant at Ambiente et Odora SL, delivered the presentation on the E&T&C Certification. She detailed the certification’s objectives, its rigorous assessment process, and the benefits it offers to professionals committed to excellence in odour and environmental management. The presentation underscored the certification’s role in standardizing expertise, enhancing transparency, and promoting best practices across the industry.
Attendees showed strong interest in the certification’s potential to elevate professional credentials and contribute to higher quality standards internationally. The event also featured numerous sessions on odour measurement, perception, impact, and control technologies, complemented by an exhibition hall showcasing leading companies in odour management, olfactometry laboratories, sensor technologies, and consultancy services.
The successful launch of the E&T&C Certification at Odora’24 marks a significant milestone in its global adoption, reinforcing the commitment to innovation, quality, and collaboration in environmental odour management.
Hobart, Tasmania – The 27th CASANZ International Clean Air and Environment Conference, held alongside the 10th Odours and Air Emissions Conference, recently concluded in Hobart, marking a significant gathering for professionals in air quality and odour management. Organised by the Clean Air Society of Australia and New Zealand (CASANZ) in collaboration with the International Water Association (IWA), the event featured over 110 presentations that showcased the latest advancements in the field.
Among the key highlights was the presentation of the E&T&C Certification, introduced by Carlos Díaz. This innovative certification aims to establish a comprehensive framework to enhance citizen engagement, improve transparency, and expand communication channels in cases of recurring odour impacts on neighbouring communities.
During this presentation, Carlos emphasised the crucial role that Engagement, Transparency, and Communication (E&T&C) play in maintaining or restoring trust among affected communities. Drawing parallels with other cases that happened in te past, Carlos underscored the consequences of lacking a well-defined policy for engaging with the public.
The E&T&C Certification represents a pioneering approach to evaluating the performance of industrial facilities in their interactions with nearby communities. The certification process involves independent third-party audits, ensuring that evaluations are impartial and thorough. By quantifying how well a facility upholds the principles of engagement, transparency, and communication, this certification offers a much-needed tool for industries to build trust and accountability.
"In an era where citizens are increasingly aware of their rights and environmental impacts, it is essential for industrial plants to demonstrate their commitment to good practices," stated Carlos Díaz. "The E&T&C Certification is designed to show that a facility is taking proactive steps to address community concerns and foster a positive relationship."
The CASANZ conference, which spanned several days, included a range of workshops and keynote sessions that provided valuable insights into odour management and air quality regulation. This collaborative environment allowed professionals to share best practices and explore innovative solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
During this event, Carlos was awarded bith the Clean Air Champion Award 2024. According to the organizers "Carlos's passion and proactive promotion of odour management have made a significant impact on the field, making him the recipient of the Air Quality Champion award."
As the discussions concluded, the introduction of the E&T&C Certification signified a significant advancement in the way industrial facilities approach community engagement, paving the way for a more transparent and responsible industry. This initiative not only aims to improve public relations but also to create a sustainable future for both communities and industries.
