SDG #9 : Industry, innovation and infrastructure

WAAK industrialisatie

According to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), industrialisation is one of the driving forces behind social development. It should, however, be realised in an ‘inclusive and sustainable’ way. ‘Inclusive’ means that everyone should be involved or have the right to be part of the process. Furthermore, it must be achieved in a sustainable way. 

Sustainability: three interpretations

There are three aspects to the concept of ‘sustainability’ as defined within the context of SDGs. The first pertains to social welfare and economic development: industrialisation should benefit society. Secondly, the industrialisation process must not result in harm to the environment. Thirdly, technology and production processes must be sustainable and environmentally friendly.  WAAK SDG Champion

Sustainability, the foundation of our story

Our story encompasses all three aspects of sustainability. Good examples being the automotive and energy industries, in which electrification has become vitally important. We consider these industries to be very future-oriented. 

High potential markets

It is estimated that by 2030 there will be 1 million electric cars in Belgium. These cars will of course need charging points and currently there are not enough of them: according to the Belgian newspaper ‘Het Nieuwsblad’, there are only 8.8 public charging points per 100 kilometres (by comparison, the Netherlands have eight times as many!).

WAAK EV charging stationWe have seen a similar evolution in the energy sector. Since ‘traditional’ energy sources have become incredibly expensive, people are looking for green, sustainable alternatives. Currently, heat pumps are the most efficient and sustainable energy generators. Heat pumps extract heat from air, soil or water, and do not emit CO2. Consequently, they do not cause great harm to the environment. Due to the rapid increase in demand for these products, many HVAC companies are now changing tack and quickly developing their own devices. It thus seems quite clear that these markets are set to boom. Thanks to our expertise in cable assembly and metalworking, these markets offer us many opportunities.

WAAK, a sustainable company in many ways

Our company’s activities cover all three aspects of sustainability: firstly, we create future-proofed jobs that ensure job security (and thus inclusivity) to individuals who have difficulties in accessing the labour market. Secondly, we help generate products that benefit the environment. And finally, we also take a critical look at ourselves and at the way we produce these products. It is our goal to make our business and production processes completely carbon neutral.



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