Meet Delia, our ESG Coordinator

Befimmo has always been an early adopter of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. We’ve nurtured them since 2008, but recent years have marked a significant shift. ESG is no longer an isolated initiative. It has become a fundamental pillar of decision-making across the company. Delia, ESG Coordinator at Befimmo, is at the helm of that mission. Let’s hear her take on how sustainability shapes the company’s future and redefines the real estate sector.

Question: ESG has gained significant traction in recent years. How has this shift impacted Befimmo?

Delia: More than ever, ESG has evolved from a compliance-driven topic to something deeply embedded in our corporate strategy. With Rudi op 't Roodt, our Chief Technical and Sustainability Officer, now part of the leadership team, sustainability is integrated into every major decision. We no longer need to remind people to consider ESG. It has become part of our DNA.

Q: Have you seen a shift in tenant expectations regarding sustainability?

D: Absolutely. Companies today are not merely looking for a prestigious and comfortable work environment; sustainability has become one of the key selection criteria. Several of our important tenants have required extensive sustainability disclosures before signing a lease in the past year. They wanted to know our energy efficiency performance, CO2 reduction goals, and long-term ESG strategy.

It’s a major shift. When tenants evaluate office spaces, sustainability becomes as important as location and comfort. ESG compliance has become a competitive advantage in the real estate market. "ESG compliance is no longer a checkbox - it’s a fundamental factor in leasing, investment, and long-term real estate strategies."

Embedding ESG at every level

Beyond tenant demand, regulatory changes such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and EU Taxonomy are driving greater accountability. Befimmo integrates ESG into investment strategies, reporting standards, and operational decisions early. However, implementing ESG at scale comes with challenges.

Q: What are the biggest challenges in reaching sustainability goals?

D: Two potential key factors: financial feasibility and scalability. Sustainability investments require significant upfront capital for solar panels, energy-efficient heating systems, or circular economy construction practices. While the long-term return is clear, companies must carefully balance costs with impact. Additionally, ensuring all 36 sites meet ambitious EU 2030 and 2050 carbon reduction targets requires extensive planning and coordination. It’s a massive transformation we are fully committed to achieving.

What’s Next?

With strong leadership, regulatory foresight, and tenant-driven demand, ESG has the power to move industries forward in the future. Or as Delia puts it: “ESG can no longer be ignored by companies and has even become a competitive advantage. It’s an opportunity to innovate, lead, and create spaces that stand the test of time.”

Befimmo is well on its way to making that vision a reality.