Today is International SDG Flag Day. By participating in SDG Flag Day, all partners globally who have joined the UN Global Impact Network are raising awareness and expressing their commitment to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) and the 2030 Agenda. The SDGs are vital for a recovery that leads to greener, more inclusive economies, and stronger, more resilient societies.
BOAL Group is one of the UN Global Impact Network partners raising the flag today. The commitment to the SDGs plays a vital role in its business strategy. By also committing to closely related ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) goals, undergoing yearly independent assessments by Sustainalytics, a Morningstar corporation, and publicly reporting its Communication on Progress (COP), BOAL Group is transparent about the progress it makes.
ESG-Filter
Stefan Eggers, ESG Director at BOAL Group, is positive about the achieved impact thus far: "By introducing ESG in our company back in 2021 we have created a shift for the better, both internally and externally. Our so called 'ESG-filter', through which all of our business decisions need to pass, has really helped us set our direction for the future. Reducing our energy consumption and shifting to green energy are among our main priorities. I am quite proud to announce that, by the end of this year, we have once
more successfully completed various initiatives, both in our UK and Dutch production facilities, to lower our CO2 emissions with another 20 percent, showing our commitment to SDG 13; Climate action.
Our ESG-journey is challenging, but at the same time uplifting. As we mobilize our colleagues to make contributions, we witness a multitude of small and significant initiatives emerging across the entire ESG spectrum. For instance, we are currently working on improving health and safety and enhancing employee development through an in-house academy. It creates an inspiring vibe throughout our organisation, in line with SDG 3; Good Health and Well-Being."
Investments made now are deciding factors for future success
"This drive to contribute positively to sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) in which we operate is not only relevant for our own operations," adds Welmoet Lugt, Marketing and Communications Director at BOAL Group. "For all organizations, the shift from 'desirable' to 'required' in sustainably produced food is undeniable. Supermarkets may require a CO2 footprint certificate for all freshly grown foods in the near future, driven either by consumers or by law. Anticipating this as an organization is the smart choice going forward. Investment choices made today, such as insect netting or low-carbon aluminum greenhouses, will be deciding factors for the future success of all growers."
"BOAL adopting an ESG business strategy is therefore no coincidence," continues Eggers. "We see an increasing number of clients proactively seeking sustainable options. This ranges from products made from recyclable materials to solutions that offer high insulation or solar integrations to reduce energy use. The now clearly visible changes in the climate conditions will accelerate this demand, urgently fostering the shift towards a sustainable planet for future generations. At BOAL, we believe this is the only way forward."