How Redelfi turned sustainability into a competitive advantage thanks to Modefinance’s ESG evaluation

In recent years, sustainability has shifted from a value-based choice to a strategic lever for corporate competitiveness. In a regulatory environment increasingly focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, integrating ESG principles into business models is a key factor for attracting investors, ensuring transparency, and creating long-term value.

In this case study, we examine the journey of Redelfi, an Italian industrial group active in developing innovative energy infrastructures, and how collaboration with Modefinance—through obtaining an ESG evaluation—helped measure, validate, and communicate the company’s concrete commitment to sustainability.

Through the insights of Erika Padoan, Investor Relations Manager at Redelfi, we explore how this strategic choice strengthened the group’s positioning in the energy sector, consolidated relationships with stakeholders and investors, and confirmed their commitment to sustainable, transparent, and forward-looking growth.

Founded in Genoa in 2008 as an investment vehicle for another company active in photovoltaic plant development, Redelfi was born with a clear mission: contributing to the energy transition through sustainable technological solutions. After an initial growth phase in the renewable energy sector, in 2021 the group chose to evolve into an independent industrial entity focused on next-generation energy infrastructures, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), essential systems for ensuring stability and programmability of the electrical grid.

In 2022, Redelfi took a decisive step by listing on the stock exchange, strengthening its market credibility and expanding growth opportunities internationally. In the same year, the company began its expansion in the United States through the joint venture BESS Power Corporation, and in 2023 it consolidated its presence in Italy, recognizing the strong development potential of energy infrastructure in the national context.

Today, Redelfi is a solid industrial group engaged in a strategic rationalization process: by 2025, non-core activities will be spun off, concentrating all human and financial resources on developing sustainable energy solutions. This path demonstrates the alignment between strategic vision and ESG commitment, making sustainability an intrinsic element of its business model.

“When we talk about our core business, we automatically talk about ESG integration,” explains Erika Padoan, Investor Relations Manager at Redelfi. “We develop energy storage systems that stabilize the grid and make renewable energy use more efficient. Our activity is a concrete contribution to the energy transition.”

The real evolution occurred when the company chose to make measurable what had until then been a consolidated practice. Redelfi began preparing an integrated sustainability report, anticipating European regulatory requirements, and in 2023 published its first sustainability report, covering two years of activity. This strategic step enabled the establishment of clear and verifiable objectives from the moment of the IPO (Initial Public Offering).

In 2024, Redelfi presented its second report, aligned with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, further enhancing transparency and reporting of environmental, social, and governance performance. At the same time, Redelfi initiated alignment with CSRD and ESRS reporting standards, supported by targeted gap analyses and the creation of an internal sustainability team tasked with integrating ESG practices into corporate processes systematically.

“Modefinance’s evaluation independently validated what was already an integral part of our work,” Padoan emphasizes. “It allowed us to communicate our achievements clearly to stakeholders and investors, improving the market’s perception of the group.”

Through a structured assessment of the Environmental, Social, and Governance dimensions, Modefinance provided Redelfi with an effective tool to clearly present results and areas for improvement, supporting the pursuit of the company’s sustainable growth objectives.

This journey produced a dual effect: on one hand, greater external credibility with investors and financial institutions; on the other, internal maturation of corporate culture, now systematically integrating sustainability into strategic planning.

Among the most significant initiatives is support for the Riviera International Film Festival, an event dedicated to young directors under 35 who address topics related to current affairs and sustainability.

Redelfi also supports the University of Genoa through the Elettra project, an electric boat designed by students to compete in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, symbolizing innovation and education linked to the energy transition.

“This initiative creates a direct link between research, youth culture, and business-applied sustainability,” says Erika Padoan. “We strongly believe in collaboration with the local territory and in synergies with local institutions.”

On the governance side, Redelfi has consolidated its structure with more transparent control frameworks, traceable decision-making processes, and an integrated ESG strategy guiding all operational levels, from top management to business units.

The impact of Modefinance’s ESG evaluation was immediate, both qualitatively and quantitatively.

“Market perception has improved significantly,” says the Investor Relations Manager. “Stakeholders and potential shareholders now recognize Redelfi as a solid, structured, and consistent entity aligned with sustainable finance principles.”

The rating also facilitated access to credit and capital markets, easing dialogue with banks and ESG-focused investors. The external and objective evaluation proved a powerful tool for financial credibility, translating sustainability into a concrete competitive advantage.

Redelfi’s ESG commitment also unlocked new financial opportunities, as evidenced by recent funding from Anthilia Capital Partners SGR, aimed at supporting the group’s growth and sustainable energy infrastructure projects.

Internally, the process fostered greater organizational awareness, encouraging all business functions to actively engage with sustainability goals and perceive them as integral to industrial success.

For Redelfi, ESG integration is not a bureaucratic compliance task but a strategic development lever.

“When ESG is seen as a cost or regulatory obligation, there is a risk of greenwashing. The key is real integration between sustainability and core business,” Redelfi explains.

Investing in sustainability means anticipating market needs and building a business model capable of lasting over time. Creating an internal ESG team and using external assessment tools, such as those provided by Modefinance, strengthens the consistency of strategic decisions and promotes a corporate culture oriented toward responsibility and sustainable growth.

Redelfi demonstrates how ESG evaluation can become a value accelerator, combining industrial competitiveness with ethical commitment, turning sustainability into a pillar of economic and reputational success.

Founded in Genoa in 2008, Redelfi is today an industrial group listed on Euronext Growth Milan, engaged in developing sustainable energy infrastructures and promoting the energy transition. With a consolidated presence in Italy and the United States, the company specializes in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), essential for the stability and programmability of renewable energy grids.

Redelfi’s strength lies in combining technological innovation with ESG responsibility, integrating environmental, social, and governance sustainability into every area of its industrial model. This approach has made the group a reference player in the energy sector, able to anticipate regulatory developments and attract investors focused on sustainable finance.

Thanks to a long-term vision and ongoing commitment to innovation, Redelfi continues to grow, contributing concretely to building a more efficient, digital, and sustainable energy future.

The company manages assets of over €2.3 billion, with nearly €2 billion generated through issues supporting the growth of Italian enterprises, holding a leading position in the Italian small-cap segment.

Among its main investors are the European Investment Fund, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, the Italian Investment Fund, and several leading European insurance and banking groups.

In 2025, Anthilia received the Private Debt Award in the “Development” category (as in 2024, 2022, and 2018) and in the “Leveraged Buyout – Mid/Large Deal Extraordinary Transactions” category; in 2023 and 2021, it won in the “Saccomanni Award” category.

Since 2018, Anthilia SGR has been recognized as an “Innovative SME”, thanks to the development of a proprietary technological platform supporting investment management and advanced reporting.

For more details or to request and ESG evaluation