BESIX and participating BESIX Group affiliates are on track to achieve the 40% carbon reduction target by 2030 (vs. 2019 performance) for scope 1 and 2 emissions in the Benelux-France region.
In the first semester 2024, the companies which are part of the CO2 Performance Ladder boundary emitted 12,173 ton CO2eq as their scope 1 & 2 emissions which is 1,522 ton less than the same reporting period in 2023. End June 2024, the companies’ scope 1 & 2 footprint reduced with 20% in absolute figures in comparison with the baseline year 2019.
The same evolution is shown when we set off the scope 1 & 2 emissions vs turnover.
In 2025 our scope 1 & 2 targets for 2025-2030 will be reviewed.
Key initiatives in first semester 2024 included:
- Sustainable offices: BESIX Infra and BESIX Unitec moved into a renovated eco-friendly head office in Schelle, while the Bilzen office is transitioning to fossil-free heating. In 2026 Franki Foundations will enhance the sustainability of its Saintes office. BESIX Invest, part of BESIX Group, is working on several solar energy projects across the Group.
- Fleet electrification & site energy: BESIX Infra Nederland introduced electric lorries, the Equipment Plant began electrifying utility vehicles, and Jacques Delens tested battery systems for sites. In 2025, BESIX will deploy its first battery system in Deinze, cutting emissions and improving grid stability.
- Innovative energy projects: BESIX Invest is spearheading renewable energy efforts and has been awarded a large project for De Watergroep (incl. wind turbines, solar panels, battery storage solutions…). In 2024, BESIX Technology also invested in Bao Living that designs and produces modular, sustainable residential housing solutions.
- Scope 3 emission reductions: BESIX keeps engaging its supply chain to cut emissions. Initiatives include, amongst many others, the use of recycled aluminium in the façade and low-carbon masonry blocks for the Tour Triangle project (Paris, France), academic research into reducing emissions from ready-mix concrete, and partnerships such as BESIX Infra’s collaboration on an electric borehole drill. The Group also explores biobased materials, for instance in sound barriers for the R4WO project in Ghent. Focus has been put on knowledge sharing through Sustainably Newsletters and Environmental training programmes, among other initiatives. More information on actions taken can be found on the CO2 project plan website (www.CO2projectplan.nl), an initiative with peers in the Netherlands.
- Cocreation: In 2024, dialogue with clients and suppliers remained central to driving sustainable solutions, with several round tables and workshops organised to identify and implement more sustainable solutions across the life cycle of our projects.
- BESIX is, in partnership with Buildwise, active in a scope 3 workgroup of the Belgian Alliance for Sustainable Construction which should lead in 2025 to a scope 3 guideline for the Belgian Construction sector and a first list of emission factors for construction materials.