Now that your company has taken steps towards greater sustainability, you are wondering whether it should become recognised. Labels, certifications, accreditations... there are many types of recognition. What are they for? Why get your company certified? What sustainability-related certifications exist in Brussels? We answer all these questions here.

What is a label?

A label is a type of identification that acts as a guarantee for certain aspects of your company, product or service. Labels can be regional, national or international. They are based on special specifications and involve an independent certification body, which may be public or private.

Why label your company's sustainability?

1. To be recognised as exemplary and receive increased subsidies from the Brussels Region.

The principles of the Brussels Region's economic transition strategy (Shifting Economy) stipulate that, in the long term (2030), only companies recognised as exemplary will be eligible for the economic instruments set up by the Region (see Area 2 Financing - FINA 5).

This policy will be implemented gradually, taking into account the authorities' employment objectives. From spring 2024, companies recognised as exemplary will be able to claim increased economic aid. A company certified by an accredited label will de facto be considered exemplary.

2. To be recognised by all its stakeholders

Beyond regional recognition, a label is also a guarantee of credibility and trust for all your stakeholders: customers, suppliers, employees, investors, partners, etc. For your customers, for example, labels can provide guarantees of quality or origin. Another example is that to your employees, they can be proof of commitment and create a stronger sense of belonging.

3. To have a competitive edge

In the commercial jungle, having a label can allow you to stand out from your competitors and reach new market shares. You can use a label as part of your communication and marketing strategy.

Having a label can also justify charging a higher price for your products/services as a result of their sustainable quality. You can promote the label to your customers, who are increasingly demanding in terms of quality and transparency.

4. To evaluate and reinforce your actions

Having a label means that you will be asked to take regular stock of your company's actions. By evaluating your actions, you will be able to question, adapt and reinforce them. This ongoing process will allow your company to become increasingly innovative and resilient, which is a strength in this ever-changing world.

Which labels are right for my company?

According to the Ecolabel Index website, there are now over 450 environmental labels worldwide. There are over 100 in the European Union alone. This plethora of labels is often based on individual evaluation grids for each one, making them difficult to compare. So how do you choose the right labels and recognition for your company?

In the Brussels-Capital Region, we invite you to focus first and foremost on the accredited labels for exemplarity, as these labels will enable your company to be recognised as exemplary and thus receive increased financial aid from the Region. 
This list of labels is intended to evolve constantly, as the Region offers labels the possibility of applying for accreditation based on official environmental and social criteria. Labels that meet these criteria will be recognised as exemplary. Please consult the list regularly.

The Region has also set up a guide to help you find out quickly whether your company meets the conditions for being recognised as "exemplary". If you already meet the criteria, the tool will suggest a list of schemes, labels and certifications that could be relevant to you. If not, you will discover all the possibilities for being recognised as an "exemplary" company. 

If you would like support on the road to recognition, you can also call on the various organisations that offer support. To find out about the support options available to you, see our section on the subject.