Born and raised in the Netherlands, Gianpaolo worked in the publishing industry, including Reader’s Digest before moving to Canada in 1998. In 2001 he joined Steelcase, and has worked with Steelcase dealers, architects and designers, and customers throughout Western Canada. He became interested in sustainability when Steelcase opened the first LEED certified manufacturing plant. Working with Steelcase’s own environmental departments and numerous designers and clients he has gained a deep understanding of the environmental issues and choices related to the workplace. He believes the Cradle to Cradle approach is one that just makes the most sense because it balances economic activities with human health and environmental issues.