Interview with Yuki: Sustainability, vision of the future and corporate responsibility at PKF BOFIDI

As the first accounting firm in Belgium to take home the prestigious Sustainability Award from Yuki ? That honor was bestowed upon us, PKF BOFIDI, during the last Yuki Partner Gala. This trophy and victory not only emphasizes our strong focus on sustainability, both internally at the office and externally to clients, but also shows that sustainability is becoming increasingly important. In the business world and in the accountancy sector. For that reason, Yuki entered into a conversation with Cristof Van Laer, partner at PKF Bofidi, and Claudia Lambert, HR Business Partner, to shed light on the concept of ‘sustainability’ from A to Z.

What does sustainability mean for PKF BOFIDI?

“First of all: it is no longer a tree-hugger thing. PKF BOFIDI really sees sustainability, in the broadest sense of the word, as a core element of its organization,” Cristof begins. “That goes beyond the environment. For us, sustainability consists of three components, which are summarized in English under the heading ‘ESG’. ‘Environmental’, ‘Social’ & ‘Governance’, in other words: good management of our office, an excellent relationship with our people and a nice contribution to the environment.” Claudia emphasizes this: “When these aspects are neatly balanced with each other, you work holistically on ‘sustainability’ as an organization.”

The Sustainability Award: a conscious choice?

“Definitely. When we heard that there was a Yuki Award in the field of sustainability, we at PKF BOFIDI pulled out all the stops to win it,” says Cristof. “We believe that our entrepreneurs are the engine of the economy and prosperity. They create a lot. A lot! In order to guide and unburden them from A to Z, we want to be a ‘One Stop Shop’ with PKF BOFIDI. And that certainly includes advice on sustainability and ESG .

“We want to be an example by inspiring our employees and entrepreneurs to get started with sustainability.”

Claudia Lambert, HR Business Partner at PKF BOFIDI

What is the added value for the entrepreneur?

“We notice that more and more entrepreneurs have heard something about ESG, but they don’t really know what to do with it,” says Cristof. “That’s why we started a consultancy section within PKF Bofidi. We engage in conversation and inspire companies to take action, both for the world and for the performance of their own company.” Claudia agrees with Cristof: “Sustainable working often also means working smarter. More digitally, for example. By engaging in conversation and addressing the added value of sustainability, we make ESG tangible and we can focus on what can be improved or optimized.”

How does PKF BOFIDI embody sustainability?

Claudia takes the lead: “There are already a lot of things we do with PKF BOFIDI in terms of sustainability. For example, we already organised a 100% climate-neutral event, in which sustainability was fully integrated : we went by train, ate vegetarian, did all activities on foot…” However, sustainability involves more than the ‘environment’ component. “We see sustainability much more broadly”, nods Claudia. “For us, it is about forging sustainable relationships with partners and building a sustainable bond with the company. For example, we regularly organise pitch afternoons for our employees, where every idea can be presented to the director. In this way, every voice is heard within PKF BOFIDI.”

“We are 100% committed to sustainability and do everything we can to get our entrepreneurs involved in this story.”

Cristof Van Laer, partner at PKF BOFIDI

Do you work with Yuki’s Sustainability Monitor?

“For us, that is truly a gift,” Cristof responds enthusiastically. “After all, it opens the door wide for a conversation about sustainability. Many entrepreneurs use the Sustainability Monitor . When they have questions about it, we come to them.” In this way, PKF Bofidi is increasingly positioning itself as a financial institution and sustainable partner. “We also want to show entrepreneurs that sustainability offers numerous chances and opportunities . You can use it to distinguish yourself from the competition and really make a difference.”

What does the future hold in terms of sustainability?

“As we speak, there are still many projects ongoing. We are also firmly committed to the motto ‘doing good, doing well’: PKF Bofidi is doing very well and we would like to share that with our environment”, says Claudia enthusiastically. “Sharing information, being transparent, doing collection campaigns, organizing activities: you name it!” Cristof jumps in: “We are working hard to be one of the first to be certified as a B Corporation. In this way, we not only want to take on a clear exemplary role, but also ensure that others really get started with sustainability!”

Want to know more about the opportunities sustainability has to offer?
Feel free to contact us.