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Velux and ArcelorMittal: partners in circularity

Sabine Pauquay (Velux) and ArcelorMittal show how strong cooperation can dramatically reduce CO₂ emissions in the steel industry.

As Director of Public Affairs at VELUX , Sabine Pauquay is committed to climate and sustainability goals by bringing public and private stakeholders together. With strong policy acumen and a passion for nature, she helps the construction sector move towards carbon neutrality.

“I believe circularity will play an increasingly important role in the future. It is not just about decarbonisation – although that is obviously a key driver – but also about addressing other pressing challenges such as biodiversity loss and strengthening resilient supply chains.”

Velux is working with ArcelorMittal to decarbonise steel production. How does this partnership contribute to your circularity goals?

Our cooperation with ArcelorMittal is one for the present and the future. This long-term vision makes it possible to set joint goals and clear milestones. This further ensures investment security for both partners.

But our collaboration goes beyond mere planning. For example, we actively communicate our joint efforts to drive change in the industry. On a practical level, we co-engineer new products and explore ways to reduce emissions – not only during production, but in transportation too.

Putting circularity front and centre within an organisation is no easy task. What challenges have you encountered along the way?

One of the most important aspects of circularity is the realisation that it has a transformative effect on a business. It is not just a series of measures – it also requires a profound change in the way we work.

Fortunately, the circular economy also offers many opportunities to develop new business models, especially when you’re playing the long game. Today the focus of many companies is still very much on increasing production volumes, but we need to adjust our mindset. Circularity requires us to break the link between resource use and economic growth – undoubtedly a mental shift, but essential for a future-proof economy.

I believe circularity will play an increasingly important role in the future. It is not just about decarbonisation – although that is obviously a key driver – but also about addressing other pressing issues such as biodiversity loss and supply chains resilience.

What practical tips do you have for companies that want to use the reduce, reuse, recycle principle?

Before anything else: measure your impact. Sustainability starts with understanding where you are today so you can focus on the biggest levers. For manufacturing companies, it is crucial to rethink product design. A pilot project can be valuable, but avoid focusing on initiatives that ultimately make little difference in your overall footprint – consciously choose actions that generate real impact.

In addition: don’t forget your customers. Sometimes we are so busy improving existing solutions that we lose sight of whether those solutions are still the right ones. True innovation starts with rethinking how we address customer needs.

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Carmeuse backs biodiversity

What if biodiversity is the key to economic stability and innovation? Carmeuse, producer of lime and construction materials, shows us how small steps lead to ambitious projects.

At The Climate Shift, we believe that real progress begins with genuine climate action, and grows through learning and doing things together. Are there climate challenges you’d like to explore alongside other organisations? Do you and your suppliers want to be part of the driving force behind a net-zero economy?

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How bpost involves suppliers in the climate narrative

A low-carbon supply chain requires cooperation. Lies De Meyer (bpost) shares how data, dialogue and learning from others make a difference.

 

Lies De Meyer was Sustainability Manager Procurement at bpost until August 2025. She led efforts to make the company’s supply chain more sustainable. With a focus on data transparency and supplier engagement, she plays a key role in translating climate ambitions into concrete procurement strategies.

What steps has bpost already taken in the journey to a low-carbon supply chain?

Last year we launched a major programme, building on a clear strategy to address carbon emissions. We started by mapping our data – and now we’ve moved on to activating and engaging suppliers.

What is currently the biggest challenge in that process?

From the beginning, we made a strong commitment to improving the quality and transparency of our data. That was really important. But the challenge now is: how do we use that data effectively? How do we draw the right conclusions so that we can take the next step and really engage our suppliers?

And then, of course, there is another challenge: creating internal support. We have to keep reminding everyone of the importance of working with suppliers.

What motivated you to participate in this community of practice?

The timing was perfect. We had just started to seriously focus on Scope 3 emissions, but we had little starting point or experience on how to go about it. This community felt like a great opportunity to network and learn from other organisations – to see how they approach it, and to grow into it ourselves.

What session or topic in particular stuck out to you?

Especially the session on artificial intelligence. I had never looked into that before – it was not on my radar at all. But it opened my eyes to how much potential technology offers to make data journalism simpler and more robust.

 

“Without a community, you often stay in your own bubble. By engaging with others, you gain new perspectives and ideas.”

Has the Community of Practice format helped you in your daily work?

Absolutely. It makes it much easier to reach out to others. If you have a question or run into a problem, it’s much easier to just call or message someone you’ve met through the group. You can quickly check out how they handle it – and then take those lessons back to your own organization. It’s been really valuable.

What do other organisations need to know when addressing emissions in their supply chain?

It starts with two things: measure – get a clear picture of your carbon footprint and learn with and from others. Every organisation that has mapped its carbon footprint and notices that Scope 3 has a big impact will feel the need to do something. That insight in itself creates urgency.

Joining a community of practice is then a good first step. Without a community, you often stay in your own bubble. By engaging with others, you gain new perspectives and ideas. You discover other ways to look at the challenge – and you feel encouraged to take action.

 

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Biodiversity in every link

At Vandemoortele, Sustainability Officer Laura Iacobelli works on a chain that respects nature. No loose initiatives, but a well thought-out strategy that connects business and biodiversity.

Mediahuis: media with a mission

What does purpose really mean for a media group? Belgian CEO Koen Verwee shares how Mediahuis is building trust, independent journalism and long-term impact.

At The Climate Shift, we believe that real progress begins with concrete climate action, and grows through learning and doing together. Are there climate challenges you would like to explore with other organizstions? Do you and your suppliers want to be part of the driving force behind a net zero economy?

 

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deSter

deSter is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative, sustainable food packaging and service concepts for aviation, hospitality and food service. With more than 40 years of experience and production locations in Belgium, the US and Thailand, they serve customers worldwide.

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Pluxee Belgium

Pluxee is a global partner in employee rewards and engagement, with services such as meal, eco, and gift vouchers. In Belgium, they help 2.8 million consumers, 87,000 companies and 45,000 merchants. With 5,000 employees in 31 countries, Pluxee creates more opportunities for people to enjoy what really matters.

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ISS

ISS is a global facility and workplace service provider that connects people and places to make the world work better. With cleaning, catering, technical services and integrated facility management, we increase well-being, productivity and sustainability. Through a net-zero journey and partnerships, ISS helps customers reduce their footprint and create value.

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Velux

For more than 80 years, VELUX has been bringing daylight and fresh air into homes with skylights and accessories. The VELUX Group belongs to VKR Holding A/S, owned by the Villum Foundation and the Kann Rasmussen family. In 2024, the Villum Foundation donated 169 million euros to charity.

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bpost

bpostgroup is the leading postal operator in Belgium and a growing logistics partner for parcels and e-commerce in Europe, North America and Asia. With 36,000 employees worldwide, bpostgroup connects consumers, companies and governments through the delivery of mail, parcels and e-commerce services.

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Coca-Cola Services

Coca-Cola Belgium & Luxembourg produces and distributes refreshing beverages through a unique collaboration between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. With three bottling plants, six distribution centers and an innovative research center, Coca-Cola is working on sustainable packaging, water restoration and reduced emissions throughout the chain.

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Delhaize

Delhaize is a supermarket chain with 811 stores in Belgium and Luxembourg, under the Delhaize, Proxy Delhaize and Shop&Go formulas. Through delhaize.be, customers can order online and choose for delivery or pickup. The range includes more than 20,000 high-quality and sustainable products.

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Fluvius System Operator

Fluvius is a Belgian grid operator, active in all Flemish cities and municipalities. We have close to 6,000 employees. Together we build and manage the public utility networks that supply electricity, natural gas and heat to families and enterprises. We also install and maintain public lighting, and collect waste water in our sewerage networks.

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