Green and sustainable
Successful businesses are not only concerned with economic issues, they are also involved in civic participation through investment in green and sustainable policy. With core values such as authenticity, independence, excellence and respect, PALM Belgian Craft Brewers was aware of this long before it became fashionable in the business world. This awareness is reflected in a policy resting on three pillars:
- investing in people
- investing in heritage
- investing in green and ecological processes
Socially engaged
Sustainable business means contributing to the community, starting with the immediate surroundings. At PALM Belgian Craft Brewers every employee gets the time and space they need to achieve their potential. Beyond the brewery walls too, PALM Belgian Craft Brewers remains true to these values. This is why we support the Ga voor Geluk (Go for Happiness) foundation, an organisation which aims to prevent depression and suicide, especially amongst young people. Cultural and historical heritage is also a cause close to PALM Breweries heart; sustainability means investing in the future of our heritage. To this end, PALM Breweries te idecided to invest in the reconstruction of Diepensteyn Castle in Steenhuffel, which is strongly interwoven with Brabant’s individuality and tradition. In addition, PALM Breweries is investing in the survival of the Brabant/Belgian draught horse, which is threatened with extinction. Establishment of the Diepensteyn stud farm has given this icon, and the symbol of PALM a new role in recreation and sport.
Fonds Ereburger Alfred Van Roy
In 2011 PALM Breweries the Fonds Ereburger Alfred Van Roy in memory and honour of Alfred Van Roy (°1913 - †2009). The fund aims to support youth (and youth work) in Londerzeel and to strengthen the social fabric by creating a development framework for young people. The brewery accords great importance to engaging with the local community and supporting associations. PALM Breweries does not wish to be solely a commercial business, but also a business with a heart, where values play a role alongside profit. The Fonds Ereburger Alfred Van Roy should therefore also be seen within the context of this corporate culture. The regulations of the fund stipulate that any youth or community work focussing on young people can be considered for an award from the fund. PALM provides €25,000 annually, to be divided between a maximum of four projects. Selection and allocation of subsidies is the responsibility of the Londerzeel municipal council.
Innovative waste recycling
From very early on, PALM Breweries was a pioneer in ecological awareness. In the seventies we innovated by developing an anaerobic wastewater treatment system. It produces gas from the brewery’s wastewater, which is used to heat the company buildings.
in the decades that followed, PALM Breweries has remained committed to the environment. this led to us receiving the 1999 waste prevention prize from the Province of Flemish Brabant.
Renewable energy
today, PALM Belgian Craft Brewers continues to further develop its sustainability policy through the use of green energy. Both PALM Belgian Craft Brewers in Steenhuffel and RODENBACH Brewery in Roeselare operate to a significant extent on solar energy. At both sites, 1,200 solar panels were installed recently, which will reduce co2 emissions by at least 410 tonnes per year.
Ecological footprint
PALM Belgian Craft Brewers has established its own hop fi eld which, in due course, will ensure self-suffi ciency in hop provision. the brewery places a lot of importance on reducing its ecological footprint, both in the supply chain and in the distribution chain.
The sustainable, green policy of PALM Belgian Craft Brewers was recognised in 2011 with the Award for Sustainable Business at the Trends Business Tour event.