Since the United Nations launched their “Agenda 2030” in 2015, everyone has been talking about sustainability. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (also known as the SDGs) map out a path towards a sustainable world. Sustainability is not only the responsibility of governments, but also of citizens and businesses.
On 7 July 2016, the Walloon government adopted the second Walloon Sustainable Development Strategy. This strategy aims to create a society that is more respectful of people and the environment. It provides a framework to encourage sustainable development initiatives by all actors – public and private – in Wallonia.
Following the example of their Flemish counterparts, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Wallonia, with their regional structure (CCI Wallonie), offer Walloon companies the opportunity to concretise their commitment to sustainable business and make it known with the launch of the CCIW Certification for Sustainable Entrepreneurship.
The CCIW certification Sustainable Entrepreneurship is based on the guidance programme developed by the Flemish Chambers of Commerce (Voka), the Voka Charter for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (VCDO). It is a practical programme that starts from the concrete activities of each company and, together with the management, develops an action plan that contributes to the realisation of various SDGs.
For the sake of convenience, the SDGs are sometimes grouped into five pillars called the 5 Ps (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership). Several themes within these pillars are certainly relevant for companies.
The Chamber and the company study each challenge and draw up a plan of at least 10 action points that take into account the specific characteristics and possibilities of each company.
After one year, the plan is evaluated by an external evaluation committee. A positive evaluation leads to the award of the CCIW Certification for sustainable entrepreneurship. If the company receives a positive evaluation three years in a row and realises actions within each of the 17 SDGs, it receives the SDG Pioneer certificate from the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). This is an official recognition by the United Nations for efforts made in the field of sustainability. It is awarded by CIFAL, the international training centre affiliated with UNITAR based in Belgium.
The international allure of such a UN certificate should not be underestimated. It is an important added value for exporting Flemish SMEs, or those planning to do so.
Working on sustainability is a medium- and long-term investment. It pushes business leaders to reflect on their current way of working, to look for improvements and to seize opportunities. But it also helps them to proactively address risks and better prepare for future challenges. Being sustainable becomes a synonym for being future proof.
Companies that invest in sustainable entrepreneurship are not only more resilient and efficient, but can also attract and retain more talents. Moreover, customers, suppliers and employees increasingly expect that products and services are made and delivered in fair conditions.
On 27 October 2020, 88 VCDO participants received the SDG Pioneer certificate from the United Nations. For three years, they optimised their production by looking for more environmentally friendly alternatives, using reusable raw materials and less energy-consuming processes.
They prove that innovating, reducing climate impact and investing in people contribute to the development of a sustainable company that is ready for the future. We offer you testimonies and examples of concrete actions carried out by these companies.
Any Walloon enterprise or organisation can apply to join the certification, regardless of its size, number of employees or the nature of its activity. The only condition is the commitment to comply with social, welfare and environmental legislation and to draw up and implement an action plan.
If you want to participate yourself or if you just want to know more about the CCIW certification for sustainable entrepreneurship, please contact:
Philippe Barras, President CCI Wallonie
