SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
A document created by Nicolas Collart, International Customs, Compliance and Sustainability Director.
Region: Period: Group 2023
WELCOME TO THE SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2023
1.1
4.1
2.1
2.2
CUSTOMS SUPPORT GROUP
1.1 | ESG Annual Report
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY
OUR VISION 01.
Our transition from traditional paper-based customs declarations to digital solutions exemplifies our dedication to reducing environmental impact. By embracing digital customs processes, we minimise paper waste, streamline international trade, and lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with logistical inefficiencies.
Our values (accountability, quality, integrity, and teamwork) form the basis of our sustainability initiatives We hold ourselves accountable for our environmental footprint and are dedicated to improving Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) data quality across all operations. Integrity drives our ethical stance, guiding decisions that align with our principles of possible and at the same time minimising Teamwork fosters collaboration both at our collective efforts drive meaningful OUR COMMITMENT 02.
WE MAKE CUSTOMS EASY FOR GLOBAL TRADE
As we reflect on 2023, it marks a transformative year in our journey towards sustainability and growth Throughout the year, CSG expanded its global footprint to 12 countries, adding numerous new locations. This growth underscores our dedication to facilitating global trade, while consistently upholding our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
ACHIEVEMENTS & INTEGRATION IN 2023
This expansion and the resulting rise in reported numbers highlight the comprehensive nature of our sustainability efforts across our growing network. Our commitment to continuous improvement in environmental and social sustainability ensures that our growth aligns with positive impact and responsible practices.
In 2023, an achievement was the expansion of our Environmental reporting framework to include new locations, enhancing both the scope and rigor of our reporting practices. As part of our integration programme, all acquisitions and new team members are now standardly onboarded within our Sustainability reporting, reinforcing our commitment to increasing engagement on sustainability within the company.
We also set the stage for the implementation of our sustainability policy, for further development of our ESG-target plan, the launch of a Green Ambassador programme within the company and preparation for compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). These initiatives align our operational goals with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that as we grow, we do so in a manner that benefits both people and the planet.
1.3 | ESG Annual Report
OUR ALIGNMENT WITH THE UN SDG
CSG is committed to digital customs solutions, significantly reducing environmental and societal impacts With our 2024 sustainability plan, which is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we will continue to strive for excellence in sustainability and compliance.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Digitaltransformation:Transitioningtodigitalcustomsdeclarationsstreamlinesinternational trade,reducesdelays,andfuelconsumption,andlowersgreenhousegasemissions Paperandwastereduction:Committedtodecreasingpaperuse,promotingrecycling,and eliminatingpapercupsandplasticbottlesinouroffices.
Travelfootprintreduction:Encouragingemployeestomakeenvironmentallyconscioustravel choicestoreducethecompany’soverallcarbonfootprint.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Humanitarianefforts:Processingcustomsdeclarationsfreeofchargeforhumanitarianaidand NGOs.
Diversityandinclusion:Promotingdiversitywithinourworkforceandfosteringacultureof sustainabilitythroughtrainingprogrammesandemployeeengagement
Employeewell-being:Monitoringandenhancingemployeesatisfaction,promotingmental health,andcreatingasupportiveworkenvironment.
ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES
Integrityandtransparency:ImplementingourCodeofConductandEthicstoensurehonest andtransparentbusinessoperations.
Healthandsafety:ProvidingasafeworkingenvironmentasoutlinedinourHealthandSafety policy
Whistleblowingservice:Ensuringethicalpracticesareupheldbyourwhistleblowingservicefor reportingmisconduct.
Datasecurity:Ensuringthedatasecurityofstakeholdersandemployeestoprotect againstpotentialharmfromillegalandunsafetradeactivities.
CUSTOMS SUPPORT GROUP
CARBON MANAGEMENT
CARBON MANAGEMENT
While obtaining data was our main challenge in 2022, 2023 proved to show some more complexities specifically with respect to the fact that we added a significant number of locations. The results in exponential increases in most of Environmental KPIs. The figures should in principle and compared to last year better reflect the reality of our Environmental footprint.
That being said, our measurement of Carbon Emissions does provide us with a clear insight into the areas of business-related environmental impact such as carbon footprint Here are some of our top-line initiatives so far:
TRANSPORT
A travel policy has been implemented within the organisation promoting eco-cautious choices of travelling; E-bike plans have been made available for our employees; Electrical cars are made available and financially encouraged within our leasing company car pools;
Depending on the country and function, employees have the option to work from home when conducive.
ENERGY
Where possible and in accordance with labour standards, heating temperatures of the offices have been lowered; Switching to LED and other energy-efficient light bulbs; Increasing the use of electricity from renewable sources (vs non-renewable)
WASTE
Promoting our digital way of working impacts our paper consumption and reduces paper waste; We recycle waste in accordance with country standards.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
2.2.1. POLICY, CERTIFICATION & INITIATIVES
2022 2023
Sites with ISO 14001 certificates
Sites with environmental policies
Sites compliant with the local environmental regulations
Sites near an area of high biodiversity value outside protected areas
Sites that had significant direct or indirect impacts on biodiversity
Sites with a presence of environmental incidents within the last year
In all our locations we comply with environmental requirements, and we ensure that each entity is continuously considering how to maintain and predict compliance requirements within local environmental laws and regulations
At this stage, one of our group companies has implemented an environmental policy, while another has achieved ISO 14001 certification for environmental management. Additionally, four of our companies are ISO 9001 certified for quality management Notably, Customs Support Belgium Holding has been awarded the 'FORWARD Goals for Sustainable Development' label by FORWARD Belgium
There were no environmental incidents at any of our locations.
RESOURCE EFFICIENCY
2.3.1. RESOURCE INITIATIVES
Sites with paper and packaging reduction initiatives
Sites with water-efficiency initiatives
Sites with waste reduction initiatives Sites with energy-efficiency initiatives
2022 2023
So far, several of our locations have introduced initiatives mainly tackling paper reduction This goes hand in hand with our company strategy to drive efficiency by the digitalisation of the process and with this reduce our paper consumption
Additionally, initiatives have been taken to improve waste reduction by installing water diffusers and removing plastic bottles from our offices
Other initiatives regarding waste and energy have been described in the commentary section of our carbon management In 2024, Customs Support will continue its waste reduction efforts.
500,000 1,000,000 1,500,000 2,000,000 2,500,000 3,000,000
2,000 0 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 13,277 4,250
Dieselusedincompany ownedvehicles
Biodieselusedonallcompany sites,foralluses
Dieselusedonallcompanysites foranyuseexceptvehicles
Heatingoilusedonallcompany sites,foralluses
PurchasedElectricity
Gasoline/petrolusedincompany ownedvehicles
Bioethanolusedonallcompany sites,foralluses
FuelOilusedonallcompanysites, foranyuseexceptvehicles
NaturalGasusedonallcompany sites,foralluses
PurchasedHeat
LPGusedincompanyowned vehicles
Biogasusedonallcompanysites foralluses
Gas(LPG)usedonallcompany sites,foralluses
Petrolusedonallcompanysites foranyuseexceptvehicles
PurchasedSteam
Aviationturbinefuelusedonall companysites,foralluses
Coalusedonallcompanysites for alluses
Gasoilusedonallcompanysites foralluses
PurchasedCooling
Totalenergyconsumptionper revenue
2.3.4. TOTAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION BREAKDOWN
CUSTOMS SUPPORT GROUP
3.1.1. EMPLOYMENT BY GENDER (OVERALL)
3.1.2. MANAGEMENT BY GENDER
3.1.3. BOARD OF DIRECTORS BY GENDER
3.1.4. GENDER PAY GAP
OVERVIEW:
On average, more than one in three manager functions are held by women.
At a group level, one woman is part of the board.
STATEMENT:
CSG is committed to having equal pay between women and men for similar functions
ACTION:
At this stage, just two of our group companies have a diversity policy. However, in 2024 a group Code of Conduct will be implemented including CSG’s position on diversity
ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR
3.2.1. STRUCTURE, POLICY AND EVENTS
Sites that have a policy in place to monitor compliance with the UNGC principles for Multinational Enterprises
Sites with an approved anti-corruption procedure
Sites with an anti-corruption procedure or policy for suppliers
Sites with a Code of Ethics
Sites investigated for anti-corruption within the last year
Sites involved in UN Global Compact violations
Sites involved in manufacturing or selling of controversial weapons
Sites exposed to operations at significant risk of incidents of forced or compulsory labour in terms of geographic areas
3.2.2. HEALTH AND SAFETY
Sites with a health and safety policy
Sites with work-related accidents Sites
ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR
Our Ethical behaviour is essential to our business We pride ourselves in being the biggest neutral customs and trade solutions provider in Europe At the same time, we do not serve any customers dealing with weapons or tobacco.
Less than half of our companies have introduced anti-corruption policies and a Code of Ethics and hence these areas have been identified as some of the key priorities for 2023.
With the introduction of our group Code of Conduct in 2024 and group Anti-Corruption Policy, we will ensure that we have a stronger framework for both our people and business in the future
In the previous year, the Management Team hasn’t been informed of any anti-corruption investigations.
Organisations cannot be sustainable without protecting the safety, and health of the employees. Unfortunately, in 2023, we had three work-related accidents across the group (> 110 locations and >1600 people)
The group aims to achieve zero work-related accidents by ensuring that all our locations have a health and safety policy, and people are properly informed about the safety measures.
WORKFORCE ENGAGEMENT
3.3.1. ENGAGEMENT
ACTIVITES
Sites compliant with local labour regulations
Employees engaging in training /professional development
Employees covered by collective bargaining agreements
OVERVIEW:
In 2023 all our company locations were compliant with local labour regulations.
STATEMENT:
CSG is providing several trainings to the employees by different initiatives already in place (technical trainings given both in-house and/or outhouse, onboarding trainings, etc). So far these initiatives are organised locally.
ACTION:
The company is working on providing a standard set of trainings coming from the group to increase the sense of community and knowledge of our people
To increase engagement with sustainability in the company, the Green Ambassador programme has been launched. In 2024, the first initiatives will be discussed during the first meetings.
OUR GREEN AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME
THE KEY INITIATIVE
In addition to the choices we make in our business operations, we also support projects and events impacting society. We enable our employees with hands-on support with their activities for sustainable innovations and charity. In order to make an impact we strongly believe in the principle of internal collaboration and external partnership and therefore work together towards a more sustainable business.
GOALS
Engage employees:
Foster a culture of sustainability by encouraging employees to participate in sustainability initiatives and become advocates for environmental responsibility.
Innovate practices:
Identify and implement innovative sustainability practices across our operations, from reducing paper use to promoting recycling.
Drive change:
Inspire positive change and continuous improvement in our sustainability efforts through the collective efforts of our Green Ambassadors.
The Green Ambassador programme is a key initiative in our commitment to sustainability, empowering employees to lead and promote sustainable practices within CSG
In 2024, we will further develop the programme and start the first meetings and initiatives of our green ambassadors from different countries.
HIGHLIGHTS
Leadership opportunities:
Green Ambassadors play a crucial role in shaping the company's sustainability future by leading projects and initiatives that promote sustainable practices.
Collaborative environment:
Ambassadors work together with ESG contributors to develop and monitor sustainability initiatives, fostering a community of like-minded colleagues.
Personal growth:
Participants gain valuable experience in sustainability practices, project management, and leadership, enhancing their professional and personal development.
Community engagement:
Lead community-based sustainability projects such as local clean-up drives, tree planting events or a step challenge within the company.
CUSTOMS SUPPORT GROUP
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
4.1.1. ACCOUNTABILITY TO CSR INVESTMENTS
8%
So far, we do not have a formalised group approach to Philanthropy and/or Community Investment instead local initiatives have been taken to provide community support OVERVIEW:
At the group level, one of our executives within the board is responsible and accountable for CSR.
For 2024, we are looking to partner with a
ROBUST GOVERNANCE
4.2.1. POLICY
7 Board of Directors members
OVERVIEW:
Our group Compliance organisation monitors compliance with policies and procedures. An Internal audit programme has been rolled out in 2023.
There is a groupwide whistleblowing programme in place as part of the group compliance programme
Additionally, a company sustainability policy has been implemented
A corporate governance policy for the group is still in the process of being rolled out and implemented within all companies. ACTION:
SUPPLY CHAIN
4.3.1. PROCEDURE
As CSG is a service company, our focus with respect to supply chain resilience is to have procedures in place to respond and pre-empt operational disruption which can primarily occur in case of failing IT systems In such cases, emergency procedures are followed as per the drafted procedures.
CUSTOMS SUPPORT GROUP
LOOKING AHEAD
2023 has been a transformative year for CSG in terms of growth and sustainability. Our company expansion has led to a rise in reported numbers, but it has also laid the groundwork for our new sustainability efforts by enhancing our ESG reporting and setting the stage for new initiatives.
2024 has already begun with an increased commitment to sustainability within our company
We have finalised the CSG sustainability policy.
We raised employee awareness with dedicated sustainability newsletters.
We updated our ESG target plan to align with the UN SDGs
Our Green Ambassador programme brings more hands on deck to drive our sustainability initiatives
ogresses, we will continue our compliance, further improving rting With the support of our sadors, we aim to implement bility ideas and initiatives and it organisation to partner with.
ard to achieving our next goals. Together, we will build a ble future, ensuring that our ts both people and the planet.
CSRD COMPLIANCE
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and in preparation for the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), Customs Support Group has started enhancing our ESG reporting.
By FY2025, we will report in line with the CSRD directive and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), ensuring that our sustainability information is disclosed accurately and transparently
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND MATERIAL TOPICS
We have conducted stakeholder engagement to gain insight into the material topics that are most important to our business and our stakeholders. This engagement has provided us with valuable feedback, improving our understanding of the key ESG topics that we need to address
These insights will also help us further shape our sustainability strategy and reporting, ensuring we focus on areas that have the most significant impact
To support these efforts, we have established an internal CSRD task force comprising representatives from compliance, finance and sustainability teams. This task force is dedicated to identifying and closing data gaps and developing governance structures.
ADVANCING OUR CSRD EFFORTS IN 2024
As we move forward into 2024, our focus will be on finalising the double materiality assessment This assessment will help us prioritise the sustainability efforts that are most relevant to our business and stakeholders, considering both their impact on the company and the company’s impact on the environment and society.
We will assess our main impacts, risks and opportunities according to the CSRD guidelines. These will help us improve our operations and our relationships with customers, business partners and other stakeholders
Eventually, we will take the steps towards applying the ESRS standards as part of our reporting process. We recognize that there are gaps to be filled and we are committed to improving these.
Published By: Customs Support Group
Author: Nicolas Collart, International Customs, Compliance and Sustainability Director. THANK YOU!
Publish Date: 10.04.2023
ESG2023-7322-Final