The Cornerstone

We developed our MVP for social footprint measuring together with Cactus. Very proud of the result. Thanks a lot to the team of Cactus and our inhouse developer Sebastian Van Dingenen, Lise Bouttery and Katrien Van Rompay for the methodology and users' input. We're ready to measure your company's Social Footprint - Are you? #SocialFootprint #SocialSustainability

Katrien Van Rompay en Lise Bouttery werden geïnterviewd door Bloovi! Over hoe The Cornerstone bedrijvenbegeleidt richting het effectief, efficiënt en lange termijn behalen van hun doelstellingen. 🌍 Wacht niet tot het laatste moment! KMO’s die vandaag al starten met de integratie van duurzame processen en reporting, staan straks vooraan wanneer de rapporten worden opgevraagd. 🚀 Benieuwd hoe wij jouw organisatie kunnen helpen om future-proof te zijn?#OperationalExcellence #SocialImpact #Businessstrategy #KMO #ESGreporting #tocomplianceandbeyond

🔍 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: 𝗜𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 When businesses think about social sustainability, many still focus primarily on their own employees. But true social sustainability considers the broader impact a company has on all groups of people connected to its activities. It means acknowledging the ripple effects of your business on every person linked to it.🌍 Here’s a quick look at the four key groups to keep in mind when thinking about your company’s social impact: 1️⃣ 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗢𝘄𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 This includes everything from fair wages, equal opportunities, work-life balance, to health and safety. Supporting your employees is crucial—but it’s only the beginning. 2️⃣ 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 Your responsibility doesn’t end with your direct team. From raw material suppliers to manufacturer, every worker deserves safe conditions and ethical treatment. Their rights are your concern too. 3️⃣  𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 Respect the communities around your operations and those of your suppliers. Their environmental rights, living conditions, and exposure to pollution matter. Support sustainability at their doorstep. 4️⃣ 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀/𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 Finally, consider the people who use your products or services. Ensuring product safety, ethical marketing, and accessibility for all is essential to protecting their well-being and building trust. As new regulations around sustainability reporting come into play, companies that adopt this broader approach will be better prepared—not only for compliance but also for building stronger relationships with all their stakeholders. 🤝 Social sustainability isn’t just about one group—it’s about everyone who is touched by your business. Let’s widen our focus and ensure that all voices are heard and respected. 🌱 #SocialSustainability #CSR #StakeholderEngagement #ValueChain #CorporateResponsibility #HumanRights #SustainableBusiness

🌍 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗦𝗚 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 📊 Although social enterprises and other social profit organizations may not be mandated to comply with ESG reporting, adopting voluntary frameworks can offer significant advantages. It’s not just about regulatory readiness—voluntary reporting can enhance transparency, attract resources, and demonstrate your social impact more effectively. 🔍 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗘𝗦𝗚 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴? 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁: ESG reporting creates transparency, fostering trust with stakeholders, funders, and the broader community. 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: Investors and partners are increasingly looking for organizations with a clear and measurable social impact. ESG reporting helps you highlight your contribution. 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: Use ESG reporting to emphasize your organization’s positive impact on society, whether through employment creation or community development. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: By adopting voluntary ESG measures now, social enterprises are better equipped to meet any future mandatory requirements, staying ahead of the curve. 📈 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 At The Cornerstone, we specialize in ESG reporting with a focus on social sustainability. We help social enterprises and social profit organizations align with frameworks like ESRS and VSME, ensuring that your social contributions are well-documented and communicated to investors and partners alike. Let’s work together to amplify your social and sustainable impact. 💡 #ESG #SocialSustainability #VoluntaryReporting #VSME #SocialEnterprises #SocialProfit #SocialImpact #TheCornerstone

🌍 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 🌱 As we strive for a sustainable future, it’s crucial to remember that social sustainability is just as important as environmental efforts. Two landmark reports published last week - from The Lancet by Earth Commission and the International Labour Organization's World Social Protection Report - bring this critical message to the forefront: climate action and social justice are inseparable, social justice being a crucial element for achieving true sustainability, as climate change is the gravest threat to social justice. In our pursuit of a greener future, we cannot overlook the social inequalities that climate change amplifies. Both reports highlight how marginalized communities bear the brunt of climate impacts, yet often have the least access to the resources needed to adapt. Addressing this imbalance is vital for a just transition. Key insights: ➡ 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 must ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind in the race for climate action. Equitable access to resources and opportunities is vital for building resilient communities. ➡ 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 systems are needed to shield people from climate impacts and enable a fair transition to green jobs. ➡ 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 ensures that those who are least responsible for environmental degradation are not disproportionately affected by its consequences. ➡ 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Achieving both social and environmental sustainability requires reforms across economic and governance systems to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities. At The Cornerstone, we focus on the social pillar, recognizing that equity, inclusivity, and social protection are essential for a fair and just transition to a greener world. As we work towards climate sustainability, let’s ensure no one is left behind.  🌏💚 links to the reports: Earth Commission Report: https://lnkd.in/gnUSYjj2 World Social Protection Report: https://lnkd.in/dXkXBxzA #SocialSustainability #SocialJustice #Sustainability #JustTransition #Cornerstone #ClimateAction #SocialProtection

Is your Human Rights Policy ready to pass the social sustainability test within ESG reporting? Sebastian Van Dingenen developed the Policy Checker for The Cornerstone. Check it out! #ESRS #socialsustainability #ESGreporting

𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝗦𝗚 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆? This morning's article in De Tijd reveals a startling thruth: a staggering 75% of Belgian companies still lack a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Many only focus on environmental initiatives like green energy or carbon footprint. But with the 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 (𝗖𝗦𝗥𝗗) on the horizon, this approach won't cut it. The pressure is mounting for companies to adopt robust 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹, 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗘𝗦𝗚) practices. This isn't just about ticking boxes; it’s about embedding ESG into your core business strategy to create sustainable, shared value for both society and shareholders. Even smaller businesses will soon need to provide ESG data as part of their involvement in larger supply chains. Here is why it matters: ✅ 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 among customers, investors and partners 🔗 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, as larger businesses seek responsible partners 💡 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, allowing businesses to thrive in the face of social and environmental challenges 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 is a game-changer for your strategy. It's about building inclusive, equitable workplaces, fostering diversity, promoting customer health & wellbeing, investing in community development... Companies prioiritising social sustainability attract top talent, enhance employee satisfaction, and foster customer loyalty - contributing to a stronger business foundation. As businesses adapt to the new ESG landscape, social sustainability is not just a “nice-to-have” but a strategic imperative. By creating value for all stakeholders, your company can build lasting value. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝗦𝗚 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆? 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻. 🌍✨ #ESG #SocialSustainability #CSRD #SustainableBusiness #TheCornerstone #GrowThePie #BusinessStrategy https://lnkd.in/eGaw-zwi

𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝗦𝗚 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆? This morning's article in De Tijd reveals a startling thruth: a staggering 75% of Belgian companies still lack a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Many only focus on environmental initiatives like green energy or carbon footprint. But with the 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 (𝗖𝗦𝗥𝗗) on the horizon, this approach won't cut it. The pressure is mounting for companies to adopt robust 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹, 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗘𝗦𝗚) practices. This isn't just about ticking boxes; it’s about embedding ESG into your core business strategy to create sustainable, shared value for both society and shareholders. Even smaller businesses will soon need to provide ESG data as part of their involvement in larger supply chains. Here is why it matters: ✅ 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 among customers, investors and partners 🔗 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, as larger businesses seek responsible partners 💡 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, allowing businesses to thrive in the face of social and environmental challenges 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 is a game-changer for your strategy. It's about building inclusive, equitable workplaces, fostering diversity, promoting customer health & wellbeing, investing in community development... Companies prioiritising social sustainability attract top talent, enhance employee satisfaction, and foster customer loyalty - contributing to a stronger business foundation. As businesses adapt to the new ESG landscape, social sustainability is not just a “nice-to-have” but a strategic imperative. By creating value for all stakeholders, your company can build lasting value. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝗦𝗚 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆? 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻. 🌍✨ #ESG #SocialSustainability #CSRD #SustainableBusiness #TheCornerstone #GrowThePie #BusinessStrategy https://lnkd.in/eGaw-zwi

**𝐇𝐑'𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲** Struggling to align your HR strategies with sustainability goals? How to match employee engagement, retention and long-term business growth? Want to stay ahead in meeting compliance while fostering social impact? Let's connect: Lise Bouttery is The Cornerstone expert in matching HR challenges and sustainability!