This week, we spotlight Belgium, a country home to several companies at the forefront of reducing their carbon footprint. These businesses prioritise eco-friendly practices and innovative solutions, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability.
Sonian Forest, Belgium: A UNESCO-listed ancient woodland of ecological and historical significance. AI generated picture.
Carbon compensation: a key strategy for sustainability
Carbon compensation (or offsetting) has emerged as a vital strategy for companies looking to mitigate their environmental impact. By investing in projects that remove or reduce carbon emissions, businesses can balance out their carbon footprint and address hard-to-abate emissions. This approach not only helps in achieving sustainability goals but also fosters a culture of environmental responsibility.
In Belgium, many companies engage in various compensation initiatives, such as reforestation, renewable energy projects, and conservation efforts. By integrating carbon compensation into their business models, Belgian firms are setting a powerful example of how businesses can operate sustainably while making a meaningful difference.
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Belgium’s green commitment
Belgium is committed to advancing its environmental goals, aligning with broader European Union targets for sustainability and carbon neutrality. The country aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
Belgium has made significant progress through its support of the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and investments in renewable energy. Over 180 companies in Belgium have committed to SBTi, 127 of which have had their targets approved. Additionally, Belgium’s Recovery and Resilience Plan includes over €1 billion for energy-efficient building renovations, utilising public-private partnerships to attract private investment. These efforts are part of the broader EU objective to cut emissions and achieve net zero by 2050.
The Belgian government has also allocated substantial funding for green projects, focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable transport initiatives. Recognising that transport accounts for about 20% of total emissions, Belgium is investing in public transportation and cycling infrastructure to further reduce its carbon footprint.
Through these initiatives, Belgium embodies a strong oath to carbon mitigation, showcasing how economic growth can harmonise with ecological responsibility.
Read more: Dutch companies leading the charge in carbon footprint compensation
Eco-friendly Belgian innovators
Belvas: The sweet taste of sustainability
Belvas, an award-winning chocolatier, exemplifies the perfect blend of indulgence and environmental responsibility. In 2009, Belvas set a new challenge: to become the first ecological chocolate factory. Belvas was named ‘Europe's greenest micro-enterprise’ by the European Commission in 2011, winning the EMAS award in Warsaw in this category.
Belvas’ cocoa plantation, Ivory Coast. Source: https://businesspartnershipfacility.be/belvas/
It also invests in renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind power for its production facilities. Belvas prioritises sustainable packaging, opting for biodegradable and recyclable materials to minimise environmental impact. Its dedication to organic certification ensures that no synthetic pesticides or fertilisers are used in its sourcing, reinforcing its commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
The company supports global reforestation efforts, partnering with NGOs to plant thousands of trees annually, helping to absorb CO₂ and restore biodiversity. One of the initiatives includes the DIRECT programme, focusing on reforestation and ecological restoration in cocoa-growing regions, particularly in the Ivory Coast, where deforestation has reached 85%.
Ecover: A pioneer in green cleaning
Ecover, a leader in eco-friendly household cleaning products, has set an ambitious goal to make cleaning even cleaner. Its mission is to understand the carbon emission ‘hot spots’ in order to tackle the best way to reduce its carbon footprint.
Ecover is leading the refillution with innovative product refill stations. Source: https://www.refill.org.uk/partnering-with-ecover/
Ecover compensates for the carbon footprint of its laundry capsules while implementing reduction measures in order to produce carbon-neutral products. Its latest laundry capsule product is CarbonNeutral® certified using the standards for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Ecover stated that there’s huge value to these carbon compensation projects. That is why the Belgian company is choosing to partner with Climate Impact Partners on a number of its carbon offset programmes to neutralise the carbon footprint of its laundry capsules and dishwasher tablets. Once Ecover calculates the carbon footprint of these products, it purchases carbon credits to offset its annual emissions.
One carbon compensation project Ecover invests in that is worth mentioning is the Bondhu Chula Stoves project in Bangladesh. This project aims to lower carbon emissions caused by inefficient cooking methods, such as open fires, by introducing cleaner and more efficient cookstoves in Bangladesh. The selected carbon offset initiatives come from Climate Impact Partners' carefully vetted portfolio.
Bondhu Chula Stoves, Bangladesh:The Bondhu Chula stove cuts carbon emissions by 50% and saves families money on fuel costs. Source: https://www.climateimpact.com/global-projects/bondhu-chula-stoves-bangladesh/
The company actively supports nature restoration initiatives, such as wetland rehabilitation, which not only enhances biodiversity but also sequesters carbon, contributing to overall climate resilience. Nature-based solutions have many benefits, from increasing biodiversity to drawing down carbon through the plants.
The company is committed to continuously improving its factory’s environmental responsibility, which has earned it a Platinum zero-waste certification from TRUE. This top-tier certification recognises exceptional waste management efforts. As of 2021, Ecover diverts 99% of its solid waste from landfills, incineration, and the environment through reuse, recycling, and reduction initiatives, with plans to reach 100% in the near future.
Read more: Overcoming sustainability challenges: practical solutions for your business
Charles Liégeois: A conscious coffee experience
Since 2009, Belgian leading coffee brand, Charles Liégeois, has significantly reduced its carbon emissions through various sustainability initiatives. For instance using aluminium capsules, reducing by about 10% the carbon footprint of a cup of coffee. In addition, Charles Liégeois actively supports conservation projects in coffee-growing regions, contributing to carbon sequestration through ecosystem protection.
Charles Liégeois’ bio-based compost capsules for home and industrial use, and fully compostable paper pads for organic bins. Source: https://charles-liegeois.com/en/mission-and-values
The company also promotes organic farming to avoid synthetic inputs and employs energy-efficient roasting methods to minimise energy use. To further reduce plastic waste, it utilises eco-friendly packaging materials. Additionally, Charles Liégeois maintains direct trade relationships with coffee farmers, ensuring ethical practices and environmental responsibility throughout the supply chain.
Charles Liégeois is committed to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12). These goals reflect its dedication to promoting health, education, sustainability, and innovation throughout its operations.
Colruyt Group: Retail with responsibility
Colruyt Group's coffee project in Kivu, DRC, highlights the power of corporate sustainability. Source: https://www.colruytgroup.com/en/sustainable-entrepreneurship/initiatives/our-forest-project
Colruyt Group is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 through various targeted initiatives. Its mission is to create sustainable added value through value-driven craftsmanship in retail. Colruyt collaborates with environmentally conscious suppliers to ensure sustainable sourcing practices. The company invests in nature restoration projects aimed at promoting biodiversity and has implemented robust waste reduction and recycling programs. Additionally, Colruyt’s mission is to capture CO₂ by planting trees. Some of its projects include planting trees in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Belgium.
Read more: Driving sustainability: How Beauchamps LLP leads with purpose in the legal industry
Belgium’s bright green future
The actions taken by companies like Belvas, Ecover, Charles Liégeois, and Colruyt Group showcase the power of innovation, responsibility, and sustainability. By embracing carbon compensation and adopting green initiatives throughout their operations, these Belgian brands are making a lasting positive impact on the world around them.
Their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint serves as an inspiration for businesses everywhere, demonstrating how industry leaders can drive positive change while maintaining high standards of quality and excellence.
With these forward-thinking companies at the helm, Belgium is well-positioned to continue leading the way in sustainability for years to come.
Read more: Irish companies driving positive environmental change
Compensate your carbon footprint with DGB Group
At DGB Group, we believe nature-based solutions are key to addressing environmental and biodiversity challenges. Our projects focus on large-scale reforestation, afforestation, and energy-efficient cookstoves, benefiting ecosystems and local communities alike. By enhancing biodiversity and creating sustainable livelihoods, we ensure lasting positive impacts.
DGB team member working in a tree nursery in Kenya. Hongera Reforestation Project, DGB.
We are dedicated to producing high-quality carbon units that help businesses compensate for their emissions while supporting long-term sustainability. Whether you want to measure your carbon footprint or compensate for unavoidable emissions, our verified carbon units can guide you.
Together, we can build a sustainable future for the environment and communities worldwide. By partnering with DGB, you contribute to restoring nature and creating a healthier planet for all.
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