In 2023, Garda Uno presented its second sustainability report, highlighting significant progress in various operational areas. This public company, active since 1974 and composed of public entity shareholders, has focused on an integrated approach to sustainability, which is reflected in the services offered to citizens and local authorities.
Relevant Economic Results
This year’s report shows an increase in the distributed economic value, rising from 32 to 35 million euros. Garda Uno currently serves 38 member municipalities, while the number of non-member municipalities benefiting from its services has increased from 64 to 76. The production of renewable energy has reached 1.4 million kilowatt-hours per year, contributing to the avoidance of over 1,300 tons of CO2 emissions.
The company’s workforce has grown from 192 to 208, with a waste separation rate reaching 76.4% across the entire serviced area and zero waste sent to landfills.
Economic and Financial Management
Garda Uno aims to ensure high-quality services for users while containing costs and complying with ARERA regulations regarding urban hygiene. The economic results highlight revenues of 38,222,174 euros, with an EBITDA of 3,526,377 euros and a net result of 908,255 euros for 2023.
The distribution of the generated economic value shows that the majority of resources are allocated to suppliers (68.8%) and employees (31%), demonstrating the company’s commitment to the local community.
Strategic Investments
Throughout the year, Garda Uno has made significant investments in upgrading its waste collection fleet and maintaining public services such as lighting and sustainable mobility. In total, 2,542 contracts were awarded, with a total value exceeding 20 million euros.
Services Offered to Non-Member Municipalities
In addition to member municipalities, an increasing number of local authorities are choosing Garda Uno for various services, such as the management of photovoltaic systems and energy planning. The involved provinces include Brescia (21 municipalities), Verona (24), Milan (11), and other surrounding areas.
Sustainable Mobility
The “Eway” service offers car and scooter sharing with electric vehicles and has grown throughout 2023: new registrations saw a significant increase among women (+193). The total number of new registered customers was 934, with bookings rising by 30% compared to 2022.
Renewable Energy Production
Garda Uno continues to invest in reducing its environmental impact through the purchase of renewable energy; in 2023, a remarkable 85% of the energy consumed came from renewable sources. Photovoltaic systems produced approximately 997,532 kWh, while hydroelectric plants contributed additional significant amounts.
Urban Hygiene and Waste Separation
By the end of 2023, the door-to-door service covers 98% of the served population, enabling an effective circular waste management system even during peak tourist seasons. The waste separation rate remains above 70%, reflecting the efficiency of the system implemented by Garda Uno.
Waste Collection Data
In detail, the composition of the managed waste is as follows:
- Residual: 24,702 tons
- Vegetal: 17,435 tons
- Organic: 14,883 tons
- Glass-Cans: 11,548 tons
- Paper: 11,353 tons
- Plastic: 5,930 tons
The system has also shown excellent results in reuse islands active in various locations, where only 13% of the items deposited are discarded.
Public Lighting Maintenance
During 2023, maintenance work was carried out on public lighting systems in several member municipalities, including Leno, Moniga del Garda, and Soiano del Lago.
Social Impact
Garda Uno also shows attention towards its employees; indeed, over 1,078 hours of professional training were provided throughout the year, involving 100 workers. Additionally, environmental education activities engaged more than 3,400 students across 19 schools, promoting greater ecological awareness among younger generations.
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