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A greener future for Ziegler

In 2020, to help develop its new eco-friendly headquarters, Ziegler turned to BNP Paribas Fortis. It’s a decision that Diane Govaerts, the transport company’s CEO, is delighted with, and she intends to continue this fruitful collaboration.

Although Ziegler was founded in 1908 and attaches great importance to its family roots, the company is nonetheless a driver of change. "Every company should make sustainability one of its key priorities," says Diane Govaerts. "Our sector doesn’t have a reputation for being the most environmentally friendly, and that’s an image we need to change."

BNP Paribas Fortis, partnering your sustainable transition

After 111 years at its previous premises, Ziegler moved into a modern and sustainable building in 2020, housing both its headquarters and operational activities. To achieve this, the company was able to rely on the expertise of BNP Paribas Fortis, which was involved in the project from the outset. "We particularly appreciated how responsive the bank was, and always available to talk," says Diane Govaerts. "They immediately identified our needs, and we were able to move forward quickly with our project."

Limiting environmental impact

The result is in line with the company's ambitions. "The sustainable aspects of the new building have been thought out down to the smallest detail," explains Diane Govaerts. They include solar panels, rainwater tanks, heat pumps and technologies to reduce electricity consumption. The new headquarters is Ziegler's sustainability showcase and perfectly embodies the company's strategy in this area.

Going even greener 

Ziegler is increasing its efforts to become carbon-neutral as part of its "Ziegler. Now even greener" programme. This includes a large-scale project to install panels on its warehouse roofs. Ziegler’s headquarters have been certified "CO₂-neutral" and serve as a model that the company is systematically implementing in every new building. The latest one is located in the port of Zeebrugge.

The company’s entire sustainability strategy has won two awards from Forward Belgium, the Belgian federation of freight forwarders, customs agents and logistics service providers. These awards recognise the company's practical efforts in favour of green logistics, aiming to be a virtuous company and a model of good environmental practice in its sector.

"At every stage of our green journey, we’re helped by BNP Paribas Fortis and we benefit from its network of experts, which boost our energy transition," confirms Diane Govaerts. "We’re delighted with the solid partnership we have with our bank; it is reassuring to know that we can count on them to support us."