IDEA Consult is a warm consultancy firm that assists our partners in the field of sustainability. So they can continue to donate and help eliminate poverty. SDG Coordinator Birgit Verspeek explains how exactly.

From government to SME

"IDEA Consult has been around for about 25 years, we are a consultancy firm for local governments and all public bodies. One of our spearheads is sustainability. We see this broadly: from biodiversity, CO2 reduction and preservation of open space to circular economy, short chain, participation, social welfare and deprivation. This is where we find our link with OVWB."

"As SDG Coordinator, I and my team are responsible for making IDEA Consult a sustainable organisation internally and bringing other companies into the sustainability story, both profit and non-profit. Recently, the sustainability branch has its own brand and website. IDEA Consult works largely on behalf of the government, but at IDEA Sustainability we also work for SMEs and large companies."

 

Handle warm organisations

"Recently, we started helping organisations supporting Entrepreneurs For a Warm Belgium. Many companies see sustainability as something extra that comes on top of their remit. But we look with them to see how they can already incorporate it into their mission, vision and core tasks. So that every action they take is inherently sustainable."

"The collaboration with OVWB plays a crucial role here, especially in times of CSRD sustainability reporting. Previously, donating to charities was considered a sustainable act, but since the introduction of CSRD rules, this is no longer self-evident. There is a risk that companies will stop contributing as a result, because these actions can no longer be reported as sustainable. We absolutely want to avoid that. That is why we support OVWB partners with developing procedures and standard documents so that philanthropy becomes an integrated part of their sustainability strategy. In this way, they will not only continue to contribute to poverty reduction, but also show the outside world that they are really making an impact."

"We provide a Toolbox that organsiations can use to start or deepen their sustainability story. In it, they will find tools to give donations to OVWB a place in their sustainability CSRD/USME reporting. Of course, they can always contact us for further questions and guidance. By giving them these handholds, we ensure that OVWB partners are allowed to continue donating and show to the rest of the world that they are committed to addressing underprivileged poverty."

 

Continue to spread sustainability story

"Naast the organisations supporting OVWB, we also support many public organisations. Through the PCA2030 trajectories we organise as a partner of CIFAL Flanders, we help the public sector become pioneers in sustainability."

"In addition, we want to go even further. Together with companies within the OVWB network, we are looking at how they can contribute to a sustainable and resilient world in other ways. At the same time, we support them in creating resilient and sustainable operations within their own organisations. Through this approach, we not only help companies make an impact outside their walls, but also ensure they are stronger internally in a changing world."

"Our partnership with OVWB gives us the opportunity to support a warm and committed network. Together, we are expanding the sustainability story and inspiring companies to combine philanthropy and sustainability. This is how we work towards a resilient and resilient society ready for the future."