Those who have chosen EPDItaly tell their story: GDS Spa
Zoran Obradovic – Quality System Coordinator GDS Spa
What are the main reasons that pushed you towards the voluntary EPD certification?
For over 40 years, GDS has been at the forefront of the development and production of cutting-edge technologies. We have long since embarked on a path of sustainability, which involves us right from the research and development stages. We pay particular attention to the creation of solutions that respect and guarantee the protection of the environment while preserving its resources, because we believe that technology and innovation must always be at the service of living beings. EPD certification was a natural progression within this path. The measurement of the environmental impact of our products, in addition to transparently communicating our company’s commitment to environmental issues, represents for us an important opportunity for growth and improvement of production processes.
Which product of your company has obtained the EPD? What are its main features?
The first products to be certified were the electricity meters, used on the Italian market by one of the main national electricity distributors. Later we also wanted to certify MaXimo, a street lighting fixture produced by the GDS Lighting division, in both its M and L sizes. , urban, avenues and highways, as well as integrating options related to the development of connectivity for Smart Cities.
What are the main advantages obtained from the publication of the Environmental Product Declaration? What are the repercussions on the final consumer?
The publication of the EPD undoubtedly represents an added value for the products and for the company itself. For the declaration we followed a “from cradle to grave” approach, thus analyzing the entire life cycle of the products, from the procurement of raw materials to disposal. Being able to provide customers and stakeholders with a clear and above all verified report on the environmental impact allows us to differentiate ourselves and place ourselves competitively on the market. Furthermore, the timely analysis of the impacts along the entire supply chain has allowed us to isolate critical issues and take specific actions aimed at improving performance over time.
Do you think that EPDItaly can contribute to spreading the culture of product sustainability?
Surely. In our case, the experience acquired with the LCA studio has undoubtedly influenced the existing processes, but above all it has contributed to orienting some design choices relating to new products, with the aim of expressing the maximum functional effectiveness in respect of the environment. , in a true eco-design perspective. We have therefore achieved greater awareness at various company levels.
How important, in your opinion, is the presence of sustainable Italian products within a Program Operator that makes the international network one of its strengths?
For a company like GDS, which operates worldwide, belonging to an international network of this type is undoubtedly strategic and gives us the opportunity to make the most of innovation and technology made in Italy.