Brick manufacturer takes the lead in the sustainable transformation of the building sector
Today, brick manufacturer Vandersanden is launching its first sustainability report: The Corporate Well-Being 2020 report. Europe's largest brick-producing family business is taking the lead in the transformation of the construction industry and is in pole position to become the most sustainable and innovative company in the brick sector. The report contains an overview of Vandersanden's most striking achievements and objectives in the four domains of corporate well-being.
Vandersanden's sustainability report highlights all aspects of what Vandersanden calls 'corporate well-being'. This vision has been in the DNA of the family business for almost one hundred years. It extends over four areas of activity: the environment, the (construction) sector, the company's own employees and, finally, the community. It is the first time that Vandersanden has published a report on corporate well-being.
Towards CO2-negative bricks
In the report, Vandersanden lays down specific objectives for 2023 in the four areas of work related to corporate well-being. For example, the family business is aiming to reduce its environmental impact by 15% compared to 2020. Vandersanden's ambitions are linked to the sustainability objectives of the United Nations, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In addition, the report focuses attention on Vandersanden's most striking achievements in corporate well-being over the past year. Eye-catching successes include a new tunnel kiln in Tolkamer that emits 25% less CO2, the launch of coated bricks, an investment of 500,000 euros in Vandersanden's communities and the preparations for the manufacture of CO2-negative bricks. The production of CO2-negative bricks for the construction of one house absorbs 5 tonnes of CO2, whereas with traditional bricks 3 tonnes of CO2 would be released.
Eddy Deconinck, Director of Corporate Well-Being at Vandersanden: "At Vandersanden we do not participate in hollow slogans or promises, but we take action with specific goals and projects. Our ambition is to make Vandersanden the most sustainable and innovative company in the brick sector. In doing so, we look beyond the environment, because we also feel responsible for our people, our sector and, of course, the communities of which we are a part. Thanks to this broad perspective, Vandersanden is a leader in corporate well-being today."
'Corporate well-being is in the genes of Vandersanden'
Traditionally, the brick sector has a major impact on the environment, but it is on the way to CO2 neutrality by 2050. Vandersanden wants to take the lead in this sustainable transition, in every respect. Vandersanden founder Jaak Vandersanden already attached great importance to sustainability and contact with the community 100 years ago; through the family, this vision of corporate well-being still forms a common thread in all of Vandersanden's activities.
"Corporate well-being is in our genes," says Jean-Pierre Wuytack, CEO of Vandersanden. "We do not think in years, but in generations. Just as bricks survive generations, Vandersanden wants to achieve a sustainable impact in all areas of corporate well-being. We are, therefore, not afraid to make long-term investments in the sustainability of our products, the well-being of our people and our community, and the future of our sector."
The full sustainability report and more information on corporate well-being at Vandersanden can be found here
