Sustainability in Every Byte: ACA Group Sets Course for SDG Champion
After three successful years in which we consistently passed the final evaluation of the VCDO Pioneer program, ACA Group is now taking the next step and enthusiastically diving into the next level: the SDG Champion program.
This initiative, supported by the Voka Charter for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (VCDO) and in collaboration with CIFAL Flanders, the official partner of the United Nations Training Institute (UNITAR), underscores our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
During our final SDG Pioneer year, we undertook projects that enhanced both the sustainability of the IT sector and our internal sustainability initiatives. A key initiative was our Sustainathon, a collaborative project with various educational institutions such as Odisee, HoGent, and HoWest. In this context, we worked with students and companies like Duvel and Medimarket to develop sustainable IT solutions. For Duvel, students focused on improving their CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) reporting, while for Medimarket, they developed an AI-based transport solution. These projects not only delivered tangible results but also raised awareness of sustainability within these organizations and provided students with valuable practical experience.
Dorien Jorissen, Sustainability Manager at ACA Group
In addition, at ACA Group, we have focused on the broader impact of IT on sustainability. Dorien Jorissen, ACA Group Sustainability Manager, emphasizes: "In recent years, we have thoroughly examined the ambivalent role of IT in sustainability. We see how technology, such as cloud computing, AI, and data, can contribute to a more sustainable world but also pose risks if left unchecked. One example is our focus on optimizing cloud solutions and AI processes to enhance sustainability efficiency and reduce our ecological footprint. With the SDG Champion program, we are not just taking the next step; we are looking forward to a complete transformation of our business, where sustainability is at the core of all our decisions."
Our efforts also extend to knowledge sharing and leadership within the sector. By organizing sustainability think tanks and launching a Sustainability Content Hub, we have created a platform for in-depth discussions and innovation in sustainable IT practices. These initiatives reinforce our position as a thought leader and contribute to the global debate on the role of IT in sustainability.
Ronny Ruyters, CEO at ACA Group
Ronny Ruyters, CEO of ACA Group, adds: "At ACA Group, we believe that real change comes from taking responsibility. The SDG Champion program is a crucial part of our commitment to making a positive impact, both within our sector and beyond. This program gives us the opportunity to further deepen our sustainability efforts and set new standards for a future-proof IT sector. Together, we take on this challenge, with our values as our compass and innovation as our engine."
With our step into the SDG Champion program, guided by Voka and CIFAL Flanders, we remain committed to achieving the UN goals. We are determined to increase our impact and fulfill our role as a responsible innovator.
ACA Group remains driven by a vision that unites innovation and sustainability, with the goal of creating a better future for our customers and the broader society. Our journey is far from over—let’s go!