70% of Brussels businesses are now familiar with the concept of a circular economy – three times more than in 2018 – and a majority are convinced of the need to change the economic model. But this must come with help from the region.
The 2023 latest sustainable transformation barometer was published on Thursday by Hub.brussels, the Capital Region's public agency for entrepreneurship. In a survey of 500 companies, six in ten entrepreneurs believe social and environmental legislation should be stricter.
The organisation's CEO Isabelle Grippa says this reflects “a strong signal of a willingness for change”. But despite this openness, many companies are unaware of the tools available to help them.
Over half of the businesses would like to receive free regional assistance for their sustainable transformation, but 73% are unaware of existing financial aids and project calls.
Public regional or federal measures related to environmental and social sustainability (such as the Good Food label or Diversity label) are also not widely known.
Related News
- Clothes and furniture given new lease of life at new Saint-Gilles 'social' recycling centre
- Half of Belgians bought second-hand in 2021
Hub.brussels points out that 41% of companies do not know of any mechanisms that could recognise them as socially and environmentally sustainable businesses. “This is crucial, as companies recognised as exemplary in these areas receive increased support,” explains the agency.
It also notes a significant difference between the awareness of the circular economy concept (70%) and that of social and democratic entrepreneurship (32%). In response to these findings, Hub.brussels emphasises the importance of guiding entrepreneurs towards the right information and solutions while maintaining “their operational stability”.
“It is essential not only to maintain awareness but also to focus resources on supporting companies that wish to integrate sustainability issues without disrupting their economic model,” concludes Ms Grippa.
