The prize was awarded in the evening hours of April 16th, in Berlin. Zedler-Institut won the prize for the, according to VSF, trend-setting, ecologically well thought out new building of the company headquarters in the Swabian city of Ludwigsburg. In his laudatory speech Albert Herresthal, managing director of the German service and bicycle association VSF e.V., pointed out that with this exemplary building company founder and owner Dirk Zedler would set an ethical vision which were 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 “Do take action rather than making speeches”. The new 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, a bicycle parking with 42 spaces including charging facilities for pedelecs and a large terrace with view on the orchard meadow created for the building.
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. What was particularly impressing to the jury is the entrepreneurial courage 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.
“It makes us very happy and proud at the same time that the jury acknowledges our vision and decided to award us the VSF-Ethikpreis”, declares Dirk Zedler during the prize ceremony. “Our expansion was a necessity due to the very good order situation and reflects at the same time that the cycle sector becomes more professional. The step to invest in a communicative area with an added value for the entire sector was a matter of heart to me. The VSF-Ethikpreis will motivate us still more to continue the further development of this concept with the fullest vigour.”
The 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 Ethikpreis including a prize money of 1,000 Euro, the VSF intends to underline 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 ethical-social further development of the cycle industry.
Author: Tillman Lambert
Photo: vsf
