Soudal attracts talent with BREEAM Outstanding

Using buildings as a strategic HR tool

Soudal is an international industrial group and market leader in adhesives, sealants, and PU foams, with a strong focus on innovation, growth, and people. Operating in a highly competitive labour market, Soudal faces increasing challenges in attracting new talent. In addition to complying with regulations and meeting ESG expectations, the company wanted to use its new buildings as a strategic HR tool. The ambition was clear: to create a working environment that visibly demonstrates sustainability, comfort, and well-being, thereby strengthening its employer brand. BREEAM Outstanding was set as the target, but the challenge was to achieve this ambitious certification level without making the process unnecessarily complex, costly, or burdensome for the internal organisation.

Translating BREEAM Outstanding into a feasible plan

Together with Encon, Soudal adopted a targeted and financially driven BREEAM strategy. Based on the principle of profitable sustainability, we conducted a pre-assessment to identify the measures that were essential for achieving BREEAM Outstanding while maximising value for building users. Rather than pursuing as many credits as possible, we carried out a thorough cost-benefit analysis of each intervention and translated the findings into a clear roadmap. Encon managed the entire process — from structuring and evidence collection to certification — relieving the burden on internal teams and ensuring the project remained manageable, predictable, and efficient.

A building that enhances both well-being and employer appeal

Thanks to this approach, Soudal achieved a BREEAM Outstanding-certified building that makes sustainability tangible in the workplace. The building now serves as a powerful showcase for the company’s employer brand and reinforces Soudal’s position as an attractive employer. Employees and candidates alike benefit from a comfortable, future-oriented working environment, while the project was delivered without unnecessary costs or additional pressure on internal resources.