ESG Frontrunners 2024
Antwerp, Thursday 25 April
CONCEPT
On 25 April, with support from the Flemish government, the first of four ESG Frontrunner sessions was held. Twenty-five leading organisations gathered to discuss strategies for becoming frontrunners in sustainability, setting the stage for the remaining sessions. These sessions covered topics such as the EU Taxonomy, Double Materiality under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive ( CSRD), and practical approaches to implementing the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive ( CSDDD), with participants sharing insights on aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.
ESG FRONTRUNNERS Programme 2024
Session 1: How to become a frontrunner and go beyond compliance?
The first session began with an in-person networking lunch at the Antwerp AWDC Building, providing attendees the opportunity to connect.
Beginning of the Session
Peter Wollaert and Marijke Janssens, from CIFAL Flanders presented the objectives and ways of working in the ESG Frontrunners sessions.
Presentations
After having a round table to get to know each other, Pantarein Publishing started their presentation. They provided an overview of European sustainability regulations, enhancing the participants’ understanding of the topic.
Final Exchange Session 1
The session concluded with an interview with Jeppe Remy , about his experience in WAAK Maatwerk with sustainability and EU-related regulations.
ESG FRONTRUNNERS ONLINE SESSIONS
Session 2 and Session 3 took place online.
Session 2: Navigating Sustainability with the EU Taxonomy
On 30 May, the second session of ESG Frontrunner took place online, focusing on navigating sustainability within the EU Taxonomy.
Marijke Janssens, and Elona Pay from CIFAL Flanders moderated this session.
Presentations Session 2
Nicolas Crins from Pantarein Publishing provided an overview of the EU Taxonomy, explaining its operation, the importance of compliance for companies, and practical ways to achieve it. Following this, participants were split into breakout rooms for focused discussions on specific topics:
- Circularity led by Helen Jacobs, Voka
- Biodiversity facilitated by Febe Thomas, Go Ocean
- Mitigation guided by Nicolas Crins, Pantarein
This format allowed participants to engage deeply with real-world cases related to these key ESG areas.
Final Exchange Session 2
The session concluded with a panel discussion on Sustainable Investing featuring Koen De Vidts (NewB), Stéphanie Dangreau ( Argenta), and Professor luc van liedekerke.
Session 3: Mastering the CSRD, A Deep Dive into Double Materiality analysis
On 27 June the third session of the ESG frontrunners took place online. This session was moderated by Marijke Janssesn, Elona Pay, and Charlene Pétillon from CIFAL Flanders.
Presentations Session 3
Katelijne Norga from Pantarein Publishing explored Double Materiality and its significance within the CSRD frameworks. After her presentation, participants joined breakout rooms to engage in dynamic case studies:
- Double Materiality Analysis led by Kobe Geryl from KPMG, focusing on Farys.
- Voluntary European Sustainability Reporting Standards and Transparency facilitated by Erwin De Bock from RSM Belgium.
- Bridging SDGs and ESG presented by Marijke Janssens (CIFAL Flanders) and Birgit Verspeek (IDEA Consult), including a case study on Bopro by Charlotte Truyts.
Final Exchange Session 3
The session concluded with an interview hosted by Charlene Petillon with Harold Dierckxsens from IBR-IRE, discussing the auditor’s critical role in the CSRD process.
Final session & awarding
Session 4: Making CSDDD Work: Practical approaches for implementation
The final session of the ESG Frontrunners 2024 series took place on 1 October. It focused on implementing the CSDDD. At the end of the session, participants were awarded their completion certificates.
Presentations
Katrien De Cort from Pantarein Publishing discussed the CSDDD, covering its definition, its role in EU regulations, practical tools for implementation, and actionable steps to begin applying due diligence.
Cato De Roeck from 3BIO explored the implementation of the CSDDD and its link to biodiversity. He also addressed the growing body of international and European biodiversity regulations, and how 3BIO helps companies comply with the Biodiversity Convention and the Nagoya Protocol.
Leen de Ruck, An-Sofie Raes, and Esther Theyskens from VSAdvocaten jointly presented on “The CSDDD and Other Relevant Frameworks in Belgian Law.” Their presentation addressed human rights, toxic leadership, the current state of compliance, criminal risks in the corporate world, and practical case studies relevant to the CSDDD.
Final Exchange Session 4
To close the session, Peter Wollaert from CIFAL Flanders led a feedback evaluation and awarded completion certificates to the participants, recognising their active involvement in the ESG Frontrunners sessions.
Thank you for your participation! We look forward to welcoming you in future editions.
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