In a commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, BOAL Group, a member of the UN Global Impact Network, raises the SDG flag.
Today marks International SDG Flag Day, a global initiative where partners of the UN Global Impact Network come together to raise awareness and express their dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda. These SDGs are seen as pivotal in guiding a recovery towards more environmentally friendly, inclusive economies, and resilient societies.
Among the participants in this important initiative is BOAL Group, a member of the UN Global Impact Network. BOAL Group’s firm commitment to the SDGs plays a central role in its corporate strategy. Additionally, BOAL Group has pledged to closely align itself with ESG (Environment, Social & Governance) goals. The company subjects itself to annual independent assessments conducted by Sustainalytics, a subsidiary of Morningstar, and is dedicated to publicly reporting its Communication on Progress (COP), demonstrating transparency in its journey toward sustainability.
Stefan Eggers, ESG Director at BOAL Group, expressed his optimism about the impact they have achieved thus far. He highlighted the introduction of ESG principles within the company in 2021 as a transformative step that has yielded positive results both internally and externally. Eggers referred to their ‘ESG-filter,’ a tool through which all business decisions are filtered, as instrumental in charting their course toward a sustainable future. Key priorities for BOAL Group include reducing energy consumption and transitioning to green energy sources. Eggers proudly shared that by the end of this year, they expect to achieve a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions, demonstrating their commitment to SDG 13, focused on Climate Action.
BOAL Group’s ESG journey, though challenging, has been rewarding. It has fostered a spirit of collaboration and led to numerous initiatives across various aspects of ESG. These initiatives span from energy efficiency and sustainability to improving health and safety measures and nurturing employee development through an in-house academy. This multi-faceted approach resonates with SDG 3, which centers on Good Health and Well-Being.
Welmoet Lugt, Marketing and Communications Director at BOAL Group, emphasized that their commitment to sustainable practices extends beyond their own operations. She stressed that the shift from ‘desirable’ to ‘required’ in producing sustainable food is becoming increasingly evident. Supermarkets may soon demand a CO2 footprint certificate for all freshly grown foods, driven either by consumer demand or legal requirements. Anticipating and embracing this shift is seen as a strategic choice for organizations. Investments made today, such as implementing insect netting or low-carbon aluminum greenhouses, will play a pivotal role in determining the future success of growers worldwide. This proactive approach aligns with SDG 11, which focuses on Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Stefan Eggers concluded by emphasizing that BOAL Group’s adoption of an ESG-focused business strategy is not coincidental but driven by the growing demand from clients for sustainable solutions. This demand spans a range of products, from recyclable materials to innovations that offer high insulation and solar integration to reduce energy consumption. The visible changes in climate conditions further underscore the urgency of transitioning to sustainable practices. At BOAL, they firmly believe that this shift is the only path forward, essential for creating a sustainable planet for future generations.