Belgian tech firms have cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 38% since 2008, while achieving impressive growth of around 26%, Belgian employers' organisation Agoria reports.
In its latest review of the 'Technology for a Better World' report, launched two years ago to monitor these companies' sustainability efforts, Agoria highlights that the national tech industry currently accounts for just 3.6% of greenhouse gas emissions from all Belgian business activities. This figure is notably low considering that the sector constitutes more than 9% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Moreover, as part of their commitment to wider sustainability goals, the federation and over 2,000 member companies have started investing in circular economy initiatives. This represents a significant challenge as Agoria is aiming for 50% of its members to be involved by 2030; presently, this number stands at a mere 7%.
In terms of job creation, the sector is also on track for its goal of generating 40,000 jobs between 2020 and 2030. With an increase of 18,000 jobs since the measure's inception, the trajectory looks promising.
Furthermore, the number of women in leadership roles increased to 19% in 2021, forming part of a commitment to diversity and inclusion and a target of 25% by 2030. Despite the improvement, there is still a long way to reach the desired quota.
