From individual initiatives to CO2 certification at Group De Cloedt

Embedding Sustainability in a Complex Organisation

Group De Cloedt, a leading player in dredging, soil remediation and aggregates, operates through approximately thirty entities across Belgium and Europe. While this decentralised structure provides operational agility, it also presents challenges when it comes to implementing a consistent, group-wide sustainability strategy. Although various sustainability initiatives were already underway at local level, there was a lack of overall visibility, coordination and prioritisation. The question was clear: how do you structurally embed sustainability within a complex organisation and ensure that initiatives reinforce one another rather than remain fragmented?

One Framework, One Shared Path Towards Level 3

In 2023, Encon, in collaboration with KBC, launched a targeted programme to support Group De Cloedt in achieving Level 3 certification on the CO₂ Performance Ladder. The approach was deliberately practical, structured and results-oriented.

Our work included:

• Carbon footprint analysis: gaining insight into the group’s most significant CO₂ emission sources.
• Development of reduction measures: identifying concrete and achievable actions tailored to the daily operations of the various entities.
• Interactive workshops with senior management: defining targets, setting priorities and assigning responsibilities to ensure the certification process was both measurable and achievable.

This combined top-down and bottom-up approach created a single overarching framework that aligned local sustainability initiatives and provided clear strategic direction across the organisation.

Sustainability as a Licence to Operate and a Competitive Advantage

The result was a clear, measurable and recognised certification level that not only supports the group’s sustainability ambitions but also strengthens internal collaboration and strategic decision-making.

This delivered several key benefits for Group De Cloedt:

• Greater control over sustainability: improved visibility and structure regarding data, responsibilities and objectives across a complex organisation.
• A practical certification process: the CO₂ Performance Ladder is used as a strategic management tool rather than a compliance exercise.
• Structural integration: sustainability considerations are embedded into business operations through a dedicated sustainability committee and ongoing internal monitoring.
• A stronger licence to operate: by achieving Level 3 on the CO₂ Performance Ladder, Group De Cloedt demonstrates its commitment to climate action and environmental responsibility to both public authorities and private clients, helping the organisation remain relevant, credible and competitive.

By establishing a shared framework and clear governance structure, Group De Cloedt has transformed sustainability from a collection of local initiatives into a coordinated strategic programme that supports long-term growth and resilience.