What is the link between donations and environmental impact? Through the words of Federica Liberti, Efficert consultant, Regusto tells about the relationship between donations made through the platform and the CO2 savings that are calculated and presented to users. The main purpose is to make companies and users aware in a concrete and tangible way, about the positive environmental impacts generated by the donation/redistribution of their surplus goods. All this while having as a goal the eco-sustainability of the community in which we live.

What is Efficert about and why does it collaborate with Regusto?

Efficert is a company operating in the field of energy upgrading and environmental sustainability. Efficert’s activity focuses onimpact analysis according to the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) methodology, with the aim of offering eco-efficient management tools to individuals, companies and institutions.

The collaboration with Regusto stems from the importance of this analysis in the link between donations and environmental impact: companies that donate and sell through the Regusto platform have the right and responsibility to know the data inherent in theCO2 emissions savings generated by their actions.

So can we say that corporate “social responsibility” is one of the goals of this analysis?

Exactly. Specifically we talk about CSR, or Corporate Social Responsibility: the responsibility that a company takes on in terms of sustainability and communication of its Green Identity. The ultimate goal is to nurture the willingness of companies to contribute sustainably to the development of their products.

This, in fact, brings a great advantage from the Brand Identity point of view, as consumers are increasingly attentive to the ethical values put in place by companies.

What does the European landscape look like with respect to sustainability issues?

At present, especially in Europe, there is a great deal of focus on sustainability and environmental friendliness in an effort to address the currentclimate emergency. In fact, the European Union has pledged through the Green Deal to achieve zero climate impact by 2050 through the development of a robust shared environmental policy.

In addition, the United Nations recently highlighted 17 points on which it would be appropriate to work between now and 2030 in terms of caring for the environment and society. Regusto ‘s work has aligned with these goals: in fact, the platform is a facilitating tool in generating awareness and stimulating waste prevention, as it produces impact indices that can be included in the internal and external social reports of companies interested in communicating their green development.

How is the environmental impact generated by donations calculated?

Specifically considered is the Carbon footprint generated by the non-disposal of donated products, i.e.,_CO2eq emissions avoided through donations are calculated.

In fact, donated goods, instead of being disposed of, are redistributed: thus their life cycle is extended and environmental performance improved.

Were there examples during the 2020s of great environmental impact?

Despite the difficulties each company experienced during this pandemic year, two customers in particular generated a positive environmental impact through their donations and sales.

TopMelon, a company operating in the fresh food sector, avoided the emission of 1760 kgCO2eq from July to December and generated a social impact equivalent to 17,600 meals distributed (100% donated products).

GMF, a benchmark company in the Italian distribution scenario, ended 2020 with 2074 kgCO2eq avoided and 61,254 equivalent meals distributed (34% products donated and 66% products sold).

In conclusion, what does Regusto have in store for 2021 with respect to impact indexes?

Currently the platform, for users who choose the“Report” subscription, provides data on environmental (kgCO2eq) and social (meals equivalent) impact indices. During 2021, new impact indices will be implemented and released including the one related to water saving. In addition, our long-term goal is to implement the calculation of these data for non-food products as well.