Iris Sustainability Report 2024: Change is only valuable if it is sustainable, and sustainability is only valuable if it brings about real change.
For Iris, the year 2024 was more than just a chapter full of change—it was a turning point. A moment when transformation and sustainability came together and the foundations were laid for a future-oriented, efficient, and positive organization.
As CEO Patrick Janssens van der Maelen puts it on page 5 of the report: “Change is only valuable if it is sustainable, and sustainability is only truly sustainable if it brings about real change.”
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Two powerful companies, one clear vision
2024 marked the final rollout of the new structure of Iris Group:
- Iris Industry Solutions, market leader in industrial coatings and surface treatment in the Benelux and France.
- Iris Facility Solutions, specialist in facility and technical services for businesses, offices, healthcare institutions, and industry.
That division (pp. 9–10) does not create distance, but rather focus, autonomy, and expertise. Both entities can respond more quickly, collaborate more closely with customers, and further establish themselves as reliable partners.
The new strategic path is shaped by:
- ELITE for Industry (Expertise, Leadership, Improvement, Transparency, Excellence)
- GREAT for Facility (Great company, Reliable partner, Expert in facility, Always efficient, Top quality)
Both programs provide direction, structure, and culture to the organization (pp. 18–20).
People First: employees as the driving force behind Betterness
What makes Iris unique is evident throughout the report: people come first. Not as a slogan, but as daily practice.
Diverse and inclusive workforce
With 3,592 employees from 51 nationalities (p. 8 & 30) Iris is one of the most diverse facility employers in Belgium. Diversity is an asset, not a challenge — and this is reflected in the open culture and high retention rate of 69,6%.
A positive work experience, from onboarding to exitfile
The “Collaborator Lifecycle” (p. 31) shows how Iris invests in every phase of a career: training, leadership, talent development, and well-being. Language courses are provided for employees who speak other languages, team leaders receive targeted coaching, and the digital divide is addressed through tools such as the Iris Sitebook (p. 34).
Concrete measures that make a difference
A striking example is the new collective labor agreement on night work, with workers already starting from 45 years can voluntarily stop working night shifts (p. 37) — five years earlier than required by law. That is genuine care for people and well-being.
Quality and transparency for the customer
The essence of Iris's services remains the same: providing customers with complete peace of mind. But in 2024, this was greatly reinforced.
Digitization as a lever for trust
With the mandatory CIAO legislation on clocking in and out (p. 36), the cleaning sector became more transparent than ever. Iris had been ahead of the curve for years thanks to WeWork, a fully integrated HR system that records data in real time and makes fraud impossible.
Innovative services
- Industry implemented a new ERP system, fully tailored to complex construction projects (p. 17).
- Facility focused strongly on customer-oriented expansion of HVAC and handyman services (pp. 20–21).
- Both business units improved reporting, quality control, and efficiency through new digital tools.
Social and environmental impact
Sustainability is no longer an appendix — it is a recurring theme throughout the report.
1. Climate & Energy
Iris Industry has already achieved since 2017, the highest level (5) on the CO₂ performance ladder (p. 25). This means that both our own CO₂ emissions and those throughout the entire value chain are being addressed.
In addition, efforts will be made to:
- electric and hybrid vehicles
- purchase of green electricity
- optimization of energy efficiency
2. Sustainable products and practices
Facility reduces water consumption, works with biodegradable products, microfiber systems, and A+++ machines (p. 33).
3. Waste, circular economy, and biodiversity
Iris is committed to strict waste separation, ecological weed control, and circular solutions (pp. 23 & 107).
4. Engagement in the sector
Since 2016, Iris has endorsed the UN Global Compact (p. 26), and from 2024 onwards, both Industry and Facility will be evaluated separately by Ecovadis. Facility achieved another bronze medal (p. 27).
Sustainable governance
A strong organization requires strong foundations. Iris invests in:
- A clear governance and risk management structure
- Strict internal and external audits
- Transparent reporting according to GRI standards
- Early preparation for the new CSRD obligations which will only take effect in 2027 (p. 28).
Conclusion: Betterness as a compass
The 2024 sustainability report shows an organization that not only moves with the future, but actively shapes it:
- by investing in people
- by strengthening customer partnerships
- by taking ecological responsibility
- and by focusing on governance, transparency, and innovation
“Bringing Betterness to people's premises”So, "is much more than a vision. It is a daily choice to do better — for people, customers, society, and the planet.
