Covenant of Companies

As we approach the much-awaited winter break to enjoy the company of our loved ones, relax and celebrate in this festive season, now is a good time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the year ahead. 

Already decided on your New Year’s resolutions? If not, here’s an idea: how about making your business more sustainable in 2024? 

Did you know that greening your business is not only good for the environment but also for your finances? Beyond contributing to a healthier planet, companies that integrate sustainability into their operations are also future-proofing their business and saving on their energy bills. 

In this edition, you will find ideas for making your business more sustainable with the CCCE; insights from the COP28 “EU Energy Days”; dates for your diary; an inspiring story from one of Belgium’s most promising sustainable companies; all the energy and climate-related updates you need for your business before calling it a year. 

Ready? Let’s dive in!

We continue to welcome Entry Level pledges and support companies wishing to take their first steps on their decarbonisation path. Pledges can be submitted via this form. 

By making a pledge, Entry Level companies will have access to important information and guidance including masterclasses on preparing for an energy audit or getting started on solar energy; as well as a checklist for action. Pledgers will also be able to engage with like-minded companies from across the EU and will be featured in the ‘Our community’ section of the CCCE website, so that they can proudly show the world that they are walking the talk and committing to taking climate action. 

What are you waiting for? Start your net zero journey and pave the way to a greener future – make a pledge today! 

For any inquiries or further clarification, please reach us at our dedicated support email: helpdesk@covenant-of-companies.eu. 

The global community has once again outlined ambitious shared goals and commitments to decarbonise industries, reduce emissions, and transition to a net zero economy. 

For two days, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy (DG ENER) hosted a series of high-level sessions focused on how to accelerate the energy transition. Branded as the “EU Energy Days”, this side-event featured prominent political figures, including Energy Ministers from Spain, Belgium, Croatia, Sweden, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay, and the African Union Commissioner for Energy, Amani Abou-Zeid. 

Addressing critical aspects of accelerating the clean energy transition, the sessions covered a wide array of topics including the current geopolitical context, the energy market realities, clean tech funding, and the pathways to a just transition. 

Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson (pictured) expressed her satisfaction with the discussions, emphasising the EU's ambition to show leadership in the fight against climate change. 

Now, more than ever, businesses can play a role in turning the COP28 aspirations into reality. Now is the time for companies, regardless of their size, to seize this momentum and turn it into actionable strategies that not only benefit the planet but also enhance their business resilience and longevity. 

If your company is seeking ways to navigate the path toward sustainability, the Covenant of Companies is here for you. Make a pledge today and join the movement. 

Read more about the “EU Energy Days” at COP28 here. 

Closely cooperating with BergHOFF Worldwide to design and produce sustainable, inclusive and innovative collections from recycled and energy-friendly materials, BergHOFF Belgium is contributing to building the sustainable cooking and kitchen world of tomorrow. 

BergHOFF Belgium is also a proud pledger of the Covenant of Companies, which proves their dedication to achieving a climate neutral future. 

We sat down with Hilde Rutten, CEO of BergHOFF Belgium, to talk about the company’s experience as a member of the Covenant of Companies’ community. 

Why did BergHOFF decide to become a pledger of the CCCE?

"At BergHOFF Belgium, we recognise the urgency of addressing climate change and the pivotal role that businesses play in driving sustainable practices. Joining the CCCE aligns with our commitment to environmental responsibility and serves as a proactive step toward mitigating our carbon footprint. 

By submitting a pledge with the CCCE, we signify our dedication to taking tangible actions to reduce our carbon emissions. In return, we appreciate the knowledge and support that CCCE offers, as it empowers us to make informed decisions on the measures we can adopt to contribute meaningfully to the decarbonisation journey. 

Becoming a CCCE signatory not only demonstrates our commitment to sustainability but also grants us access to valuable resources and guidance. This collaborative approach ensures that companies like ours receive the necessary support to implement effective measures that align with our environmental goals."

How has joining the CCCE benefited your company?

"In alignment with the United Nations Championship theme of "Sustainable Business Model Development via SDGs," BergHOFF Belgium is actively engaged in crafting and implementing a robust CO2 measurement dashboard. This instrumental tool not only aids in our internal sustainability goals but is also designed for dissemination among key stakeholders, fostering a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. 

The assistance provided by the CCCE in the development of our CO2 measurement dashboard is invaluable. CCCE’s expertise has been pivotal in ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and comprehensiveness of the tool. Their collaboration underscores our commitment to employing industry-leading practices in our sustainability endeavours."

Perfectly timed before the European Parliament elections, the conference will address how the local level can be embedded in the heart of the European Green Deal and how we can build bridges between the EU initiatives and direct funding solutions in a post-2024 era. 

Participants will be able to hear from best practices across Europe and connect with experts from the local to the European level.  

Register here! 

As the world's largest and most influential event for cities and urban innovation, the Smart City Expo World Congress was a hub of groundbreaking ideas and initiatives aimed at shaping the future of sustainable urban living. 

At the session on "Matching needs with solutions: cities, businesses and investors together to accelerate climate action", the Covenant of Companies presented its services to the attendees, who could also hear about the benefits of joining the CCCE from Plast-Farb, a Polish plastic manufacturer that joined the CCCE in the first call for applications. 

You can watch Plast-Farb’s testimonial on YouTube by clicking here. 

The event featured successful and pioneering initiatives boosting the energy transition from the local to the European level, including the Covenant of Companies, which had its own stand in order to inform participants about how our initiative is supporting European companies of all sizes on their net zero journey.

The mission was clear: to identify and provide technical support to 30 islands and island groups over the next three years, propelling them towards complete energy independence through 100% renewable sources by 2030. The success of these exemplary islands will now become a beacon of guidance for others on their paths to comprehensive decarbonisation. 

The EU Islands secretariat is ready to assist EU islands in devising, preparing, and implementing decarbonisation plans for their energy systems. Intensive assistance will be provided to the 30 pioneering islands and island groups, with active involvement from numerous follower islands. 

Find out more here! 

The “No Net Zero without SMEs” session explored the unique needs of SMEs in the transition to a net zero economy, as well as their pivotal role in it. The panellists all agreed that now is not the time to ‘pause’; now is the time to help SMEs turn their good intentions into reality. And important initiatives like the Covenant of Companies can do just that. 

Watch the session here.