Who chose EPDItaly tells its story: Vezzola S.p.a.

Interview with Eng. Alessia Boifava of Vezzola S.p.a., a construction company specializing in public or private construction-road works and environmental restoration and urban redevelopment projects.

Vezzola S.p.a. was established in Desenzano del Garda in the late 1950s. The company began its activities with the extraction and delivery of sand and gravel to local construction companies, later expanding its offerings to include the production of cement and bituminous conglomerates and earthmoving work. Currently, thanks to the construction company’s activities, it is able to carry out public or private construction-road works, as well as environmental rehabilitation and urban redevelopment projects. The company has decided to rely on EPDItaly to obtain EPD certification for its materials. In this regard, we interviewed Eng. Alessia Boifava of Vezzola S.p.a.’s environment and sustainability department, who told us about the reasons that prompted the company to adopt EPD certification and what are the advantages of such a document.

What are the main motivations that pushed you toward voluntary EPD certification?

In an environment where the need to mitigate environmental impacts is increasingly prioritized and research is moving toward ethical and sustainable solutions, obtaining an EPD allows us to improve the company’s transparency. Our interest and commitment to environmental issues is constantly evolving. One reason behind the company’s decision is related to the increasing adoption by contracting stations of CAM, Minimum Environmental Criteria, which cite EPDItaly as a tool to verify compliance with requirements, such as the percentage of recycled material used in products. Another motivation lies in companies’ increased focus on environmentally sustainable operations. Finally, a further reason is represented by manufacturers, who see EPD as an effective marketing and communication tool that enhances the value of their products, differentiates them from their competitors and provides them with international visibility.

Which product(s) in your company has/have obtained EPD? What are its main characteristics?

Vezzola’s products are manufactured at the production plants operated by the company in Lonato del Garda, Pegognaga and Montichiari (BS), where there are three different technological cycles: natural aggregates cycle, asphalt mix (asphalt) cycle and waste cycle. The reliability of the products obtained through the latter process has allowed the company, as far as the Lonato site is concerned, to expand its range of eco-sustainable solutions containing the following products: MPS InnoVa: “End-of-Waste” (EoW) aggregate from construction and civil demolition; Granulated InnoVa: EoW aggregate from asphalt milled material recovery; Grey InnoVa: EoW aggregate from steel mill slag recovery; Cem InnoVa: EoW aggregate from concrete recovery.

As for the Montichiari site, however, EPD-certified products include asphalt mixes, round and crushed aggregates, and “Ocra Innova” aggregate.

The production process for bituminous conglomerates begins with the loading of natural and artificial aggregates (aggregates) into loading hoppers; the material is then transported via mechanical belts to a drying drum that heats and dries them. The material then proceeds to a mixer where bitumen and limestone filler are added.The ingredients are mixed at a temperature of 180° C, thus constituting the asphalt mix.
The material is then loaded onto trucks and transported to the construction site. The natural aggregates family includes two types of products: round aggregates and crushed quarry aggregates that have been evaluated as the outcome of the same production process. A by-product, called “Innova Ochre,” is also obtained from the production of aggregates.

However, we also have other materials in the qualification process; our commitment is to certify as many products as possible in order to offer our customers a wider and better quality selection. This path will gradually be extended to the company’s various production sites.

What are the main benefits gained from publishing the Environmental Product Declaration? What are the impacts on the end consumer?

The benefits we have obtained for our company are several: first, the EPD allows us to optimize production processes and reduce internal costs by monitoring the improvement of the environmental performance of products or services over time. In addition, the Environmental Product Declaration makes it possible to transparently and objectively communicate environmental performance throughout the production chain, helping to enhance the company brand through a policy of transparency to stakeholders. This not only benefits the company itself, but also consumers, who can make informed choices in terms of environmental sustainability. Ultimately, the publication of EPDs has ensured greater market visibility for the company.

Do you think EPDItaly can help spread the culture of product sustainability?

Yes. We believe EPDItaly is a key tool for spreading the culture of product sustainability, as it allows us to transparently communicate the environmental impacts of our products to the market. As a recognized Program Operator for the publication of Environmental Product Declarations, EPDItaly has been chosen by our company as a primary partner to promote the environmental sustainability of our products, in line with the Minimum Environmental Criteria being defined in national legislation. In addition, it should be noted that EPDItaly is the only Italian program with official Accredia accreditation, confirming its reliability and competence in the field.

How important, in your opinion, is the presence of Italian sustainable products within a Program Operator that makes international networking one of its strengths?

The communication of products through EPDs takes place through the consultation of a portal managed by a Program Operator that receives the certifications, makes them visible and promotes them. EPDItaly, the Italian program of the Eco Platform circuit, has been operating for about four years with the aim of harmonizing European Environmental Product Declarations in the construction sector. Thanks to the EPD, it is possible to predict both the useful life of the product and its final destination, enabling designers to select products with certified environmental performance. Our company is constantly working to monitor and improve its environmental impact to contribute to a sustainable future.