All about bicycles, electric-assisted bikes, technology and safety in the press

In the cycle industry Zedler-Institut is firmly established: When it comes to permanent load tests of frames and add-on parts, this institute is one of the leading addresses in Germany. In addition, Zedler-Institut advise manufactures with regard to what is required technically and in terms of regulations to be allowed to market products commercially in Germany and in the EU. Further services offered by Zedler-Institut are expert’s reports on claims and help with the drawing up and translation of technical manuals. Zedler-Institut is therefore particularly known to manufacturers and importers in the DACH-region. But it is mainly due to the new company building in Ludwigsburg, the topping-out ceremony of which was celebrated in May 2017 and to which one had moved last summer, that Dirk Zedler as face of the institute was to accept the ethics prize of the German service and bicycle association (VSF e.V.) at the vivavelo conference in Berlin.

This new company headquarters shows Zedler’s holistic approach in terms of sustainability: The energy-efficient building with a large photovoltaic system on the roof not only includes modern offices, but also a training and seminar area with integrated bicycle museum on three floors, a bicycle parking with 42 spaces including charging facilities for e-bikes and a large terrace with view on the orchard meadow created for the building. According to VSF Managing Director Albert Herresthal in his laudatio, company founder and owner Dirk Zedler would realize with this exemplary building an ethical vision going far beyond functionality and aesthetics. It were an impressing statement of the change in energy and transport policy and a good example to show how companies could make a contribution to environmentally aware and sustainable life and work, just in line with the original Swabian motto ‘Don’t talk, just do it’.

With the new company headquarters Dirk Zedler had implemented an environmentally friendly construction with impressive determination and combined it with the cultural element important to him. Herresthal continues that Zedler’s enthusiasm were dedicated to the development and the quality assurance of bicycles; by creating a suitable framework for his team at the same time he would spark their enthusiasm as well and ensure the further development of this enthusiasm. The particularly impressing thing to the jury were the entrepreneurship to think big and to implement the own convictions so consequently. The result is a comprehensive one, apart from resource efficiency, energy generation and building biology it is also the atmospheric, cultural and aesthetic issue which is taken seriously. Their expansion had been a necessity due to the very good order situation and reflected at the same time that the cycle sector would become more professional. The step to invest in a communicative area with an added value for the entire sector had been a matter of heart to him. With regard to the award Dirk Zedler states that the “VSF-Ethikpreis” would motivate them still more to continue the further development of this concept with the fullest vigour.

The “VSF-Ethikpreis” is regularly awarded to players of the cycle industry committed to both humans and cycles beyond commercial concerns. With the invitation for nominations for this ehtics prize including a prize money of 1,000 Euro, the VSF underlines their commitment to social action, fair work conditions, a respectful interaction with humans and nature as well as to an eco-friendly, sustainable way of working in the entire economic process. This award of ethical action is to inspire imitators, thus supporting a mutual socio-ethical further development of the cycle industry.

Author: lvr
Photos: zVg VSF/Zedler Institut