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VOKA Sustainability Charter

VOKA Sustainability Charter

Summary

Hilde Janssens' interview

Marketing Communications Director & CSR Manager at Econocom
Why did Econocom Belgium want to obtain this charter?

Sustainable development attracts and retains customers, strengthens the market, engages employees, and improves Econocom's positive image.
Examples of defined action plans and concrete results

After 3 years: ISO 14001 certification, lighting optimization, reduced heating, solar panels, electronic invoice, electric vehicle fleet, IT refurbishment, online learning, well-being at work...
What would be the next step?

Renew our certifications, improve KPIs, integrate sustainable development deeper in our corporate culture, share expertise, and intensify communication.

For the 4th consecutive year, Econocom Belux participates in the VOKA iniative that supports and recognizes our commitment to sustainable development !

Hilde Janssens' interview

One’s perspective...

Hilde Janssens

Marketing Communications Director & CSR Manager at Econocom

What is the Voka Charter?

The Voka Charter for Sustainable Entrepreneurship is an initiative of VOKA, the Flemish network of companies. The program is aimed at supporting and recognizing companies that are committed to sustainability. Econocom Belux is now participating for the 4th year. 
Every year, the local sustainability strategy is determined on the basis of a 10-point action plan. The plan requires a minimum of 10 achieved actions that are spread over 4 of the 5 Ps of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) (Peace, People, Prosperity, Planet, Partnerships). 

The VOKA Sustainability Charter includes the following requirements: 

Sustainability strategy

We need to develop and implement a clear strategy for integrating sustainability into our business operations on a annual basis. 

Reporting and monitoring

As a participating company, we must report on our sustainability performance and progress according to the established guidelines. We have an oral evaluation twice a year in which various stakeholders from Econocom Belux are questioned. Before the charter is awarded, our actions are also evaluated annually by an external evaluation committee that provides recommendations. 

Continuous improvement

We need to commit to a process of continuous improvement in terms of sustainability. 

Stakeholder engagement

It is required to involve stakeholders such as employees, customers, suppliers, and the wider community in sustainability efforts. 

We are proud to say that we have achieved our sustainability charter for 3 consecutive years. After 3 years, we have now also acquired the SDG Pioneer status, a great recognition for Econocom Belux, for all the efforts of the many colleagues in Belux who are committed. 

Why did Econocom Belgium want to obtain this charter?

There are many reasons !  

Of course, there are business reasons. Government institutions and public organisations are increasingly integrating sustainability criteria into their tendering procedures and contracts. Governments require suppliers to meet certain environmental and ethical in order to be eligible. Sustainability certification is also an important differentiator from competitors. It can help us attract new customers, retain existing ones, and strengthen our market position, given the growing importance of the circular economy – also in IT! 

Obtaining this Charter commits us, as a company, to remain focused, to put sustainable development on the list of our priorities, and not to settle for our «to-do list», but to focus more on our «to-be list» (in French, list of personal goals).

We see sustainability plays an increasing role for younger generations. A strong focus on sustainability can increase employee engagement and satisfaction. This can lead to employer attractiveness in the context of recruitment, lower employee turnover, and a positive company culture.

And as a marketer and communications professional, I am convinced that this sustainability certification helps to build a positive image and reputation for Econocom Belux among our customers, investors, and the wider community.

Examples of defined action plans and concrete results

SDG 13 : Climate action

We are really proud of having obtained our ISO 14001 certification in 2023. For our valued customers, the ISO 14001 certification of our Econocom building in Zaventem means that we not only strive for high-quality products and services, but also for a positive impact on the environment. Below is a selection of our actions:

  1. The switch to LED lighting + obligation based on motion sensors
  2. Turning off the heating in the meeting rooms as standard
  3. The recovery of energy via solar panels
  4. Maximizing electronic invoices
  5. Reducing print jobs
  6. The switch to a 100% electric car fleet

Let’s not forget the 100% electrification of our car fleet by 2026. 

SDG 12 : ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns

We created both a new ICT refurbishing department and "Green & Energy" activity, where we support customers in optimising energy performance without cash-out, in creating a quick and proven return on energy-efficient investments. In that sense, we are predecessors compared to some other countries within the Group. 

SDG 4 : Quality Education

We have initiated a comprehensive program centered on an e-learning platform for our Competence Centers, our technical people outsourced to our customers. This program includes personalized coaching and follow-up by our Competence Managers, aimed at fostering the technical development of our employees and empowering them to shape their own career trajectories. 

SDG 3 : Well-being at work

At our workplace, we prioritize employee well-being through initiatives such as Pink Walks by Pink Ribbon, participation in the 20 km of Brussels, lunchtime walks, webinars on healthy eating and sleep, as well as chair massages. Our aim is to foster well-being at work and cultivate a positive work environment while emphasizing the preventive benefits of these activities.

What would be the next step?

Next to the ambition to renew our certifications, I would like to quote some domains up for improvement – as we all know sustainability is an evolving process

  • Improve KPI monitoring in line with the CSRD requirements 
  • Embed sustainability even more firmly in the core of our business activities, in our corporate culture, 
  • Share sustainability expertise and performance between countries
  • Intensify our sustainability communication resulting in increased knowledge and engagement amongst our employees, customers and ecosystem of business partners 
  • Obtain the SDG Champion status.
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