ACA Group is thrilled to announce the launch of Sustainathon 2025, an initiative that empowers collaboration between students and companies across Belgium to foster sustainable growth. We are happy to see that our initiative, Sustainathon 2025 , has caught the attention of ZigZagHR! Following the success of the 2024 edition, where we collaborated with top companies like Duvel Moortgat and Medi-Market, we are expanding this year into a national platform. Students and companies from all over Belgium are once again joining forces to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. At ACA Group, we believe that collaboration and innovation are the keys to sustainable growth. The Sustainathon offers companies a unique opportunity to discover maximum value with minimal investment. During a research period of approximately 12 weeks, companies can thoroughly explore their sustainability opportunities. This process provides access to new insights, expertise, and experience without the need for immediate large-scale investments, allowing companies to take informed steps to enhance their sustainable growth. New in 2025 is Sustainathon Discovery, where we assist organizations in concretizing their ideas through design thinking and prototyping. It’s a fantastic opportunity for companies to elevate their sustainability goals in collaboration with students! Are you curious for more details? Read the full article on ZigZagHR . Do you also want to engage in a sustainable collaboration? Read about all the opportunities here!

After three successful years in which we consistently passed the final evaluation of the VCDO Pioneer program, ACA Group is now taking the next step and enthusiastically diving into the next level: the SDG Champion program. This initiative, supported by the Voka Charter for Sustainable Entrepreneurship (VCDO) and in collaboration with CIFAL Flanders, the official partner of the United Nations Training Institute (UNITAR), underscores our commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. During our final SDG Pioneer year, we undertook projects that enhanced both the sustainability of the IT sector and our internal sustainability initiatives. A key initiative was our Sustainathon, a collaborative project with various educational institutions such as Odisee, HoGent, and HoWest. In this context, we worked with students and companies like Duvel and Medimarket to develop sustainable IT solutions. For Duvel, students focused on improving their CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) reporting, while for Medimarket, they developed an AI-based transport solution. These projects not only delivered tangible results but also raised awareness of sustainability within these organizations and provided students with valuable practical experience. Dorien Jorissen, Sustainability Manager at ACA Group In addition, at ACA Group, we have focused on the broader impact of IT on sustainability. Dorien Jorissen, ACA Group Sustainability Manager, emphasizes: "In recent years, we have thoroughly examined the ambivalent role of IT in sustainability. We see how technology, such as cloud computing, AI, and data, can contribute to a more sustainable world but also pose risks if left unchecked. One example is our focus on optimizing cloud solutions and AI processes to enhance sustainability efficiency and reduce our ecological footprint. With the SDG Champion program, we are not just taking the next step; we are looking forward to a complete transformation of our business, where sustainability is at the core of all our decisions." Our efforts also extend to knowledge sharing and leadership within the sector. By organizing sustainability think tanks and launching a Sustainability Content Hub, we have created a platform for in-depth discussions and innovation in sustainable IT practices. These initiatives reinforce our position as a thought leader and contribute to the global debate on the role of IT in sustainability. Ronny Ruyters, CEO at ACA Group Ronny Ruyters, CEO of ACA Group, adds: "At ACA Group, we believe that real change comes from taking responsibility. The SDG Champion program is a crucial part of our commitment to making a positive impact, both within our sector and beyond. This program gives us the opportunity to further deepen our sustainability efforts and set new standards for a future-proof IT sector. Together, we take on this challenge, with our values as our compass and innovation as our engine." With our step into the SDG Champion program, guided by Voka and CIFAL Flanders, we remain committed to achieving the UN goals. We are determined to increase our impact and fulfill our role as a responsible innovator. ACA Group remains driven by a vision that unites innovation and sustainability, with the goal of creating a better future for our customers and the broader society. Our journey is far from over—let’s go!

Antwerp, 7 June 2023 - Business and IT leaders gathered to delve into the transformative potential of Low-Code technology during our event “Sustainable Strategy with Low-Code”. In collaboration with our partner OutSystems , the event aimed to showcase the power of low-code as a sustainable accelerator for organisations undergoing digital transformation. Why Low-Code? Low-code platforms have increasingly gained traction and visibility in the market as a powerful catalyst for companies seeking to accelerate their digital journeys . Beyond delivering faster and leaner results, cloud-native low-code platforms, such as OutSystems, enable organisations to adopt a more sustainable approach in their project delivery. By leveraging automation, security, maintainability, quality and scalability, businesses can build applications that meet specific needs while reducing their carbon footprint. Sustainable Strategies with Low-Code The event offered an exclusive opportunity for the attendees to engage with fellow business and IT leaders, fostering knowledge exchange, inspiration and experience sharing. The agenda comprised inspirational sessions led by experts, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for attendees to implement within their own organisations. The event kicked off with a short welcome and introduction about OutSystems by team member Laurence Luykx , who set the tone for a memorable day. Jan Vermeulen delivered a thought-provoking talk on emerging IT trends, exploring sustainability, AI, hyper-automation and composable apps/architecture. Attendees also witnessed the speed and flexibility of Low-Code in action during a live demo by Marleen Kock , showcasing the development of a Cloud-Native solution. Gregory Van Dorpe guided participants through the sustainable growth and efficiency opportunities unlocked by utilising OutSystems as a transformative accelerator for organisations. Stef Vermeulen shared some use cases where we implemented the OutSystems Low-Code solution as a sustainable solution for our clients. We welcomed the attendees at De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery , a beautiful location that provided a stimulating atmosphere for both the sessions and the interactive brewery visit after. Attendees had the chance to network, connect with peers and exchange ideas while enjoying a vibrant and engaging environment. Low-Code technology has become crucial in today's fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, enabling organisations to embrace agility, innovation and faster time-to-market. With OutSystems at the forefront, businesses can embrace digital transformation more efficiently, foster collaboration between IT and business teams, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. We are proud to have organised a successful event, marking a milestone in our commitment to sustainable business acceleration through Low-Code technology! The event showcased how OutSystems, as a leading Low-Code platform, aligns with the 2023 technological trends, providing a valuable asset for organisations in overcoming their business challenges. 🚀

ACA Group grew in recent years not only by doing more jobs for its clients, but also through acquisitions. The Aquisition of Flow Pilots last year was an important milestone! CEO Ronny Ruyters: "In an acquisition, we are guided by sustainability." "We are on the starting line with our customers" ACA Group grew 17% in 2021. The Hasselt-based software company grew in recent years not only by carrying out assignments for its customers, but also through acquisitions. CEO Ronny Ruyters: "When making an acquisition, we are guided by sustainability. Due to the tight labor market, ACA Group supplements organizational growth with an active acquisition policy at home and abroad. Before ACA Group acquires a company, we always do a sustainability screening. Important criteria are corporate culture, diversity, equality and people-oriented action. Quality is also important. We attach great importance to customer retention, which is also a form of sustainability. ACA Group brings ideas to life and realizes and maintains digtial solutions." Sustainability Network ACA Group built a lot of sustainability projects over the past 20 years. Among others, it develops more BEPI platform of Amfori, the SmartSymbiose and Asbesattest for OVAM, solution in the Internet of Things and mobile healthcare for IDEWE and it is the structural IT partner of VALIPAC. Sustainability Manager Dorien Jorissen: "The digital transition is an essential part of the innovation process in which our society must go through in the name of sustainability. Commitment and authenticity are essential in an internal sustainability policy. It starts with the people in your organization. Sustainable leadership is a journey you take together. ACA Group has a strong corporate culture. Being good to the planet and the employees is a high priority for us."

Driven by new social trends and (international) regulations, many companies are shifting up a gear when it comes to sustainable innovation. Through the so-called 'Twin Transition', digital and sustainable transition can reinforce each other. How does Dorien Jorissen, sustainability manager at ACA Group, view this evolution? Which aspects does ACA focus on? Twin Transition More and more entrepreneurs are becoming familiar with the concept of 'twin transition'. According to Ilse Briers , sustainable business advisor at Voka - Kvk Limburg, this is no coincidence. "New regulations, such as the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, require more and more organisations to report on the environmental, social and governance-related impact of their business activities. The twin transition refers on the one hand to how digital technologies are greening our economy and society, and on the other to the objective that this digital transition should itself be sustainable. A company that succeeds in this twin objective scores highly in terms of profitability, competitive advantage and employer brand." Catching up For the ACA Group, digital transformation and sustainability have long since ceased to be buzzwords. We guide companies and organisations in outlining and implementing a solid digital strategy. "During the corona crisis, many entrepreneurs discovered the potential of digital transformation," indicates Dorien Jorissen . "At the same time, they also increasingly see digital innovation as a lever towards sustainability. Where a company used to merely sell products or services, today we see a clear catch-up movement towards offering 'as a service'. This requires a change in the business model, with also a long-term vision in terms of, for instance, energy-efficient business and circularity." Digital sharing In that context, Ilse refers to the growing success of digital collaboration platforms, both among private individuals and businesses: "We notice that people themselves create other, more sustainable usage models via digital sharing. In a private context it's about exchanging tools or consumer goods, while in a business environment it's manufacturers exchanging residual materials, for example. This creates an interesting dynamic of green business, something that Voka is, by the way, fully facilitating with the 'From Waste 2 Profit' project." "Flemish companies are too concerned with survival and not enough with innovation." Long-term vision ACA's clients - from healthcare institutions to financial players - eagerly use the IT consultant's expertise to help shape the path to twin transition. Dorien explains: "We guide our clients in digital transformation processes and new business models, from strategy to implementation. In doing so, we offer a wide range of products and services, from data solutions to cloud hosting and from customised software to expert training. We encourage every customer to actively think about a digital and sustainable long-term vision, at the expense of the delusion of the day and putting out ad hoc fires. Flemish companies are too much concerned with survival and too little with innovation that makes them agile and future-proof." The importance of data In plotting a successful twin transition, it is crucial to harness the full potential of internal and external (big) data. "Data is the basis for redefining and improving a business model," says Dorien. "Thanks to robust data quality management, complemented by data governance and real-time insights, among other things, you ensure that your organisation has a powerful data platform that can serve as a compass for developing sustainable digital innovations. And in this way, you pull out all the stops in terms of ROI, corporate reputation and employer brand." Read the article on Voka

This summer, ACA Group launched a Feel-Good-Program. Our CEO, Ronny Ruyters, can already conclude that the combination of workshops, sport activities, gamification and rewards benefit the physical and mental health of employees in and outside the workplace. We have already achieved a series of positive results thanks to the Health Program. Today, almost 70% of employees replace a sitting meeting with a standing-desk moment and 56% structurally integrate a morning or afternoon walk to consult with colleagues. Gamification element Gamification is the addition of game elements and techniques to stimulate desired behavior. With every choice in the function of their health, employees collect points online. With this, they can reward themselves with yoga or pilates sessions, personal coaching, a lactate test to measure their physical condition or a MAS test to evaluate their mental health and thus further improve their health. They can also choose to use their points to support a good cause. The game element is crucial because participation is voluntary. Six focus points The Feels Good Program includes a whole series of structural activities to engage staff to work on their physical and mental well-being. The program was compiled based on the team's previous health analysis. The six focus points are: movement in the office less sitting digital detox a positive mental attitude awareness of the importance of healthy food ergonomics

2 November 2022 - ACA's sustainability lead Dorien Jorissen, joined the belgian delegation last week, together with VOKA, Energyville, VITO and POM Limburg to Denmark for an inspiration mission in sustainable energy transition. Denmark at the forefront of eco-innovation Denmark has ranked high in the list of sustainable countries for decades and is the best performing country in the CCPI this year. The country has shifted from a heavy reliance on coal to a remarkably high share of wind and biomass energy in two decades. More than 30% of primary energy currently comes from renewable sources. Denmark has also started building artificial energy islands for storing offshore wind energy. They call it one of the largest energy projects of our time and want to keep developing it in an export product as well. Sustainability mission: energy transition Last week, a Belgian delegation left on a three-day inspiration mission to Denmark. The purpose of this mission was to find inspiration among like-minded entrepreneurs, facilitate knowledge exchange, establish new contacts and above all learn from and with each other about the energy transition. These included visits to the Danish Technical University, the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), State of Green. Sustainability expert Dorien Jorissen from the ACA Group, accompanied the delegation from VOKA, Energyville, VITO and POM Limburg. Sustainability across political boundaries 'The purpose of our participation in this energy mission was twofold' says Dorien Jorissen, sustainability lead of the ACA Group. 'As an organization, we are always looking for new ways to improve ourselves and build new partnerships in the field of data sustainability , eco-innovation and green IT . On the other hand, we also want to be able to immerse ourselves as much as possible in our customers' living world. What challenges and opportunities will they face in the coming years and how can we use these insights to support them as a basis for further digitalization and innovation.' Dorien: 'In terms of knowledge in IT and innovation, Flanders certainly does not fall short of Denmark. However, it is very clear that we still have a long way to go in terms of political consensus, partnering and collaborative culture. In Denmark, people can think across political borders and elections, agreements are made to which both people and companies adhere. They bring a clear narrative with a purpose, within which initiatives are taken, partnerships are made and goals are effectively pursued. Sustainability at the core The ACA Group will continue to explore and drive sustainability inititiatives. Sustainability is at the core of the company purpose, culture and business. They believe and see that sustainable business behaviour and solutions not only lead to a better future, but major competitive advantages aswell. Their goal is to build a sustainable future by combining and balancing expert knowledge with the power of technology and innovation, in an authentic and value-driven way.

November 2022 , in recognition of sustainability achievements, ACA Group has been awarded a silver medal by EcoVadis in 2022. EcoVadis, The World’s Most Trusted Business Sustainability Ratings organization has honored ACA Group with a 2022 Silver Award Rating in Sustainability. Over 90,000 companies all over the world partner with EcoVadis to collaborate on sustainability. Using expert analysis, EcoVadis has used its actionable scorecards to provide benchmarks, insights, and a guided improvement journey on environmental, social and ethical practices. Backed by a powerful technology platform, EcoVadis’ evidence-based ratings are validated by a global team of experts, and are adapted to more than 200 industry categories, 160 countries, and companies of all sizes. We encourage all companies to join EcoVadis platform in improving their interests in identifying which of their trading partners are engaged in the fundamentals of sustainability, which have sustainability risks that need addressing, and which are top performers.

November 2022 - The ACA Group received the coveted Voka Charter Sustainable Business (VCDO) annual certificate for 2022 - 2023. A recognized UNITAR sustainability certificate that provides a framework for companies to translate sustainable ambitions into practice and aims to encourage companies to challenge themselves every year to go further! For this track, it is collaborating with CIFAL Flanders / UNITAR, an international training center dedicated to sustainable management that can award companies the internationally recognized UNITAR certificate. We believe that we as an organization, we as team and we as individuals must do our part towards a sustainable planet and future. Sustainable entrepreneurship is so much more than realizing a sustainable profit. We all have to play our part for a better now and a better tomorrow. Of course we are proud of the efforts we have made over the past year, but we realize equally that this is not 1 project, but a structural vision and business strategy.

ACA Group takes another step towards an environmentally responsible fleet with the purchase of 11 new electric vehicles. The company's fleet management took delivery of the new cars on Tuesday, March 15th. ACA Group is extremely committed to sustainable business. We want to integrate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN as much as possible throughout our entire organization. These form the most important sustainability framework worldwide for the next 9 years. In short: we try to take care of our society, our people and our environment as much as possible. Regarding that last theme, we were able to achieve another milestone. On Tuesday March 15th, 11 Polestar 2 electric vehicles were delivered to our Hasselt office. These cars will replace the current internal combustion engine (ICE) run-in cars. Our goal is to let our employees get acquainted with driving electric vehicles and further reduce the emissions of our fleet. Moreover, it's a milestone in helping the ACA Group in its goal to have a 98% electrically powered fleet by 2025. Every step in reducing our ecological footprint is valuable to us, so we're thrilled that as of today, almost half of our fleet consists of electric vehicles. If our orders are fulfilled according to schedule, that will rise to 2/3rds of our entire fleet later this year. — Kris Broekx, Fleet Manager at ACA Group

Last Friday, the ACA Group took its next step towards an emission-free fleet. 17 new BMW iX3s were delivered, bringing the total number of EVs within the company to 50. A new milestone for our team that has been transitioning to a fully electric fleet for some time. Sustainable mobility is a long-term task, on which we have been putting our stamp on for some time. Electric driving is for example certainly not a novelty for our team. Electric fleet in 2025 This strategy now appears to be paying off. An elaborate charging infrastructure and a fleet consisting of 50 different EVs (Tesla, KIA, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, VW, Ford). The last delivery was the icing on the cake and the result of a strong collaboration with Groep van Osch Arval. “We want to become a frontrunner in sustainable mobility. ACA has a target of zero-emissions 98% of its fleet by 2025 and we are committed to achieving this goal. ” says CEO Ronny Ruyters. “Today, more than 33% of our fleet is already 100% electric. As a result, we are already reducing a lot of CO2 emissions.” Sustainability pioneer Electric driving is both a strategic and sustainable choice. This year we joined VOKA's Sustainable Development Goals Charter. A process in which companies must obtain the VCDO certificate three years in a row through actions related to the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) of the United Nations. After a positive evaluation has been received the SDG Pioneer certificate. “Sustainability has been in our blood for some time,” says CDO Sustainability Lead Dorien Jorissen. “Not only green mobility has been a part of our company for years, but also sustainable construction, diversity and initiatives such as the warmest ACA weekend, during which the team collects €50 000 for 3 days long in various ways for charities that are close to the team's heart” , says Dorien Jorissen. “The transition to a sustainable organization feels natural to us. Our team members themselves are very committed to this theme and recognize the importance of change for themselves and for the organization. Something that you as a company can only be extremely proud of.”

More and more companies are investing in an electric fleet. The IT services company ACA Group bought its first e-car in 2012. “By 2025” our entire fleet will be electric, says CEO Ronny Ruyters. Not only green mobility has been an important part of our company for years," says Dorien Jorissen, responsible for sustainability at ACA Group. team close to heart. "Sustainable buildings, diversity and initiatives such as the ACA warmest weekend, during which the team collects 50,000 euros for charity, are important factors to the ACA team." Sustainability is not a hype. We must make different choices as individuals and as a company now : for our future and that of future generations. — Dorien Jorissen, Sustainability Expert at ACA Group