For Hitec, corporate social responsibility is not something that can be launched overnight. This Luxembourg-based company, founded in 1986, develops high-tech solutions in the aerospace, emergency communications, industrial measurement equipment and traffic management sectors. For several years now, it has been integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into its development. When it takes part in the Banque de Luxembourg’s (BDL) CSR workshops, the aim is less to learn about the subject than to identify new avenues for improvement and to compare its practices with those of other companies.
“We wanted to see where we stood, what the best practices were, what we were already doing and what we need to do going forward,” summarises the CEO 
Thinking about the business in the long term
Consideration of sustainability gained momentum during the handover of the company. Following the transfer of shareholding and then of management in 2023, the management team is using this new phase to reflect on the kind of company it wishes to build and pass on to future generations.
This reflection is not limited to environmental issues. It also covers governance, internal operations, staff and the way in which the company intends to develop over the long term.
This development also meets market expectations. With an international presence, Hitec works in particular with Airbus, Thales and several tyre industry suppliers, who are requiring their suppliers to meet an increasing number of ESG requirements. For the company’s director, anticipating these developments is also a way of maintaining access to international markets and tenders.
Structuring an existing approach
The BDL workshops offer a fresh perspective thanks to the B Corp framework. Hitec then carried out a comprehensive assessment of its practices with an external consultant. The company ultimately decided not to apply for certification, but retained the assessment and used it as a dashboard to track its progress.
“There are lots of things we were already doing that weren’t necessarily part of a formal approach,” explains Philippe Osch. In particular, this exercise helps to better identify and organise initiatives that are already in place, such as hosting work experience students, projects carried out with Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg and the Association of engineers, and outreach activities in schools.
Electric charging points are important, but they’re something you need to have anyway.
Eco-design: the next step
The workshops have also provided Hitec with the impetus it needs to carry out its first carbon footprint assessment. This shows that the company’s main environmental impact does not stem from its offices, but from the use of its equipment at customers’ premises, sometimes for ten, 15 or 20 years.
“Electric charging points are important, but they’re something you need to have anyway,” observes Philippe Osch. In his view, the most visible actions are not always the ones with the greatest impact. The carbon footprint assessment has also led Hitec to consider how to incorporate eco-design principles into its products. “According to the carbon footprint assessment, this is really the biggest lever we have,” explains the CEO.
An integrated approach in everyday life
At Hitec, ESG issues are now integrated into governance processes. Every management meeting includes an item on the agenda dedicated to these issues, and quarterly meetings are held to bring together all staff to present progress and gather their suggestions. The company has also strengthened its governance by appointing an independent director, introducing quarterly strategic reviews and implementing a business continuity plan designed to prepare the company for major crisis scenarios.
Focus on a gradual approach rather than a ‘Big Bang’ – otherwise, sustainability won’t last. Start with some quick wins.
As well as its day-to-day operations, Hitec also puts its expertise to use in humanitarian projects through emergency.lu. The company supplies emergency communication systems for areas affected by natural disasters and enables staff who wish to volunteer to join the Humanitarian Intervention Team (HIT) to help deploy this equipment in the field. For Philippe Osch, this commitment illustrates the company’s desire to put its skills to work for the benefit of society.
For SMEs that are still hesitant to take the plunge, Philippe Osch advocates a pragmatic approach. “Focus on continuity rather than a ‘Big Bang’ approach, otherwise sustainability won’t last,” he advises. “Start with quick wins and seek support. The workshops have enabled us to broaden our perspective and take things further.”
