Positions
Together with hundreds of businesses, civil society organisations, public authorities and academics, we join forces to make sustainable business models the new standard. Our six clear positions bring that shared vision into sharp focus and guide our actions and conversations. These positions are also embedded in our members’ charter.
Discover below how we at The Shift look at today’s core challenges.
Climate and green energy
Companies and organizations within The Shift are actively committed to reducing their emissions and helping to build a climate-neutral future. The Science Based Targets are an important guideline for this, but other equally valid methods in line with the Paris Climate Agreement are also possible. The ambition is clear: climate neutrality at the latest by 2050. And that starts with avoiding emissions, not compensating for them.
To ensure a stable and reliable energy supply in 2050, the system must be radically reformed. This means that the government must phase out support for fossil energy sources, for example by eliminating tax breaks and compensations for large energy consumers. In addition, polluting fuels such as diesel and kerosene should be taxed more heavily, so that we achieve a fairer price level that encourages the market to be more efficient and innovative.
Circular economy
There is a clear need for a systemic change that makes circular entrepreneurship easier and more attractive than the traditional linear model. The focus should be on encouraging companies to design products that are sustainable from the outset, with a longer life cycle and easier to repair. This not only reduces waste, but also strengthens economic independence.
It is essential that the government develops policies that set minimum product requirements and make circular products more affordable than those made from new raw materials. By imposing higher taxes on products that are harmful to people or the planet – such as ultra-processed foods or disposable plastics – and providing tax incentives for sustainable alternatives, the right choice also becomes the most accessible one. In this way, we can steer the system towards circularity and health.
Biodiversity
More than half of global GDP is directly dependent on nature. This highlights the importance of working together to conserve and enhance natural systems, which are the basis for prosperity and economic stability.
Members of The Shift implement strategies that integrate biodiversity according to international standards. They align their activities with global biodiversity targets established in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, identify risks, set measurable goals and take concrete steps for nature restoration and conservation. The ultimate goal is to become “nature-positive”.
It is essential that the Belgian government set clear framework conditions for companies so that they actively contribute to the restoration and enhancement of biodiversity. One way to do this is to set limits or taxes on the emission of harmful substances, such as nitrogen and methane, and the use of pesticides. In addition, companies should be required to report the impact of their activities on nature.
Inclusive workplaces
Companies and organisations that invest in diversity and leverage different perspectives are more effective, innovative and resilient. Embracing a culture that welcomes people from different backgrounds makes organisations stronger and helps them respond better to changes in the market.
In today’s “war on talent”, it is essential to attract and retain talent. Organisations that focus on maximising the strengths of their employees, regardless of their background, remain competitive and agile. This is a strategic approach that goes beyond temporary or ad hoc initiatives. By bringing a broader range of perspectives to the table, the organisation becomes stronger and better able to respond to the challenges of the future.
Sustainable value chains
Doing business within the limits of nature and society must be the norm, both in Belgium and within international value chains. When you consider that carbon emissions from supply chains are on average 11 times higher than those that occur directly “on-site, ” it is clear why this issue is fundamental.
Belgium produces most of its consumer goods abroad. As a result, the environmental burden and risks of human rights violations – such as air pollution or extremely low wages – often end up elsewhere. This is reflected in our low score on the SDG Spillover Index.
The government can lead by example by purchasing in a socially responsible manner: sustainable public procurement are a great lever for change.
System Change
The Shift’s members are working towards to an economic model in which success is measured not only by financial profit, but also by the positive impact generated for society. They focus their business operations on creating value for all stakeholders through, for example, their social mission, long-term thinking and non-financial indicators embedded in their governance and ownership. Transparency about investment choices, with particular attention given to the role of banking, is an integral part of this.
Our members take on the responsibility of contributing to a future society where no one is left behind, as well as to an economy that respects the ecological limits of our planet.
