Sustainability as quality label

Sustainability is a comprehensive concept linked to social development, environment, ecology, and future-oriented thinking. This is the definition of the United Nations (1987): “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Elien Pieters, CEO of Gediflora, explains how sustainability is part of modern entrepreneurship each and every day.

“Gediflora tries to incorporate sustainable development on many levels. We use waste heat from the local heating grid MIROM, and thus save 70% of CO2 emissions compared to using natural gas for heating. The cultivation processes make use of a closed water circuit in order to recycle water and fertilisers. Biofilters and solar panels have become part of the production process.”

Benefits of Nature is an organisation that measures, improves and innovates sustainability in the horticulture sector. Being one of the founding fathers, Gediflora has been surveyed as well. “The aim was to gain insight into the company’s current environmental impact. Ultimately, this should lead to the improvement of the sustainability of the entire production process: from the very start, until the product leaves Gediflora. Climate change plays an important role in this process, but no fewer than 27 impact categories are examined and adjusted if necessary.”

Additionally, Gediflora is MPS GAP certified. “Obtaining this certificate was an important goal for Gediflora. The MPS standards are internationally accepted and serve as a guide in the horticultural sector. The environment, quality assurance and the social aspects are all related. It is a matter of seeking a sound balance,” Elien explains. “Gediflora is still a company in the end. But that does not change the fact that we have to care for people and the environment. And this goes beyond own staff or own environment. Trying to have no environmental impact at all is impossible, but we aim at a sound balance.”

For more information:
Gediflora
Schierveldestraat 14
B-8840 Oostnieuwkerke
Belgium
+32 (0)51 26 88 88
+32 (0)51 22 22 49
info@gediflora.be
www.gediflora.be

Publication date: Wed 18 Oct 2017