Citterio and UniFor: TEN PRINCIPLES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.
A Compass to Lasting Change.
Citterio and UniFor, together, drive a sustainable development project rooted in four pillars—Planet, Plant, Product, and People —to embed sustainability into core operations.
It’s a ten-step journey towards innovation, integrity, and environmental stewardship, aiming to blend sustainability with cutting-edge design and create lasting value for stakeholders.
P1 / For The Planet
Citterio and UniFor have reduced their environmental impact through responsible practices, and they continue to explore new ways to protect the planet.
#1. Mindful Use of Resources
Citterio and UniFor, from 2021 to 2023, reduced their water consumption by 15%, cutting total withdrawals from 10,668 to 9,068 cubic meters. These efforts are monitored under the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, ensuring ongoing optimisation and employee awareness.
This reduction is attributed to investments in water recirculation technologies for processes like painting and glue dilution. Citterio and UniFor also emphasize sustainability by sourcing all of their water from their aqueducts.
#2. Carbon Footprint
Between 2021 and 2023, Citterio and UniFor reduced their total Greenhouse Gas emissions (Scope 1: direct emissions from activities like combustion, vehicles, and processes; Scope 2: indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heating, or cooling) by 10.02%, reaching 2,370 tonnes.
This reduction reflects a commitment to sustainability, with improved efficiency highlighted by a decrease in GHG emissions intensity indices.
P2 / For The Plant
Citterio and UniFor have optimized their operations for sustainability, and they are committed to improving waste management and resource efficiency.
#5. Mindful Use of Resources
Citterio and UniFor, from 2021 to 2023, reduced their water consumption by 15%, cutting total withdrawals from 10,668 to 9,068 cubic meters. These efforts are monitored under the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, ensuring ongoing optimisation and employee awareness.
This reduction is attributed to investments in water recirculation technologies for processes like painting and glue dilution. Citterio and UniFor also emphasize sustainability by sourcing all of their water from their aqueducts.
#4. Factory Certifications
ISO 9001 establishes a systematic approach to quality management, ensuring products and services meet customer needs and regulatory requirements. This is just one step in Citterio and UniFor’s journey toward a more sustainable future.
P3 / For The Product
Citterio and UniFor products reflect their dedication to sustainable design, and they are continually advancing toward greater environmental responsibility.
#5. Air Quality Commitment
Citterio and UniFor prioritise reducing VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions in their products to enhance indoor
air quality.
Both companies invest in research for low or no VOC paints and certify products through programs like GreenGuard Gold and Indoor Air Comfort Gold (IACG). These certifications ensure their furniture meets stringent VOC emission standards, promoting healthier indoor environment.
#6. Life Cycle Assessment and EPD Compliance
Citterio and UniFor use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to design sustainable products and improve supply chain practices, aiming to reduce environmental impact and enhance user well-being. They expand their EPD-certified product line while maintaining certifications, supporting green building standards and ensuring ongoing environmental commitment.
#7. Design With Integrity
Citterio and UniFor further their commitment to sustainable and health-conscious design through certifications like Greenguard Gold, Environmental Product Declaration, and Health Product Declaration. These internationally recognised standards, verified by independent organisations, ensure that their products are crafted with environmental care and designed for human well-being.
P4 / For The People
Citterio and UniFor have fostered a culture of safety and inclusion, while continuing to invest in the growth and well-being of their people.
#8. Fostering Talent
Citterio and UniFor prioritise people, promoting skills development and safe working conditions through a dedicated human resources policy.
In 2023, they provided 1212 training hours, with initiatives like the “Accademia UniFor” project launched in December 2023 to cultivate internal talent. Training is crucial for skill enhancement, cultural growth, and maintaining a strong safety culture within the organisation.
#9. A Commitment to Community and Culture
Citterio and UniFor strongly believe that sustainability extends beyond environmental responsibility—it encompasses social and cultural engagement. Their commitment translates into partnerships aimed at fostering well-being, supporting communities, and celebrating heritage.
By collaborating with non-profit organisations, cultural institutions, foundations and local associations, Citterio and UniFor contribute to the growth and resilience of the communities they serve. These partnerships are not mere initiatives; they reflect a dedication to building a more inclusive, vibrant, and supportive society.
#10. Empowering Human Value
Citterio and UniFor commit to sustainable policies in the management and enhancement of people. Their approach is guided by key principles:
– Equity in Search and Selection
– Enhancement and Development
– Health and Safety
– Diversity and Inclusion
– Open Dialogue
Through these principles, Citterio and UniFor reinforce their dedication to building a resilient and people-centered organization.
An Ongoing Journey of Responsibility and Vision.
Citterio and UniFor embed sustainability into their actions, creating real impact while continuously pushing forward. This journey is about an evolving path for a better tomorrow. In 2023, Citterio and UniFor reached significant milestones, as highlighted by the data presented in their latest Sustainability Report, now available for download.