What we stand for
In a world where economic interests (seemingly) clash with sustainability ambitions, The Shift and its members are making a difference. With more than 530 companies, social impact organisations, governments and academics, we are joining forces to make sustainable business models the new standard.
Our six clear positions bring that shared vision into sharp focus and guide everything we do.
Discover below how we at The Shift look at today’s core challenges.
Climate and green energy
With The Shift, companies and other organisations are actively committed to reducing their emissions and helping to build a climate-neutral future. Science Based Targets are an important benchmark, but other methods compliant with the Paris Climate Agreement are also viable alternatives. Either way, the goal is clear: climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest. And that starts with reducing emissions, not offsetting them.
To make sure we have a reliable energy supply in 2050, the system needs deep-rooted reform. This means the government must phase out financial support for fossil fuels, for example by eliminating tax breaks and subsidies for big polluters. In addition, the dirtiest fuels such as diesel and kerosene should be taxed more heavily, so that we achieve a fairer price level that incentivises market efficiency and innovation.
A circular economy
There is a clear need for systemic change that makes circular entrepreneurship easier and a more attractive option than the traditional linear model. The focus must shift to incentivising companies to design products that are sustainable from the outset, have a longer life cycle and are easier to repair. This not only reduces product waste, but also strengthens economic independence.
It is essential that the government develops policies that set minimum product standards and makes circular products more affordable than those made from new raw materials. By levying higher taxes on products that are harmful to people or 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. As such, we can reorient our economy towards circularity and improved health outcomes.
Biodiversity
More than half of global GDP is dependent on nature. This highlights the importance of working together to conserve and repair ecosystems, which are at the root of prosperity and economic stability.
Members of The Shift put in place strategies to protect biodiversity in accordance with international standards. They align their activities with global biodiversity targets established in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, identify potential risks, set measurable targets and take concrete steps towards nature restoration and conservation. The ultimate goal is to become ‘nature-positive’.
The Belgian government must set clear conditions for companies so that they actively contribute to promoting biodiversity. One way to do this is to set limits or taxes on the use of harmful substances, such as nitrogen and methane, and the use of pesticides. Moreover, companies should be obligated to be transparent about the impact of their activities on nature.
Inclusive workplaces
Companies and organisations that invest in the diversity of their teams and leverage a variety of perspectives are higher performing, more innovative and more resilient. Embracing a professional culture that welcomes people from different backgrounds only makes organisations stronger and more agile in responding to market changes.
In today’s “war for talent”, it is vital to attract and retain the best and brightest. Organisations that focus on playing to 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, an organisation becomes stronger and better able to respond to future challenges.
Sustainable value chains
Doing business within the limits of nature and society must be the norm, both in Belgium and in international value chains. Consider that carbon emissions from supply chains are on average 11 times higher than those that occur directly on-site, and it becomes clear why this is one of our most pressing sustainability challenges.
Belgium produces most of its consumer goods abroad. As a result, the environmental burden and risk 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: sustainable public procurement is the catalyst we need for change.
Systemic change
Members of The Shift are working towards 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 producing 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 banking, is an integral part of this process.
